(Dined 09/17/2025 WE @ 6:30pm): I'm ready to savor a little taste of Peru!…read more
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my friend and I met some friends of hers as we dined at Sabor A Peru. I've passed this place on several occasions over the course of four years since my friend moved here, and my attention was always caught by the plush llama in the front window. Plus, this was going to be my first Peruvian cuisine experience in Jersey City. Was the sabor a Peru to my liking!?
PURCHASE(S)
Corn Kernel Snack (COMP): A seasoned crunchy snack when we first sat down, these were enjoyable and my first time ever having them!
Ceviche De Camarones ($19.50): A tidy shrimp ceviche appetizer for all to try, the medium shrimp (8 pieces) were plump and tender in a citrusy juice, with an assortment of carrot, lettuce, red onion, and white beans, this was a nice way to start our respective meals.
Pollo A Lo Pobre ($20.95): Translated to "poor man's chicken", this truly hearty entree came with a large grilled lightly seasoned tender piece of chicken, two runny sunny-side up eggs, a heaping cup of puffy steamed white rice, a bed of crisp golden fries, and several pieces of sweet plantains. I loved this dish and it happily filled me up!
Side Salad (INCLUDED): A nice simple palate cleanser, it didn't come with any dressing, so it was a bit "dry".
8pc Alfajores Minis Box ($8.00): A nice dessert that was shared among the four of us, these crumbly somewhat powdery sandwich cookies of sorts with a dulce de leche filling simply dissolved in your mouth while the powdered sugar marked you as a potential cocaine user.
Credit Card Fee 3.50% ($1.7): This was just the direction businesses were going to pass along expenses...
SERVICE
We made reservations and were quickly seated at a window seat once we all arrived. Our friendly young hostess gave us glasses of water, menus, and a rundown of the evening's specials. Minutes later, we collectively placed our orders, she provided a tasty corn snack, and about ten minutes later, everything came out in a procession. We were checked on regularly even though the place got busier, and once it was time for the check, we settled that with no issues. Plus, because they didn't sell alcohol, they allowed diners to bring their own booze... which we did! Everything and everyone was friendly and nice - salud!
PARKING
(FREE; N/A this instance): This was a moot point since we walked the flat 10-minute distance. No parking lots in sight, there seemed to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A clean modern elongated floorplan with a backyard coffee shop modern museum feel and multiple tables that lined the walls, I was hoping for a more authentic feel. A decent amount of natural lighting filtered through the front glass doors and windows while an assortment of electric recessed and twinkle ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a few muted TV monitors while soft music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Sabor A Peru was a pleasurable evening out with friends, and I was impressed enough to try more of their menu. I felt they were a good representation of Peruvian cuisine, the food was yummy and flavorful, the prices were comparable, the service was efficient and friendly, and again you were allowed to bring your own alcohol without any fees. Plus, I always preferred to support small mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $53.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS