Minhoto Restaurant — Restaurant in Elizabeth

We had not been here since 40 years ago. We were frequented this restaurant when the original owner, himself owned it. He was also the chef who, made a delicious Steak Minhoto. He eventually sold and this restaurant opened and closed with many owners. Driving by we decided to stop in. We noticed that the parking was expanded and surrounded the restaurant like the shape of a U. Meaning you go in one way and exit the other end. They did create a outside dining area within this urban environment. When entering through the bar you are welcomed by the hostess. The bar has large flat screen to watch soccer games around the world. The bar is cozy and is paralleled by several high tables and chairs. Since the bar was noisy between the game and piped in music. We decided to go into the formal dining room, where there were two large parties. The very same piped in music played in this room too. We requested a table away from these large tables. The restaurant was busy and that was a good indication. We had bread and butter on the table. The bread was inviting but, unfortunately it was not fresh. It was reheated and had a hint of smoke. Maybe placed on the grill and reheated. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria. Strong and little ice. It came strong but, more ice than we like. The apples and oranges were cut in cubes which we enjoyed. The restaurant does not have a paper menu so you will need your smartphone to scan the barcode to see it. The restaurant does state that food will take about 30 minutes or so since everything is cooked to order. A good sign, as we enjoyed our sangria. Maybe, we should have order an appetizer. Our two entrees did arrive. The special of the day was a Ribeye steak with one large shrimp. The steak was grilled and had that charcoal aroma. It was served with Spanish potatoes and rice. It looked good and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. The steak knife wasn't very sharp so it was hard to cut. We finally did make it but, the 20 oz or so Ribeye was tough. The shrimp was good. The potatoes were saturated with oil and not thin enough. The white rice had a hint of garlic and was the hit of that dish. At $46 it wasn't the best choice. We also had the grilled cod fish with peppers, onions and potatoes. The dish was appealing but, the cod was small in size compared to other Portuguese restaurants but, that okay. I was su6that the onions were raw and not grilled compared to typically to other restaurants. As for the few strips of green peppers. Hardly any. So much so that I requested more which, they supplied. Not knowing what to expect I ordered a side dish of broccoli rabe in oil and garlic. This dish was okay but, didn't hit the mark compared to other Portuguese restaurants. We finished with espresso and creme Brulee. The restaurant was cleaned, bright and inviting. The staff did have an issue with english but, we managed. The staff was attentive, courteous, friendly and...

SPENT ALMOST $1000 FOR A BDAY DINNER TO ORDER RODIZIO FOR THEM TO SAY YOU CAN ONLY ORDER RODIZIO IF YOU EAT PORK OTHERWISE YOU HAVE TO PAY $65 FOR ALL BEEF. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A RODIZIO PLACE WHERE YOU’RE FORCED TO EAT EVERY MEAT OTHERWISE CANNOT ORDER. PLEASE AVOID

In response to your response, to be very clear pricing is marketed based on more premium cuts, if you want lamb chops.. beef ribs, etc at any other Rodizio restaurant. If you need names for comparison you can check out Fogo De Cho and many restaurants in your surrounding area. Anywhere with a standard Rodizio allows you to have all meat options and the option to omit pork if they choose not to: you do not have the option to say no to pork and only have beef or chicken your waitress simply imposed you can only have Rodizio if you EAT ALL THE MEATS or ONLY ALL BEEF. And to be honest it’s because you’re preparing the meats together: which shouldn’t be the case. The guy went around with beef, chicken and pork all one screwer. In addition to anyone lingering around or PARTIAL of the party enjoying the food that is on them. The review never said the food was not enjoyable I am discussing the lack of clarification and restrictions provided for your Rodizio which half of the party couldn’t enjoy because your waitress refused. I am speaking on being the person to have went through the hassle of making the reservation.. to the party waiting almost an hour and a half to even get the food. This isn’t a surprise, the frustration was communicated to your waitress as I was in contact several times asking for clarification of the menu!

Let’s also make clear I asked to speak to management regarding the issue and you waitress told me you that you were too busy to address the issue. Again the issue is not the price point, the issue is Rodizio!! If someone wants the option to have a standard Rodizio experience with no pork which other restaurants allow, yours does not and that should be...

I attended a lunch at Minhoto Restaurant in May to celebrate the First Communion of our friend’s daughter. Unfortunately, I’m giving this one-star review due to the poor handling of the private event booking by the restaurant’s management.

Our friend reserved the private room well in advance and paid a deposit directly to the owner (I believe her name was Ana). Shockingly, just two weeks before the event, she discovered that the space had been double-booked and the other party, who booked after, would be given priority due to their personal relationship with the restaurant. As a result, our reservation was moved to the main dining area. The restaurant initially promised to set up privacy screens to help create a more intimate space for the celebration, but that promise was not honored. This lack of professionalism completely changed the tone of what should have been a special and intimate occasion.

Our host was understandably upset. She chose Minhoto and their private room specifically to accommodate the many children attending and to ensure a comfortable environment. The last-minute changes compromised both the atmosphere and the experience she had envisioned for her daughter’s special day. To make matters worse, Minhoto offered no discount or compensation for the inconvenience, and appeared indifferent to the impact of their actions.

This situation was not just disappointing, it was avoidable and unfair. As a first-time patron, I was left with a very poor impression of their management and their disregard for guests' experience. I will not return to Minhoto Restaurant, and I strongly caution anyone considering them for a private event. Based on our experience, they cannot be trusted to honor their...