We are planning a trip to Peru and wanted to try the food. Well if the food is as good in Peru as it was here we will be very fortunate. Delicious describes my Persian Paella with Shrimp. The rice was outstanding and loaded with shrimp. My partner had sautéed skirt steak that melted in your mouth. The waitress Cynthia was very helpful. She took time to share her memories of living in Peru. We will return! read more

This is my go to restaurant in the small town of Jamesburg. They have great service, delicious food and really add a lot to this town. Their menu is huge, but I always loved their seafood, paella and broiled fish. It taste very authentic and homemade. The music is a little bit too loud, but in general, love seeing this place, so well supported. read more

Tell you a quick story. When my DoorDash delivery guy arrived he said, the smell was driving me crazy! If I had a fork I might've dug in if I was in that car another minute . I think that says a lot. Food is authentic, I'm married to a Peruvian. Generous potions, must try. read more

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I've come here twice. Once recently and once pre-pandemic. I was happy to see that prices were similar to what I remembered. In terms of pricing and portion size, you'll be hard pressed to find a location serving ceviche at a more affordable price and in such large quantities. You can easily make 2 meals out of it. My brother and I did feel that the fish was a bit tougher than we remembered, but otherwise was decent quality. The paella was also large and filled with a variety of seafood. It seems they also added a small area for karaoke near the back of the restaurant. There were some people singing throughout the night. Overall, it is a solid place to eat that has many different entrees to try. Their menu is gigantic. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Paella - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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The people where friendly and helpful. The decor was beautiful. My husband and I went there on the recommendation of the check in person at the desk at the hotel we stood in. We ordered the rotisserie chicken with black beans and rice with a side salad. The chicken was so flavorful and finger licking. This is one of the best Peruvian chicken I ever had. The white rice was fluffy and well seasoned. The black beans were also well seasoned. I really enjoyed the salad, the dressing was also very tasty. We both enjoyed our meal very much. If you're ever in this area, you should check this place out. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Peruvian rotisserie chicken with white rice and black beans. - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

If you're craving some authentic perfume food that has big portions this is the place to go. Truly, the best place to go and their lomo saltado and arroz chaufa are to die for, the seasoning they put it in is perfect and the ají verde is delicious and nothing compared to anything I've tried before read more

We found this gem of a spot 2 years ago. Food is fantastic, dining area rustic, waiter and waitresses are nice. I've also used Uber eats with this place and they are super fast! Next time when we order from here I'll take pics. Every time we order it's always devoured! But our top picks - chaufa mixto, their roasted chicken with the AMAZING green sauce, and their bistek with onions. All are finger licking good! read more

I was really hoping not to write this review as I found the service to be great but the cleanliness of the bathroom with something I could not ignore. I brought it to the staffs attention that not only was there no toilet paper in two of the there bathroom stalls there was also no soap in the bathroom And half an hour later when I went to use the restroom again nothing had changed. This is disgusting and a complete health code violation and as a result, I will never eat at again. read more

I've gone twice and it's been absolutely fantastic. The garlic chicken was absolutely amazing. They roasted chicken and a really good. Overall, the food has been amazing. read more

Their menu is extensive, yet a bit overwhelming in my opinion. I've ordered the paella and didn't care for it, I found the rice to be dry. I did however enjoy the ceviche, which they are known for. Now that I found outstanding. read more

This food is amazing--Peruvian food in general and Don Pepe does it right. Love I always start out with Papa a la huancaina. A cream sauce over potatoes. If you're a seafood lover the ceviche -- all of them a absolutely fresh abd the spices are unique; a arroz con mariscos is rice with all types of delicious seafood l. Meat lovers should try the lomo saltado with fries read more

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This is the best Peruvian food in New Jersey! The Chicken taste like the Chicken in Peru! The Ceviche was so good and the fish was fresh. The chicken had so much flavor and the sauces were good! Would go everyday if it was near me. Best Peruvian food I tried here in the United States. The service was good and waiters were friendly. Food was nice. The ambiance was perfect for the restaurant. Just a tip, they put 18% tip when you dine in. read more

