El Gordo JERSEY CITY Introduce
The vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Jersey City, particularly along the bustling Central Avenue, is a treasure trove of global flavors. Among the many excellent dining destinations, **El Gordo JERSEY CITY** stands out as a true culinary gem, specializing in the rich and comforting traditions of Peruvian cuisine. While the restaurant is broadly categorized as a Latin American and South American eatery, its heart and soul are unequivocally Peruvian. For New Jersey diners seeking an authentic taste of Lima, the Peruvian capital, or the distinct flavors of the Andes and the coast, this establishment offers an experience that is deeply rooted in family tradition and a passion for fresh, high-quality food.
El Gordo is more than just a restaurant; it is the culmination of a family's dream, proudly founded by a single mother who sought to share her treasured Peruvian family recipes. This foundation results in an atmosphere that is both casual and cozy, making it the perfect destination for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a comfortable, satisfying meal for solo diners. The eatery has successfully fused the classic, flavorful street food experience of Peru with the convenience expected in a fast-paced urban area like Jersey City.
The core of El Gordo's menu is its dedication to Peruvian culinary staples, most famously the
Pollo a la Brasa
(Rotisserie Chicken). Marinated in a unique blend of Peruvian spices and slow-roasted to achieve a tender, juicy interior and a crispy, flavorful skin, this dish alone draws loyal patrons from across the state. Furthermore, the commitment to authenticity extends to other classic dishes that reflect Peru’s fascinating cultural fusion, including influences from Chinese cuisine, such as the popular stir-fry known asLomo Saltado
(beef, fries, and veggies) and variousChaufa
(Peruvian fried rice) options. The extensive menu ensures that whether you are craving a refreshingCeviche de Pescado
, a hearty bowl ofChupe de Camarones
(Shrimp Soup), or a warming plate ofAji de Gallina
, El Gordo delivers. This dedication to serving authentic, flavorful cuisine makes it a must-try for any local New Jersey food enthusiast.### Location and Accessibility
The El Gordo JERSEY CITY restaurant is conveniently situated at
291 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA
. This location places it in the heart of the Central Avenue shopping district in the vibrant Jersey City Heights neighborhood. The Heights area is a diverse and busy locale, making the restaurant easily accessible to a large portion of the local population.As a neighborhood staple, the restaurant has ensured that its premises are welcoming and accessible to all patrons. While parking can often be a challenge in this busy commercial district, with only Paid street parking available, the location is well-served by local transit options, which is a major benefit for many New Jersey diners.
Accessibility Features:
The establishment offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfort and ease of use for patrons with mobility needs.Dining Environment:
Hours:
### Services Offered
El Gordo provides a full suite of dining and convenience services tailored to the needs of the busy New Jersey customer, maintaining the 'fast service' highlight while delivering high-quality food.
Dine-in and Table Service:
Takeout and Delivery:
Catering Services:
Full Menu Offerings:
Payment Options:
### Features / Highlights
The standout characteristics of El Gordo JERSEY CITY are rooted in the authentic flavors and the dining experience they provide.
