El Gordo MONTCLAIR Introduce
For New Jersey diners seeking a truly authentic taste of South American flavor, El Gordo MONTCLAIR stands out as a treasured local destination. This Peruvian restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a celebration of culture, history, and family legacy. Built on a tradition that spans nearly 30 years, El Gordo was founded on the perseverance of a single mother's dream and is still proudly run by the loving family behind it all.
The core of the El Gordo experience is its dedication to serving traditional, legacy-driven Peruvian cuisine. They are famous for their savory classics, especially the Pollo a La Brasa (rotisserie chicken), the popular stir-fry dish Lomo Saltado Carne, and fresh Ceviche De Pescado. Every dish, according to loyal customers, "tasted like it was made with love," and the service provides a "warm, welcoming atmosphere" where patrons truly feel "loved and cared for." The food is designed for both Peruvians and food lovers alike to experience the authentic flavors of "home."
A key highlight, often mentioned on social media feeds and in local reviews, is their signature Peruvian Green Sauce, which has such a creamy, bold, and flavorful kick that it’s sold by the bottle. They also offer refreshing Peruvian beverages like Chicha Morada and Jugo De Maracuya, completing the authentic culinary journey.
Located in Montclair, this casual and cozy spot is perfect for a quick bite, a dedicated lunch or dinner, or for satisfying a craving for delicious comfort food any day of the week (except Tuesday, when they are closed). If you are looking for a true culinary gem in North Jersey, El Gordo Montclair has deservedly made it onto many locals' "usuals" list.
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## Location and Accessibility
El Gordo MONTCLAIR is conveniently located in the Montclair area of New Jersey at 324b Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA. Montclair is a hub for North Jersey dining, and El Gordo's location ensures easy access for residents throughout Essex County and beyond.
The Montclair location is designed with customer convenience and accessibility in mind:
- Parking: For those driving to the restaurant, parking is available in a paid parking lot, making it straightforward to find a spot to stop in for a meal or to pick up an order.
- Physical Accessibility: The restaurant is accessible to all patrons with a wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Atmosphere: The vibe is described as casual and cozy, providing a relaxed setting for solo dining or for families, as the venue is noted as good for kids.
Its presence on Orange Road places it within a dynamic area, making it an excellent stop for traditional Peruvian food whenever you are in the Montclair neighborhood.
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## Services Offered
El Gordo MONTCLAIR offers a wide array of service options to meet the needs of busy New Jersey residents. Their primary focus is on serving authentic food conveniently for both on-site and off-site enjoyment.
- Dine-in: Patrons can enjoy the warm, welcoming, and cozy atmosphere for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
- Takeout and Drive-through: For maximum convenience, the restaurant offers traditional takeout as well as a drive-through option, perfect for grabbing a meal efficiently on the go.
- Delivery: They provide comprehensive delivery services, including standard delivery and no-contact delivery, ensuring food reaches you safely at home.
- Curbside Pickup: Another convenient option for quickly collecting orders without having to leave your car.
- Dining Options: Beyond lunch and dinner, they also offer a variety of Dessert options to complete the Peruvian dining experience.
- Catering: El Gordo provides Catering services for both small and large-scale events, from corporate gatherings to family parties, allowing the community to share the taste of Peruvian cuisine at any function.
These varied services, from drive-through to full catering, ensure that the Montclair community can easily access their high-quality Peruvian food any day of the week.
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## Features / Highlights
El Gordo MONTCLAIR is celebrated in the local New Jersey area not just for its food but for the story and spirit behind the business. These features define its unique place in the dining scene.
- Peruvian Family Legacy: The business is a testament to the American Dream, started by an immigrant mother and now run by the next generation, bringing a heartfelt, authentic experience to Montclair.
- Signature Green Sauce: The renowned Peruvian Green Sauce (also sold by the bottle) is a major draw, adding a creamy, bold, and flavorful kick to almost any dish.
- Authentic Comfort Food: The restaurant excels at traditional Peruvian restaurant offerings, serving up dishes that are considered comfort food and taste like "home."
- Key Peruvian Specialties: They are most known for their Pollo a La Brasa (rotisserie chicken), Lomo Saltado (beef stir-fry), and freshly prepared Ceviche.
- Exceptional Hospitality: Customers consistently highlight the amazing service and warm, welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing that the staff takes great pride in customer service.
- Convenient Payment Options: Offering flexibility, they accept Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
- Menu Versatility: In addition to comfort classics, the menu also includes Healthy options and Small plates, catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
- Amenities: The availability of Wi-Fi makes it a practical spot for a casual work lunch or quick check-in.
The combination of high-quality, authentic food and genuine, family-oriented service makes El Gordo a standout culinary experience in New Jersey.
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## Contact Information
To enjoy the authentic Peruvian food at El Gordo MONTCLAIR, whether dining in, picking up, or scheduling a delivery, please use the contact information provided below. It is always wise to confirm hours for the most convenient visit.
Address:
324b Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Phone:
(201) 618-1740 or +1 201-618-1740
The Montclair location operates on a regular schedule throughout the week:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Some delivery times may extend to 8:30 PM)
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The drive-through and multiple delivery options ensure you can access their delicious food during these hours with maximum convenience.