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Don Pepe is one of those spots that if you blink while driving down the main road in Freehold, you'll miss a true gem. Their huccane sauce (I am not spelling that right) was DELICIOUS and complimented the chicken milanesa very well. The staff was friendly, accommodating and quick with their service. Many of the staff speak limited English but that did not hinder in their ability to be kind and efficient! The vibes are really unique, fun and CLEAN!! It is so visibly clean inside. I have ordered for take out as well and let me just say, their portions are HUMONGOUS and so full of flavor. Highly recommend, will be back! read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Ceviche - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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Food is ah ok, not the greatest though. Came here with a group of co-workers as a "Team Building" dinner and the service was far from what I expected being the fact that our group was pretty big. The place is very loud, music is good but would be nice if the sound was a bit lower, we're not def lol. We were ignored by our waiter a couple of times, we had to look for him in order to get our food. Food was average though, our ceviche had frozen fish, so disappointed. The only thing I enjoyed was the Chicha juice and the Papa a la Huancaina. Not going to the lie, the food presentation was great. The escabeche did not taste like it, it was more fish with sautéed onions and tomato. When we were done, we were craving for dessert, so we got the menu, but 20min later still no waiter to be found, my boss had to get up and personally look for him by asking his other colleagues were he was. Wasn't too pleased to be honest. read more

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Great food in the town of Freehold, they have a variety of selection. Ordered a bunch of stuff to sample and my favorite was their bbq grill with steak, chicken and shrimp. read more

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I stopped by for lunch and ordered Parihuela with rice and Inca kola. I have been to many Peruvian restaurants, and I am so particular about my food and especially seafood. This dish was delicious. It was flavorful and had plenty of fresh tasting seafood, large shrimp, a lot of fish and it hit the spot on a cold day. The restaurant was bigger than I expected and beautifully decorated. The music was calming initially and then picked up. I enjoyed both. The staff were kind and attentive as they helped many tables. Overall, a very good experience and I would visit again for some delicious, hot seafood soup! Yum! read more

I found a hair in my food and they don't even offer a credit or refund they only said they gonna be careful read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - I found hair in Carapulcra - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

The food is good, well served size meals, but too many options. They should reduce the options and get focus on make it more Peruvian authentic, do not adapt. Chica morada was to diluted, was not tasteful enough. Serves seems unhappy working, no happy faces at all. read more

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The WORST service ever,, Came to try it first time The restaurant looks like a big mess Waiters at door lost After waiting 20 minutes at front for table in list They just took a couple behind me just because I didnt even want try the food at this point because it loos everything very CHAOTIC The Manager was nowhere to talk to.. Following previous reviews i didnt miss much because they all say the food is just OK Im glad didn't spend my money there Im all about backup local business but they have to fix all this mess read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Nobody at front - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

I've been coming here everyday since the start of this week being its delicious and in close proximity to my job. Every visit had been pleasant up until today. Today was the first time having interactions with the woman behind the counter as well as a man, both of which seemed to not be having the best day. Even with today's experience I will consider returning as a patron. Hopefully they learn to keep their problems at the door. read more

This was a go of find as we were walking down on Main Street. Looks small from outside, but very spacious inside. The menu is huge!! They have a great variety of items. Portions are good size enough to share with someone. The service was good and the food came out fast. Definitely recommend the passion fruit juice and the lomo saltado they were a great hit at our table. read more

Basically a diner for Peruvian food. Had flies constantly landing in my food and bathrooms were dirty.

