Ava Agostinelli 
There’s a Peruvian restaurant in town spinning fresh takes on tradition. The Yabar family brought their home-style recipes with them from Cusco, Peru, and are revamping them with influences from around the world. Fusionista, located at 14 Park Street in Montclair, has become a fan favorite. Read on to learn more about Fusionista in Montclair, New Jersey.
The Backstory
Brian and Henry Yabar are the father-son duo behind Fusionista. Originally from Cusco, the Yabars brought their Peruvian cooking to the United States along with an extensive background in hospitality. Brian came to the US in 2017 to study data analytics, and Henry travels back and forth between the US and Peru, running multiple businesses in hospitality.
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Combining both their cooking and business skills, they began looking for the perfect place to open a restaurant in the US. “We were one day in Montclair, and we saw that this place was so diverse when it came down to restaurants. We saw that a lot of people came here to eat and enjoy a good time,” said Brian.
At the time, Peruvian cuisine was uncommon in the Montclair area, so the duo saw it as an opportunity to share their pride for Peruvian culture. Peruvian cuisine takes influence from numerous cultures, such as Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. “Just based on how all of these different influences from around the world influenced what Peruvian cuisine is today, we thought that Fusionista was a fair name to put to the place.”
The Setting
Located in a vintage-style dinette on Park Street, Fusionista contrasts the old-fashioned setup with its modern Peruvian dishes. The cozy interior of this BYOB spot is polished yet casual, providing diners with the option of a booth, counter service, or tables. While the space is small, the restaurant can expand out to its patio on sunny days.
Above all, good hospitality is one of Fusionista’s biggest priorities. “I don’t think that it’s just about the food; I think that it’s about the service,” said Brian, recalling the lessons his father taught him in the hospitality industry. “There’s something about serving people that makes me feel full. It’s very nice when someone comes and they have a great time with you because of the service that you were able to bring them.”
Traditional Peruvian Dishes, Fused with Inspiration
While the Yabars have pride in their traditional Peruvian cooking skills, Fusionista does not brand itself as traditional Peruvian cuisine. “We never advertise as a traditional place because we put some different touches in our food that are interesting,” said Brian. He recommends to all customers the Pescado a lo Macho — a dish consisting of fish in a seafood broth that is served with white rice. “I think that everyone who has tried it has felt a new hint of flavors in their mouth,” said Brian. However, some dishes remain classic, such as the ceviches and the Lomo Saltado. ”I think that those two are our biggest strengths,” said Brian.
Another standout dish was the Charapa Ceviche, consisting of spicy peppers, refreshing avocado, and sweet plantains, all atop fresh fluke. There are numerous styles of ceviche in Peru, varying by region. Chorapa is a small hot pepper originating from the Peruvian jungle, giving this dish at Fusionista its name.
“In Cusco, a lot of people use mostly milk to cut down a little bit of the sourness of the lime. Well, in the capital and the coastal parts of Peru, they don’t do that.” Brian explained.
Other popular dishes include the Tagliatelle al Pesto con Churrasco, Arroz con Mariscos, and the Aji de Gallina Croquette. Across the board, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and the warmest hospitality.
When to Visit
Fusionista is open daily from 12PM-10PM and until 9PM on Sundays. Reservations are available for both indoor and outdoor dining. The dishes are best enjoyed shared, making Fusionista a great option for groups. It is BYOB.
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