Jersey City boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and services. Thanks to Sabor a Peru, authentic Peruvian dishes are now a part of the town’s offerings. The restaurant blends culture and cuisine, with a casual atmosphere that is both lively and upbeat. Though the business is still new, the owners already have plans for the future.
Sabor A Peru Co-owner Ana Schettini grew up in the Ironbound section of Newark; but her oldest son moved to the Heights in Jersey City after marrying a Peruvian woman. “I always felt the two areas were similar in feel,” she says. As far as industry experience, Ana’s parents had a small restaurant during her childhood; likewise, another of the restaurant’s owners has experience cooking authentic Peruvian cuisine.
More from Best of NJ
Experience a Taste of Peru
Sabor a Peru currently seats 40 diners. But the team is planning an expansion which will more than double their capacity, Ana says. “Most of the design came from my husband’s imagination,” she says. “He was inspired to create a space that was both modern and comfortable. One thing Latinos like us love is music and soccer; so he created a space with lots of big screen TVs and projectors. The ambiance is always changing and always alive depending on what is happening in the restaurant that day.”
Of course, the menu features traditional Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, which Ana absolutely loves. In particular, they offer three different kinds of ceviche—diced fish fillet, mixed seafood, and shrimp or mussels. They marinate all three in fresh lime juice, garlic, and spices, and serve with onions, sweet yams, corn, and potatoes. Likewise, patrons rave about the Lomo Saltado, (sliced top sirloin stir fried with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with rice.) The Sabor a Peru Chaufa is also a hit, a dish of Peruvian beef, chicken, and shrimp fried rice. Daily specials run Monday through Friday until 4:00 pm, pending availability.
More from the Owner
In particular, Ana gravitates to their seafood dishes. “I love everything seafood, and our seafood menu is extensive,” she says. “But if I had to pick one, I would say our Parihuela (which is a hardy Peruvian seafood Soup). It’s the best I have ever had.”
Sabor a Peru is BYOB, which Ana believes is an advantage. In fact, “That is the best thing about us,” she says. “We are an amazing, cool restaurant, and we are BYOB. Anyone can bring their wine or beer and have a good meal without breaking the bank.”
Future plans including adding a meeting room and a party room in the back. They would also like to purchase a liquor license.
Visit Sabor a Peru at 280 Central Ave in Jersey City. Look for them online to learn more.
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Sabor a Peru FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations (and recommend them for weekends).
They have salads as a gluten-free option, yes.
Sabor a Peru has limited vegetarian and vegan options, yes.
They offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they offer delivery through Uber Eats and GrubHub.
No, they are BYOB.
They have a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © Sabor a Peru
