Antonio's Restaurant — Restaurant in New Bedford

As a native from New Beige, I was in New Bedford visiting after a long absence away. I used to live close by Antonio's and frequented it often (30+ years ago) Last time I was there (10-12 years ago), I took my wife and two young kids (now teens) and we had a great meal. We are a French and Cape Verdean famiIy. I raved to my kids this week that we would go to Antonio's for lunch and we did. I have to say we were all underwhelmed. We ordered the Calamari, Cod Fish Cakes & Meat Croquettes to start. The Calamari was equivalent to battered and fried rubber bands, nearly impossible to eat; though we tried, we ended up leaving most of it on the plattter. The cod cakes, a go to for me, had a bit of flavor but were very dry; my son stated the same re: the croquettes. The kids ordered the Shrimp Mozambique w/pasta and the Littlenecks (Bulhao Pato) with pasta and I ordered the grilled sardines. The kids liked the seafood though with both dishes the pasta was well overcooked. The sardines came as a half dozen and were huge but lacked any real flavor beyond the fish, no salt, no garlic, no oil, no spice? My wife asked we bring her home an order of Kale Soup. After tasting it, sh came in and asked "What happened to Antonio's? How do you #%@* up Kale Soup?" I understand that things change and saw that the menu, as I remembered it, had changed as well, missing some of our old faves. I also know you're only good as your help so I don't know if the afternoon kitchen staff had a bad day, but I'm sorry to say we likely...

On our way back home from the Cape we searched on google for Portuguese Restaurants in New Bedford and Antonio's came up first se we figured lets go.

We were in for an amazing treat.

The location was perfect off the highway with a parking lot across the street and free on street parking as well. You cannot miss this place with a large Antonios sign on the corner and on the side of the building a giant Galo (rooster) mural.

The inside was clean, well sized dining and bar area. It was very well designed and you felt right at home.

The Food, we had everything: Kale soup (which was more or a vegetable soup that tasted homemade), Beef Stew with Fries, Carne de Porco à Alentejana, Steak and fries, Chicken fingers, hotdogs, rissois de camarao, and chicken soup. All of the food was well presented and very tasty. Some things we've had better such as the Carne de Porco à Alentejana but it isn't too say the food was bad.

Overall we were all very full and satisfied with our meals and no major complaints coming from a party of 9! The staff were awesome as well. Very respectful and accommodating, quick and professional all with some homestyle charm.

Like always, we took a chance and enjoyed it. You'll need to try it for yourself but if Im ever back in the area, i'll definitely...

New Bedford is synonymous with seafood & all things Portuguese. Antonio’s is the epitome of both. I’ve eaten here over the years countless times when I was a resident. Now, when I visit it’s one of my first stops.

My all-time Antonio’s favorite is their paella. I’ve never had one that was less than stellar. Their portion sizes are crazy huge! Their paella-for-one is enough for two fully-grown adults. It’s chockfull of lobster, littlenecks, shrimp, chicken, beef & scallops. The diners seated near me on my most recent visit even commented on how huge it was. Lol!

Another favorite of mine is their grilled swordfish. It’s super fresh (the fishing docks are a hop, skip and a jump away) and seasoned and grilled to perfection. I could eat this stuff everyday!

Antonio’s also has a full bar for those of us so inclined…and I’m VERY inclined. Lol! Drinks are stiff and of good size, unlike many other restaurants that serve alcohol.

Service, while friendly, is a bit too laidback. In other words, they could do with a little formal training. Brush up on their professionalism. Serving is a profession after all.

All in all, I highly recommend Antonio’s for those searching for authentic New England...