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## What is Worth Choosing
For New Jersey food lovers, the menu at El Gordo MONTCLAIR offers a delightful deep dive into the best of Peruvian cuisine. While everything is made with care, certain items are universally recommended as essential choices.
A mandatory starting point is the selection of signature appetizers:
- Papa A La Huancaina ($14.10) or Yucca A La Huancaina ($14.10): These are tender potatoes or fried yuca drizzled with a creamy, rich, yet not spicy Huancaína sauce—a Peruvian favorite that is highly praised by customers.
- Ceviche De Pescado ($23.70): Fresh sea bass marinated in lime juice, served traditionally with onions, sweet potato, Peruvian Corn, and the surprising touch of Cancha (toasted corn kernels)—a perfect refreshing start. The Ceviche Mixto ($26.10) provides a variety of seafood.
For the main course, the Montclair location excels in several categories, offering hearty meals perfect for Lunch or Dinner:
- Pollo a La Brasa: Their famous rotisserie chicken is a must-try. Get the 1/2 Pollo - Papa O Arroz, Y Ensalada ($18.00) for a classic complete meal that includes a side of fries or rice and salad.
- Lomo Saltado Carne ($21.60): A quintessential Peruvian dish featuring tender beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce, served over french fries and white rice. It’s a perfect blend of Peruvian and Chinese influences.
- Arroz Con Pollo Y Huancaina ($21.60): A classic Creole dish featuring chicken and rice, often considered ultimate Peruvian comfort food.
- Seafood Specialties: Dive into the ocean flavors with Arroz Con Mariscos ($28.80) (Peruvian seafood yellow rice) or the deep-fried seafood mix known as Jalea ($27.60). The Chaufa De Mariscos ($29.82) is a rich Peruvian-style seafood fried rice.
- Refreshing Drinks: Do not miss out on the traditional drinks like the non-alcoholic, purple corn-based Chicha Morada ($4.80) or the tart, tropical Jugo De Maracuya ($4.80) (passion fruit juice).
El Gordo MONTCLAIR is worth choosing because it not only provides a phenomenal array of traditional Peruvian dishes but also wraps the entire experience in a blanket of genuine warmth and heartfelt family hospitality. It’s an ideal spot to discover new flavors or enjoy a reliably excellent meal right here in the New Jersey community.
El Gordo MONTCLAIR Menu
Online Menu - Appetizers
- Ceviche De Pescado $23.70
Fresh, raw fish, marinated in zesty lime juice until perfectly cured. Tossed with red onions, Peruvian corn, cancha, and sweet potato for the perfect balance of refreshing and savory flavors.
- Papa A La Huancaina $14.10
Sliced tender potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy Huancaína sauce made from Peruvian cheese and a touch of spice (but don’t worry—it’s not spicy!) Served chilled and topped with a hard-boiled egg
- Yucca A La Huancaina $14.10
Fried yucca pieces smothered in a rich, creamy Huancaína sauce made from cheese and a touch of spice (but don’t worry—it’s not spicy!). Served chilled and topped with a hard-boiled egg
- Causa De Tuna $12.90
Our Peruvian Causa is a hidden gem! Layers of soft, citrusy mashed potatoes filled with flavorful tuna and topped with fresh avocado slices. A perfect blend of zesty, creamy, and savory—this appetizer is a must-try for any foodie!
- Salchipapa $12.90
Salchipapa is the ultimate Peruvian street food comfort dish. Crispy golden fries topped with slicced chicken sausages.
- Ceviche Mixto $26.10
Peruvian Ceviche Mixto is a refreshing burst of flavor. Featuring fresh fish, calamari, shrimp, and mussels, marinated in lime juice until perfectly cured. Topped with red onion, sweet potato, and Peruvian corn.
- Choros A La Chalaca $18.00
Choros a la Chalaca is a must-try for seafood lovers! Fresh, plump mussels topped with onions, tomatoes, Peruvian corn, cilantro, and lime. The perfect balance of citrusy acidity and savory flavors will make your taste buds dance! 8 mussels per order
Online Menu - Comida Criolla
- Aji De Gallina $18.00
Shredded chicken simmered in a rich, yellow creamy sauce. Not spicy, and perfect for foodies who love indulgent, creamy dishes. A must-try! Served with white rice and boiled potatoes.
- Arroz Con Pollo Y Huancaina $21.60
Fragrant, cilantro-infused green rice cooked to perfection, served with juicy, seasoned chicken and topped with our creamy Huancaína sauce. A flavorful Peruvian favorite!
- Seco Combinado $22.50
Traditional Peruvian beef stew cooked in a cilantro sauce served with rice, white Peruvian beans, and salsa criolla. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and tradition in every bite!
Online Menu - Drinks
- Chicha Morada $4.80
A sweet and refreshing Peruvian purple corn drink, brewed with cinnamon, cloves, and fruit for a unique and delicious flavor.
- Jugo De Maracuya $4.80
Made with fresh passion fruit, this tropical drink is the perfect thirst-quencher.Refreshing, sweet, and tangy!