The Legendary Green Sauce:
Authentic Peruvian Specialties:
Ceviche Mixto,Anticucho
(beef heart skewers), and the classicPapa/Yucca a la Huancaina
(potatoes/yucca with a creamy cheese sauce).Rotisserie Chicken Excellence (Pollo a la Brasa):
Arroz amarillo,Tostones
, andMaduros
.Diverse Menu Portfolio:
Healthy options (like Salads and grilled items) to heartyComfort food
andSmall plates
(Appetizers).Beverage Options:
### Contact Information
To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about catering, please use the following details:
Address: 291 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA
Phone: (201) 706-3425
### What Is Worth Choosing
For anyone in New Jersey, especially those located in or near Jersey City, **El Gordo is a must-choose for its authentic Peruvian rotisserie chicken and its legendary signature green sauce.** This combination is the heart of the restaurant's offering and the consistent factor that drives high praise from local customers. The
Pollo a la Brasa
is celebrated for its perfectly marinated, tender, and juicy quality, making it a relatively healthy yet incredibly satisfying meal option. Paired with sides like the savoryArroz amarillo
(yellow rice) and sweetMaduros
(sweet plantains), it forms a complete and classic Peruvian experience that is hard to match locally.Beyond the chicken, choosing any of the traditional Peruvian dishes, such as the
Ceviche de Pescado
or theLomo Saltado
, is highly recommended. These options showcase the broader, vibrant flavor profiles of Peruvian cuisine, often incorporating a unique blend of South American and Asian influences that differentiate it from other Latin American food. The fact that the restaurant is committed to delivering fast service for both dine-in and takeout options further cements its value as a premier choice. Whether you are craving a refreshingCeviche
for a light, yet satisfying, appetizer, or need a fullGordo Combo Familiar
for a group meal, El Gordo on Central Avenue offers not just a meal, but an authentic, family-inspired taste of Peru right in the heart of New Jersey.El Gordo JERSEY CITY Food & drink
Entradas APPETIZERS
- Ceviche de Pescado $16.85
Raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice served with onions, sweet potato and Peruvian corn
- Papa/Yucca a la Huancaina $10.85
Boiled potato or Fried Yucca in Peruvian creamy cheese sauce
- Papa Rellena $7.85
Deep fried potato croquette stuffed with meat, egg & raisins
- Causa Tuna $7.85
Yellow whipped potatoes with avocado, Aji amarillo, Tuna or chicken salad
- Salchipapa $8.85
Fries mixed with fried chicken sausages
- Ceviche de Camarones $15.75
Shrimp marinated with Lime juice
- Anticucho $11.85
Heart beef skewers served with potato & Peruvian corn
- Ceviche Mixto $19.85
Raw fresh fish, calamari, octopus, shrimp, mussels marinated in lime juice served with onions, sweet potato and corn
- Choros a la chalaca $13.75
Peruvian style mussels marinated in lime juice mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes and corn
TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN DISHES
- Arroz con Pollo y Huancaina $16.85
Peruvian style chicken & rice served with Papa Huancaina
- Seco combinado $16.85
Bew stew in cilantro sauced served with rice, beans and salsa criolla
- Aji de Gallina $15.85
Shredded chicken in a yellow Aji amarillo creamy sauce, served with potato and white rice
- Seco Norteño $19.75
Peruvian style lamb stew
Sopas SOUPS
- Sopa del Dia $6.75
Soup of the day
- Caldo de Gallina $11.75
Peruvian style hen soup
- Chupe de Camarones $16.75
Peruvian style shrimp soup
- Parihuela $17.75
Mixed seafood soup
Platos de Fondo ENTRÉES
- Tallarin Saltado de Carne O Pollo $16.75
Peruvian style chicken or beef lo mein
- Bistec con 2 opciones $16.75
Steak with choice of 2 sides
- Lomo Saltado Carne o Pollo $15.75
Tender beef or chicken sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce over French fries, served with white rice
- Tallarin Verde con Bistec o Pechuga a la Plancha $17.75
Spaghetti in a homemade bassil, spinach sauce served with steak or grilled chicken
- Tacu-tacu con Bistec $17.75
Rice and beans mixed together served with steak and salsa criolla
- Churrasco con 2 opciones $20.75
Grilled skirt steak with choice of 2 sides
- Pechuga a la Plancha con 2 opciones $15.75
Grilled chicken served with choice of 2 sides
- Tallarin a la Huancaina con Bistec $17.75
Spaghetti in creamy cheese sauce with steak
- Chaufa Carne o Pollo $16.75
Peruvian style beef or chicken fried rice
- Bistec Encebollado con Arroz $17.75
Steak sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served with white rice, beans and salsa criolla
- Milanesa de Pollo $16.75