For our Saturday (the date was February 2, 2019) lunch me and my sister decided to try out Don Pepe's in Freehold. From the storefront Don Pepe does not look large, but upon entering the dining area was surprisingly large. Don Pepe's menu is extensive and daunting to review but we decided on the following. As a starter we ordered the Chicharon and it was very unique. Served were large chunks of fatty pork that looked to be pan fried versus deep fried. This was atypical from other Chicharon I've eaten which tend to be much smaller, crispier, and from the fattier pork belly end. Nonetheless the Chicharon was deliciously flavored and tasted like the pork was brined beforehand. Adding to the flavor was a delicious layer of fat lacing many pieces. As a side dish we also enjoyed an order of Tostones which were crispy, fresh, and still soft inside. We also added a small side Salsa Criolla (Onion salad) as it's citric lime acidity and tangy red onion really balanced off the rich proteins we ordered. My entree was the Bisteck a la plancha con arroz y ensalada (Grilled steak w/rice & salad) and it was a solid dish. The steak was just average; lean and thin, but seasoned properly and having a nice charcoal grilled taste. I'm sure this wasn't the best of steak cuts, and most probably a chuck steak. The rice and salad plated alongside were good, with the salad being very fresh and dressed with a tasty thousand island-like dressing. My sister's choice was the 1/2 Combo Don Pepe comprised of a half roast chicken, fried rice, and salad. Roast chicken was superb; having a super flavorful smokiness, near perfect crispy skin, and excellent moist white and dark meat. It was one of the best versions of Peruvian roasted chicken she and I have eaten, and so good that we nearly forgot about the always addictive green (Aji Amarillo) sauce. The fried rice was well executed too; seasoned nicely and the rice fried to a gentle crisp. A very enjoyable lunch and most worthy of revisiting. read more

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They scammed us. We ordered a platter or fried calamari, fried fish filet, and fried shrimp. We wanted a lot of fried shrimp and they gave us one singular piece of shrimp. What a waste of money. read more

I've eaten here a few times and I ALWAYS enjoy the food and the service! It can take a few minutes to get seated at your table but I never mind it because by the time I sit down, the service is fast and friendly. I usually order the half chicken and fried rice combo. The green sauce is always amazing and if I didn't get so full so fast, I'd order every appetizer and the desserts every time. I keep going back to try all of the things I want to try and I am never disappointed. I LOVE this restaurant and the staff! I will keep coming back. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - 1/2 chicken w/ fried rice Lunch Special - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

This restaurant is severely overpriced and the service was horrible. When the food came out it wasn't bad and portions were nice. I think you could get a better bang for your buck at any other chain charcoal grilled chicken spot. read more

Dine In Only. No alcohol beverages. Only Peruvian wine. - wait time to order drinks was 10-15 minutes - wait time to get our appetizer 15 minutes - wait time to get our food 10 minutes - barely any music playing in the background I didn't appreciate the long wait time for our drinks and our food. I also didn't appreciate that there was no music playing the background because it was just dead silent. The food was so good ! It's a big plate which can be served for two peoples. Our server was very friendly. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Bottom: Seafood fried rice - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

The food was good, the service was AWFUL! we were sitting for 30 mins without water or any service. And once someone finally came it was another wait to receive our drinks. And we were hungry so we ate the delicious corn snack they bring over but almost died of thirst. Most of the servers who passed by looked like they had no soul. And if you ask for help they give no emotions or help. Food, delicious. Service ruined the experience. We had server Mary. read more

Meal was Lomo Saltado. French Fries unusual shape and not tasty and entire plate not served hot. Meat tough. Side salad ordered did not come before the main order. Maybe a cultural misunderstanding:-) Like another reviewer mentioned flies around food. Item on wine menu not available, however waiter only mentions that when you try to order. Same for most of the dessert items on menu, almost 50% were not available. Understood that one would not want to print new menu pages, however a little card included with that info would take care of that. Espresso seemed to be from instant coffee and cappuccino had nothing to do with a real cappuccino. Came without foam and was just coffee with extra milk. Waiter put espresso with spilled liquid under cup and on saucer on table and left. Had to ask for a napkin to mop that up, so it would not drip on patron while drinking. Waiter did not keep checking back after we were done with desserts. Had to flag somebody down to get the bill. All in all not recommended for the value and ambiance they try to portrait. read more

