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Avo's Ria Mar: Authentic Portuguese Cuisine and Vibrant Atmosphere

Avo's Ria Mar is a Portuguese gem located at 25 Whitehead Ave in South River, NJ. Renowned for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant offers a taste of the Jersey shore with every bite. With a recently renovated dining room, the ambiance is reminiscent of a seaside vacation. Customers rave about the sangria and flavorful dishes like mariscada, chanfana, and seafood rice. The attentive staff and cozy setting make for a memorable dining experience, perfect for special occasions or satisfying those Portuguese cuisine cravings. Don't miss out on the delectable dishes and charming vibe at Avo's Ria Mar.

Avo's Ria Mar at a glance

  • Address 25 Whitehead Ave, South River, NJ 08882, United States
  • Phone +1 732-257-1100
  • Restaurant type Portuguese restaurant , Banquet hall , Restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Avo's Ria Mar: Reviews & Ratings

Tommy Thomas
5

We started with some Calamari and shrimp scampi and it was great! Three of us had the stuffed flounder , the sauce was perfect not to heavy and not too overwhelming. Everyone loved their meals and we had plenty to take home for leftovers. I highly recommend this place.

Maria Costeira
5

Started off with a family emergency and half my party wasn’t attending. They were very accommodating and patient. The place is beautiful. This was my first time here and I will return. The service was great and the food was delicious . We started with some Calamari and shrimp scampi and it was great! Three of us had the stuffed flounder , the sauce was perfect not to heavy and not too overwhelming. Everyone loved their meals and we had plenty to take home for leftovers. I highly recommend this place .

Michael William Majorczak
5

Amazing food and service. They put a large addition on the restaurant last April. The down side is the acoustics. When full it’s very loud and extremely difficult to have a table conversation. Need to instal some sound absorbing materials. Small downside. Love the place. We highly recommend the restaurant.

Susy “REALTOR” Velazquez
5

Last month, I visited Ria Mar with Michael and my mom. The restaurant has recently been remodeled with an ocean-inspired design that creates a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. We started with their delicious sangria, which was the perfect balance of flavors refreshing and not too sweet. Every dish we ordered was outstanding. From appetizers to the main courses, everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. It’s clear that Ria Mar puts a lot of care into its food and service.

Mark Moss
5

Food and service excellent. Immediately after seating a large family style salad and bread brought to table. Red sangria was best in long time. Good portion size appetizers and main course. Chairs at table extremely comfortable. We will be back

jason Glenn
5

The location is stunning. I've never been here before, but I plan to come back. The food was fantastic and the service was excellent. It was delicious to start with some shrimp scampi and calamari! We all three ate the stuffed flounder, and the sauce was just right—not too thick or overpowering. We had enough of leftovers to take home, and everyone enjoyed their meals. I heartily endorse this location.

jjj k
5

Best Portuguese you can find. Authentic and delicious. Been dining here 30+ yrs and it as excellent as ever. And newly renovated in a beautiful modern, tasteful style. Owners(s), bartenders, wait staff and kitchen...all PROS! Even the heaping leftovers heat well at home. The take-home sangria rocks also!!

Cynthia Graca
5

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Avo’s Ria Mar – South River, NJ Everything about this visit was amazing — from the calm, elegant atmosphere to the beautifully plated food. The restaurant feels bright, modern, and spotless, with white tablecloths and that perfect balance between fine dining and comfort. We ordered the Picadinho and the Seafood Mix, and both were incredible. The Picadinho had tender meat, shrimp, chouriço, and peppers — perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. The Seafood Mix came loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and lobster in a rich, savory sauce that paired perfectly with their fluffy rice and homemade chips. The lobster was a bit on the firm side, but still flavorful and not bad at all overall. I also had a Caipirinha, and even though our server mentioned not being completely sure how to make it, it came out amazing — refreshing, balanced, and surprisingly perfect. For dessert, the chocolate mousse had a nice flavor, though it was slightly grainy in texture, like powdered chocolate. Service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and quick without feeling rushed. You can tell the staff and kitchen take real pride in what they do. Note: Dinner service starts at 3:00 PM, and prices increase slightly after that, so if you’re looking for a lighter check, plan for lunch. Overall, Avo’s Ria Mar is a beautiful spot with authentic Portuguese dishes, generous portions, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend

Location

  • Avo's Ria Mar
    Avo's Ria Mar
    25 Whitehead Ave, South River, NJ 08882, United States Hotline: +1 732-257-1100

Introducing Avo's Ria Mar, a Portuguese gem located in South River, NJ. This cozy establishment offers a unique dining experience with a focus on seafood and bar offerings. With a recently renovated dining room, Avo's Ria Mar exudes a relaxed coastal vibe that will transport you to the Jersey shore.

Customers rave about the friendly staff, creating a welcoming family-like atmosphere. The menu boasts a variety of seafood dishes, from mariscada to bacalhau à Brás, all prepared with fresh ingredients that impress even the pickiest of palates.

One standout dish is the seafood rice, a flavorful and satisfying option that keeps customers coming back for more. Pair your meal with a glass of their excellent sangria for the perfect dining experience.

While the takeout packaging may need improvement, the dine-in experience receives glowing reviews for its top-notch service and delectable dishes. From the garlic shrimp to the paella, every bite at Avo's Ria Mar is a culinary delight.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving authentic Portuguese cuisine, Avo's Ria Mar is the place to be. Don't miss out on their happy hour specials and outdoor seating options, perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal with friends and family.

Experience the best of Portuguese flavors at Avo's Ria Mar and discover why it's a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in South River.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards