Sabor Amar, a new family-owned Peruvian restaurant, is now open in downtown West Orange at 306 Main Street. The restaurant is owned by the Santiseban family, who bring traditional Peruvian flavors to the neighborhood in a warm, modern setting. With a diverse menu and strong community ties, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. Read on to learn more about Sabor Amar in West Orange, New Jersey.

The Backstory

For the Santistebans, opening Sabor Amar is more than a business — it’s a long-held dream rooted in pride for Peruvian culture. “Peru is known for gastronomy, which can be described as a culinary ecosystem due to the melting pot of civilizations including indigenous roots, Spanish colonization, African influence, Chinese and Japanese immigration,” Cesar Santisteban told The Montclair Girl. “With the incredible variety of food from Peru, we’ve always enjoyed eating out and trying different Peruvian restaurants around North Jersey. Our journey to opening the restaurant began when we met our head chef, Dennis Marquez.”

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Chef Dennis, a culinary school graduate from Peru, brings over a decade of experience to Sabor Amar. He previously honed his craft at one of the most respected Peruvian restaurants in the region, mastering traditional techniques while developing a signature artistic flair.

Peruvian Eats

At Sabor Amar, the menu is a culinary tour of Peru, featuring classics that span the coast, highlands, and jungle. Among the most popular dishes are:

• Ceviche (featuring tilapia or corvina): bright, bold, and the restaurant’s signature.
• Chaufa: a Chifa-style fried rice dish providing Peruvian-Chinese fusion with the choice of protein.
• Lomo Saltado + Parrilladas: stir-fried beef or grilled meat platters rich in smoky, savory flavor.
• Anticuchos: grilled beef heart skewers, a beloved street food favorite.
• Pollo a la Brasa: rotisserie chicken served with fries, salad, and a must-try spicy green sauce.
• Causa: a visually stunning layered potato dish.
• Jalea: a golden-fried mixed seafood platter that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

Every dish at Sabor Amar reflects a commitment to authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and beautifully balanced flavors.

 

The Setting

For the Santistebans, opening Sabor Amar in West Orange was a natural choice. It’s the town where Cesar and his sister grew up, one rich in diversity, with a strong Peruvian presence and a supportive community. The family has operated local auto repair and body shops in West Orange since 2014, and now, they’re bringing a new kind of craftsmanship to the neighborhood.

They’ve partnered with the West Orange Downtown Alliance to deepen community ties and find meaningful ways to give back. “We envision Sabor Amar as a welcoming cultural hub where everyone, from our cherished Peruvian neighbors to new friends, can gather,” Cesar told The Montclair Girl.

Guests who enter Sabor Amar become immersed in Peruvian culture. The restaurant features cozy dining areas named after iconic regions — Lima, Cusco, Chiclayo, and Miraflores — each with its own story and style. The atmosphere is warm, modern, and family-friendly, with rich textures and thoughtful design details that celebrate Peru’s colorful heritage.

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When to Visit

Sabor Amar is open daily from 10AM to 10PM. Guests can look forward to live Spanish music on select weekends, themed nights, and cultural celebrations throughout the summer. The restaurant hosts watch parties for major sporting events like the World Cup, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere. Daily menu specials keep things fresh, and diners can find events, promotions, and rewards updates on Sabor Amar’s social media channels.

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