The food is alright I've had better Peruvian food. The place is overpriced for the quality of service, had to wait over 30 minutes for the food (when I got the food the rice was cold) and another 20 to get check because my waitress was nowhere to be found. Not to mention, i think the heater might've been broken because it was freezing inside. Overall, not impressed with the service and atmosphere. read more

Been here twice now and both times were delicious!! Tried the ceviche, chaufa, lomo saltado, and pollo a la brasa and gotta say nothing disappointed. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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Huge portions, affordable. Extremely rude customer service! I am of Hispanic descent, but I don't look it. I speak Spanish fluently but I specifically chose NOT TO SPEAK IN SPANISH to see how I would be treated. I was TOTALLY IGNORED for about 10 minutes! When I was finally acknowledged, I placed a to go order. I left to run an errand and when I returned 30 minutes later, my food was still not ready! I also had to ask for napkins and cutlery, which was still not provided. The atmosphere is WAY TOO LOUD..the food was average. I would not return as the customer service is horrible! read more

Not a good experience. It started when we walked through the door. Told the host 3 and a baby for a total of 4 people (my husband, my 10 year old son, 1 year old son and myself.) Host walks us to a table and disappears. Other staff see that my husband is still holding the baby. We, not the staff, find a high chair and drag it over. Next step was to look at the menu. The same host that disappeared only gave us 2 menus, we needed 3. So I walk back to the front and find another menu without any help even though 2 employees were at the entrance. Fast forward...we order, my 10 year old and husband get their food and I continue to wait. After they both finish their meals (about 30 minutes after being served) my order finally arrived. I kindly asked the waitress to please make it to go because the rest of family was finished eating. She was visibly annoyed. She returned with my order boxed up and our check. Upon bringing back or change, she refused to leave our table until she was tipped. We honestly got more attention from her while she waited for a tip then we did the entire time. Definitely will not be returning. If you don't mind poor customer service this place is for you. read more

Esperamos la comida por más de una hora y nos cancelaron el pedido por Uber ya que ellos no tienen delivery, al momento k llamamos a buscar una solución nos dijeron knese no era su problema, que mal tengo 5 meses en este país y solo keria comer algo de nuestro lindo Perú, que mal que tengan a ese Maneger que no da ninguna solución. read more

Is a big place, one of the bad things of many Latin restaurants is the noise, a lot of noise. I prefer soft, low music, we went a Sunday around 3:00 pm and was so loud. The food is ok, huge portions, nothing impressive. read more

Don Pepe Peruvian Restaurant - Tiger's milk - Peruvian Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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No habla English. This was a almost comical dining experience. The waitress we realized must not have understood English at all. We had to point to items on the menu and she still got our order wrong. Food came out sporadically and very randomly that we didn't know whose dish was whom's and she never gave us a wine menu so not sure they have a liquor license. It took forever to even get plates or even a glass or refill of water. Be very cautious and make sure you brush up on your espanol. It wasn't worth the wait or frustration read more

Illusionist restaurant, many favorites are never available. Tamal is 1/2 the size of a peruvian one and is missing some key ingredients. I had to settle in eating the outer dough of the tamal since they never have humitas. Picarones are on the menu and a peruvian treat that can't be missed, you wont find it here since they also never have it. ordered cabrito for my husband but it was flavorless (no wine or basil was added) and ended up paying $15.00 for excess of rice & beans. Hasta luego Pepe. read more

All i have to said Thank You Joe !( young waiter) for make my 20 anniversary amazing. went last night for dinner with my husben and learned a lot of the peruvian gastronomy. food is incredible and the service A++. I promised Joe that I'm going to come back with all my family. I cant wait.! read more

Food is ok been here for years coming even when the pandemic was happening I remained a client. ..always let the service slide for the love of the food But it could be better .. instead service has become worse. . Waiters have and attitude and make it imposible to please clientele .. couldn't place a high chair for my child and at this point I don't ever want to come back because of how rude and unattended they are. .. read more

Food was DELICIOUS! Menu looked a bit pricey when we first saw it but after we received our plates OMG was it worth it! You get what you pay for! Everything was great! read more

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