Breaded chicken breast with choice of 2 sides
Pollo a la Brasa ROTISSERIE CHICKEN
- 1/4 de Pollo con 1 Opcion $8.50
1/4 Chicken with 1 side option
- 1/2 Pollo Solo $7.95
Half Rotisserie Chicken
- 1/2 Pollo con 2 opciones $14.75
1/2 chicken with 2 sides
- 1 Pollo entero solo $15.75
1 whole Rotisserie chicken
- Gordo Combo Familiar #1 $26.75
1 Pollo Entero, papa frita o arroz y ensalada mixta “No Substitutes”To Go 23.75 | In House 26.75
Opciones CHOOSE YOUR SIDES
- Arroz amarillo
Yellow rice
- Arroz blanco
White rice
- Tostones
Mashed Plantains
- Maduros
Sweet Plantains
- Frijoles Rojos
Red Beans
- Papas Fritas
French Fries
- Salad
Pescado y Mariscos SEAFOOD
- Chaufa de Mariscos $20.75
Peruvian style seafood fried rice
- Chaufa Especial $18.75
Fried Rice with chicken, beef & Shrimp
- Sudado de Mariscos $21.75
Broiled fish & seafood stew
- Salmon ‘El Gordo’ $21.50
Grilled salmon topped with shrimp in a creamy aji amarillo sauce served with white rice
- Arroz con mariscos $21.75
Seafood yellow rice
- Chicharron de Pescado $17.75
Battered fried fish pieces served with fried yucca and salsa criolla
- Chaufa ‘El Gordo’ $19.75
Fish & shrimp Peruvian fried rice
- Lomo de pescado $17.75
Sauteed fish mixed with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce and fries
- Salmon a la Parilla con 2 Opciones $18.75
Grilled salmon with choice of 2 sides
- Sea bass Empanizado $16.75
Fresh breaded sea bass fillet served with two options
- Pescado a lo Macho $21.75
Pan fried fish fillet in a Peruvian cream sauce mixed with shrimp , mussels and calamari
- Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos $19.75
Peruvian lo mein-style seafood spaguetti
- Jalea $20.75
Deep fried seafood
- Camarones Empanizados con Tostones $14.50
Breaded shrimp served with Mashed plantains
El Gordo JERSEY CITY Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
El Gordo JERSEY CITY Photos










El Gordo JERSEY CITY Location
El Gordo JERSEY CITY
291 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA
El Gordo JERSEY CITY Reviews
green saucechaufadeliverypapa a la huancainarotisserie chickensteakfood and servicetagliatelleappetizerdollar
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My favorite ceviche. The seafood is fresh and light. The chicken was extremely juicy. The portions are always more than filling. And the green sauce is amazing. I go here at a minimum once a month. The staff are helpful and always a pleasure to talk to. I am a fan of El Gordo
September 15 · Gloria MariaI take any and all roasted chicken recs, as it has slowly become my favorite food. It is the perfect intersection of being a relatively healthy meal while still being delicious.All this to say, my guy Blake told me about El Gordo, an authentic Peruvian spot in Jersey City, so we made the push over there. Peruvians tend to slang top tier, roasted chicken, so I was juiced.We both got half chickens with a side of yellow rice and plantains. El Gordo’s chicken is marinated in a blend of Peruvian spices before being slow-roasted. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful skin.This was some SOLID bird, sliding in right in my lower A-tier ranking. It was just missing some of that wow, fall off the bone factor, but it just may not have been their best day. A lot of this is just personal preference at the end of the day.This green sauce was LEGENDARY. Some of the best green sauce I’ve ever had. My only regret is that I didn’t realize until after that they sell it by the bottle. Peruvian Green sauce up there for the most underrated sauce.IG @jnov_Tiktok @jnov__
February 25 · Johnny NovoMy go-to place when I’m craving real authentic Peruvian food. The ceviche has the perfect touch of tangy and sweet. The chaufa (with the green sauce) is fantastic - my husband usually orders it with their chicken and it’s so good!
September 15 · Daniela SalazarThis restaurant exceeded all expectations. The warm ambiance and friendly staff made us feel at home from the moment we walked in. Each dish was flavorful and left us wanting more. The food is so delicious!! Good service all the time!! We were visiting another restaurants but nothing compares as the Gordo!!
June 21 · Erika QuirozWARNING!!!We ordered from here today, delivery.I had 1/2 chicken with yellow rice and maduro, and as I was about to eat some rice, I found a Cockaroach!We called the restaurant, and at first, they accused us, insinuating that we put it there, then started blaming the driver of tampering with the food.The food was sealed, and there was no way of getting in there and didn't offer a refund or anything. Horrible service, horrible.
January 30 · Itzia Santiago
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