What our Clients Say

• Broa is a great place to stop into Portugal in the heart of downtown JC.. The chef Mike is so... read more creative and his staff is like hanging out with family.  This is a great place  to enjoy delicious food some laughs and amazing eats.. I love .. read less

  

  Andrea R.

  11/10/2018

  This place is legit! It delivers on taste, quality, ambiance, service and good company. Sat down with a random couple... read more because only a four seater was open last night. Ended up ordering a ton of food all of which we shared with our new friends (vice versa): mussels, pork belly, quail, tomato salad, chorizo, seafood rice, wow! The ambiance is similar to being at a friends place who likes to cook (me) -- very cozy, friendly, fresh food right off the stove. I'm impressed of what they can deliver through such a tiny kitchen. In the summer their outdoor dining (which they recently expanded) is amazing. I love that Broa exists -- feels like mini escape to Portugal for a home cooked meal. Menu changes everyday -- trust your waiter, he/she won't steer you wrong 5++ We left with our belly's fool and with a new set of friends who love food, just like us. Dessert(s) of the day with a can of guarana and an espresso for the closer....you're welcome! read less

  

  Deepak S.

  1/05/2019

  The closest you will get to an authentic, home cooked Portuguese meal. The people are warm and inviting. The ambiance... read more is like your Portuguese grandma's house. I'll be back on a monthly basis, at least. read less

  

  Tiffany A.

  11/24/2018

• You would never know there was a rustic little Portuguese restaurant in JC unless you stumbled upon it...or saw good... read more reviews on Yelp!
  
  We had a last minute visit from some friends from D.C. area and since they were staying in JC, I'd help find a good local place to meet up for dinner. I was scouring all over Yelp to find a place that was good for a large group and for kids. I found some places, but was intrigued by this little gem called Broa. So, ahead of any rush, I brought my compatriots with me to try if we can get in right when the door opened around 6pm. At 10 past 6, there were already 2 small tables, but to my surprise, there was 1 large table that could fit 10 (we had 11). I talked to the host and made googly eyes at the Chef, and we were delightfully granted access to the establishment. Yay! Of course, we were told to make at least a few days advance notice for this many people (duly noted).
  
  The small dining area was a warm welcome to the cold weather outside with small heaters blasting away from every corner of the restaurant. Two chefs stood behind a counter (how do they get out...there is a secret door) preparing that night's dishes. The only menu is on the wall and it changes daily. Since we had 11 people, on reco from the host for more than 5, we opted for the pre-fixe $40/head minus the kids. Not bad. Since it's byob, they recommended Cool Vines just down the street with 10 percent discount for patrons.
  
  For dinner, the food was bountiful. We had 8 of the 12 dishes displayed on the menu and then some. Highlights: tomato salad; chick pea salad; octopus salad - very tender octopus morsels in a balanced dressing; garden snails, large and small, in a garlic/oregano broth, chicken fritters and veal croquettes - perfect for the kids; fresh soft cheese platter with charcuterie and fruit preserves;  chicken and pork sausage. We finished the night with custard tarts dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
  
  I just want to make a note that some of their dishes were very salty, and had mentioned this to the host. The pickled vegetables, garlic shrimp, and the flamin' chorizo were probably the saltier dishes and no amount of butter rice could tame it.
  
  Other than that, we were taken care of. The kids loved the food and we had a great time.
  
  Thank you again for taking us, 11, in without a reservation. read less

  

  Tinyee H.

  3/26/2018

  It's easy to miss Broa as it's slightly below street level on Grove St, but if you want a tasty,... read more affordable and unique dining experience it's well worth seeking out.
  
  Inside the decor is charmingly rustic and there is a mix of communal tables and smaller two and four tops. It's not huge inside (it does have outdoor seating out back in the warmer months) and it's a popular place so you may have to wait a short time for a table but trust me it's worth it.(We waited for about 15 minutes at 8 o'clock on a Saturday night for a place for two people, I think they take bookings for larger parties which I would advise if there are a few of you).
  
  The owner and staff are delightful and the ambience and quality of food reminds me of countryside restaurants across southern Europe.
  
  It's BYOB which is great, Coolvines is an excellent wine store conveniently situated across the street. The food is very reasonably priced, portions are generous, and I recommend that you order a mix of dishes for your party and split them all between you. There's no set menu, the owners buy and cook what looks good daily, which means that you get to eat seasonally, eat the best quality items, and you're not going to tire of eating here.
  
  All the food we ate here was so good, fresh, lovingly prepared and bursting with flavor. We ate oven braised Octopus which was meltingly tender and served with small roasted potatoes, Chorizo Assado, (smoked Portugeuse sausage) which was served with mustard and pickled vegetables and brought to the table still cooking in flames in a traditional terracotta dish, and a Black Eye Pea Salad which was tart and vinegary - the perfect complement to the richness of the sausage and octopus. For dessert we had the traditional Portugeuse egg custard tarts which were baked to order and served piping hot.
  
  The whole evening was a joy from start to finish, excellent food, ambience and service. I've walked past Broa numerous times and am absolutely kicking myself that I never went to eat there sooner! I will be back! read less

  

  Emma P.

  4/08/2018

  Their hours aren't long and there's a wait to get a table but eating at Broa is a wonderful experience... read more in Portuguese cuisine. Broa is small, semi-intimate, and understated. Walking by various times, I never even noticed the downstairs entrance into the restaurant. Take a photo of the chalkboard menu, it's updated everyday-- there's no menu. We were welcomed by the owner. Bring your own wine or beer: there's a store located about 2 blocks south (CoolVines on Grove). We had Pastéis(Bolinhos) de Bacalhau (cod fish cakes), Mexilhão (mussels) with garlic and chorizo. Small portion plates like "largish tapas." Delicious! read less

  

  Neal H.

  1/18/2019

• LOVED this place.  The service, atmosphere and food were memorable.  The place is small with a lively vibe.  Our server... read more (Tiago) was extremely friendly and service was outstanding.  We were in a group of 7 and had so much fun at this restaurant.  Sat for over 3 1/2 hours!  We opted for the tasting menu at $40 which was very reasonable.  The food was different and delicious.  We had no idea what was coming which added to the fun.  The menu gets changed daily or weekly.  It is BYOB which keeps the cost down.  Will definitely visit this place again. read less

  

  Mary M.

  11/16/2018

  Ridiculously amazing flaming chorizo. The shrimp in garlic is totally delicious. A unique item on the menu was fried sardines,... read more super yummy; nice depth of flavor with perfect amount of acidity-sauce was perfect with the bread! read less

  

  Panos I.

  12/04/2018

  By far my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. Their menu changes daily, with a few exceptions, but you are guaranteed... read more a fantastic meal no matter what. The chicken/pork sausage has a runny egg on top to provide the ultimate umami..this is a must order. I also highly recommend the octopus. Soft interior, crispy grilled skin, you will not want to pass on this one. Chef Mike and staff provide the most authentic Portuguese experience in a small, yet romantic dining room, with an even friendlier atmosphere. Make sure to get here early, it fills up fast on the weekends! read less

  

  Carly S.

  12/06/2018