The roast chicken is amazing, and the Tallerin Verde pesto is better than anything I tasted in…read moreItaly. The service is attentive and warm. This is one of the few high-quality, reasonably-priced restaurants in the area.

Another wonderful lunch with fine service in a lovely dining room, generous portions of tasty foodread more

We stopped by Jarana at American Dream after a full afternoon at the mall, and it turned out to be…read moresuch a fun dinner. The restaurant is colorful, lively, and has a great atmosphere without feeling too formal. We started with the Tuna Wantacos. Our server warned us that they were spicy, and he was right -- definitely a little kick, but very flavorful. The white fish ceviche was bright and refreshing, with that tangy, salty leche de tigre that really wakes up your appetite. The Lomo Saltado was hearty and satisfying, but my favorite dish of the night was the Seafood Arroz Chaufa. It came topped with an omelet and had squid, fried shrimp, and plenty of seafood throughout. Really comforting, savory, and filling -- I would absolutely order this again. We also had chicha morada and a passion fruit drink. I've always liked purple corn drinks, so the chicha morada was an easy favorite. We finished with a chocolate dessert, which was a nice ending after such a big meal. Overall, a very enjoyable Peruvian dinner with fun décor, good flavors, and plenty of variety. I'd definitely come back, especially for the seafood fried rice.

We came to Jarana with high expectations. As fans of Peruvian cuisine, we were excited to try a…read morerestaurant associated with such a well-known Peruvian chef. We left with the impression that this is probably the kind of restaurant someone should visit for their very first introduction to Peruvian food--not because it represents the best of Peru, but because it offers a simplified version of its flavors. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It's clear that a significant investment was made in the design, atmosphere, and overall experience. The service was friendly, and we noticed that many of the servers were Colombian, which isn't surprising since Colombians are well known for providing excellent hospitality. However, there were moments when it seemed that some of the traditional Peruvian flavors and drinks weren't fully understood. For example, the Pisco Sour we ordered was much sweeter than it should have been. We decided to start with the jalea, hoping it would set the tone for the meal. Unfortunately, it did the opposite. The dish was overly salty and lacked the balance and excitement that a great Peruvian jalea should have. Instead of reminding us of the vibrant seafood flavors found in Peru, it tasted more like generic fried seafood than an authentic Peruvian recipe. After that dish, we chose not to continue with the rest of the menu. To make matters worse, both of us experienced stomach pain afterward, which confirmed our decision to leave. One thing that also caught my attention is the restaurant's description of its food as "approachable Peruvian cuisine." Making Peruvian food approachable should never mean lowering the quality or authenticity of its flavors. Simplicity and accessibility can absolutely coexist with exceptional taste. The beautiful atmosphere should be matched by food that delivers the same level of excellence. Considering the premium prices, the culinary experience simply didn't justify the cost. If someone has never tried Peruvian food before, Jarana may serve... again: may serve as an introduction. However, for anyone looking to experience what Peruvian cuisine is truly capable of, there are several outstanding Peruvian restaurants within just a few miles that offer more authentic flavors, a better overall dining experience, and often at a lower price. I genuinely wanted to love this restaurant because the concept and ambiance are impressive. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting or the reputation behind the name.

If you love Chifa style food, Jaimito's is a must! Easily some of the best Chifa in the area and…read moreone of my favorite hidden gems in North Jersey. The food is always amazing, the portions are very generous, and the service has consistently been great every time I visit. The combination of Chinese and Peruvian flavors is comforting, flavorful, and absolutely hits the spot. Come hungry you will not leave disappointed! The location itself is small and cozy, which honestly adds to its charm. My only issue is parking, which can be a little challenging, but aside from that, I have nothing but great things to say. One of my favorite food spots and a true hidden gem. If you haven't experienced Chifa cuisine before, this is a great place to start! Jeffrey Umaña @jeffrey.umana

We usually order takeout from here because the food is consistently delicious, but today we decided…read moreto dine in, and I'm so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and welcoming. The food was absolutely amazing, just as we've come to expect, but enjoying it fresh in the restaurant made it even better. Sometimes life gets so busy that you forget to slow down. Sitting down together, sharing an incredible Peruvian meal, and simply enjoying each other's company was exactly what we needed. It turned an ordinary meal into a wonderful date. If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Peruvian food with excellent service, I highly recommend this place. We'll definitely be back, whether it's for takeout or another relaxing meal in the restaurant.

Cuisine: 6 Service: 7…read moreDecor: 6 Value: 7 Overall: 6 Being in an area full of Peruvian restaurants, I wanted to find a spot that served a good ceviche. Unfortunately, though serviceable, this restaurant was a bit of a letdown. The Ceviche Mixto and Ceviche De Camarones were just average for me. They tasted fresh, but lacked any real flavor. On the other hand, their Anticuchos was quite enjoyable. Maybe they do cooked dishes better. I might come back to try other menu items next time in the area, but currently on the questionable list.

A local spot w/ a lot of character. I came earlier in the day and the place quickly filled up. I…read moregot the fried fish, which was crispy and light. The loaded fries were the highlight the sauce and steak just hits with everything else. Fried rice was soo flavorful. I loved the different options for drinks. For a day trip to NJ I'm glad I stopped by. The owner treats everyone like family stopping by making sure everything is good

This place is a hidden Gem! All breakfast sandwiches I've tried so far are next level delicious and…read morewith abundant meats and toppings. Had the chicharrón sandwich which was crowned "Campeón del Mundo" in breakfast foods around the world. And also tried the Lomo Al jugo with a side of different breads to assemble your own yummy sandwich. It was all so good! I couldn't pick a favorite, they were both excellent and extremely satiating, I was full until dinner time after eating that for breakfast. The breads they have are all Peruvian style bread and are freshly baked every morning. The place is small and humble but packs a punch of flavor! Went with my boyfriend and enjoyed every bite. The coffee is pretty good too! Over all great food and service.They give you spicy sauce on the side and whatever other sauces you may want for your meal or sandwich. Muy bueno!!! Todos los sándwiches hechos a la orden, el pansito bien fresco me gustó la experiencia. Todo estuvo muy rico y bien servido. Seguro volveré muy pronto!

Amazing chicken soup!! I want some right now! They have a great special! Delicious salad dressing…read moreand chicken. A must try. I love Peruvian foods

This little hole in the wall Peruvian restaurant is AMAZING! Food came out hot and fresh, and the…read moreemployees were super sweet and friendly. Will definitely be back here next time I'm in Jersey!