- Canned Soda $2.40
- Water Bottle $2.40
Online Menu - Entrees
- Chaufa Carne $22.50
Wok-tossed to perfection, this dish is loaded with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, scallions, and your choice of juicy chicken or tender beef, all infused with a rich, savory soy sauce.
- Chaufa Pollo $21.30
Peruvian-style chicken fried rice
- Chaufa Mixto $23.82
- Chaufa Vegetales $19.02
- Lomo Saltado Carne $21.60
Tender beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce over french fries served with white rice
- Lomo Saltado Pollo $20.40
Tender chicken sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce over french fries served with white rice
- Tallarin Verde Bistek OR Pechuga $25.20
Spaghetti tossed in a creamy, vibrant spinach and basil sauce, served with your choice of juicy steak OR grilled chicken. Rich, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying in every bite!
- Tallarin Saltado Pollo $20.40
Peruvian-style lo mein, choose from veggie, chicken, or beef. Sauteed with onions, peppers, and tomatoes
- Tallarin Saltado Carne $21.60
- Bistec Encebollado Con Arroz $27.60
Steak sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served with white rice, beans, and salsa criolla
- Bistec Con 2 Opciones $25.20
Juicy sirloin steak served with 2 sides of your choosing
- Milanesa Pollo - 2 Opciones $23.70
Breaded chicken breast with choice of 2 sides
- Pechuga A La Plancha - 2 Opciones $22.50
Grilled chicken breast with 2 sides
Online Menu - Green Sauce
- Small Green Sauce $0.85
- Green Sauce Bottle $11.75
Our creamy, flavorful, and addictively delicious Peruvian green sauce is the perfect blend of fresh herbs, spices, and just the right touch of heat. Drizzle it on everything—grilled meats, fries, rice, or even use it as a dip. One taste, and you’ll never eat the same way again!
- 1 Oz Rocoto $0.85
- Salad Dressing - 3 For $1 $1.00
Peruvian salad dressing
Online Menu - Pescado Y Mariscos / Seafood
- Arroz Con Mariscos $28.80
A seafood lover’s dream! This Peruvian-style seafood rice is packed with fresh shrimp, mussels, squid, all tossed in a flavorful, spiced sauce with a hint of cilantro.
- Chaufa De Camarones $25.02
A Peruvian twist on fried rice, packed with bold flavors! Wok-tossed shrimp, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, scallions, and a savory soy sauce blend come together for the perfect bite.
- Chaufa De Mariscos $29.82
Peruvian-style seafood fried rice
- Chaufa Especial $25.02
Fried rice with chicken, beef, & shrimp
- Chicharron De Pescado $25.20
Battered fried fish pieces served with fried yucca and salsa criolla
- Grilled Sea Bass $26.22
- Jalea $27.60
Deep-fried seafood mix with tilapia, calamari, shrimp, fried yucca, and topped with delicious salsa criolla
- Lomo De Pescado $23.82
Sauteed fish mixed with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and fries
- Salmon A La Parilla Con 2 Opciones $27.60
Grilled salmon with a choice of 2 sides
- Sea Bass Empanizado $22.62
Fresh breaded sea bass fillet served with two options
- Sudado De Mariscos $28.62
Broiled fish & seafood stew
- Tallarin Saltado De Mariscos $25.20
Peruvian lo mein-style seafood spaghetti with calamari, shrimp, and mussels.
Online Menu - Pollo a La Brasa
- 1/4 Pollo Solo $8.40
- 1/2 Pollo Solo $13.20
Half rotisserie chicken
- 1/4 Pollo - Papa O Arroz, Y Ensalada $14.40
Juicy, slow-roasted Peruvian rotisserie chicken, marinated in our signature spices for that perfect flavorful bite. Served with your choice of crispy fries OR fluffy rice, plus a fresh side salad.
- 1/2 Pollo - Papa O Arroz, Y Ensalada $18.00
Juicy, slow-roasted Peruvian rotisserie chicken, marinated in our signature spices for that perfect flavorful bite. Served with your choice of crispy fries OR fluffy rice, plus a fresh side salad.
Online Menu - Salads
- "Andes" Salad $12.00
Mixed salad with quinoa, avocado, tomato, cucumber, onion, and peruvian dressing
- "Andes" Salad With Grilled Chicken $16.00
- "Andes" Salad With Salmon $22.00
- "Andes" Salad With Steak $23.00
- "Andes" Salad With Grilled Shrimp $17.00
Online Menu - Sandwiches
- Lomo Sandwich - Beef $14.75
Beef Lomo Saltado sandwich in a toasted brioche bun, served with french fries
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich $14.00
Grilled Chicken sandwich on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Served with French fries
- Chicharron Sandwich $14.75
Crispy pork belly with sweet potato slices and salsa criolla on a brioche bun. Served with french fries
- Milanesa Sandwich $14.75
Crispy breaded chicken with lettuce, tomato, mayo and salsa criolla on a brioche bun. Served with french fries
Online Menu - Side Orders
- Tostones $6.00
Mashed plantains
- Maduros $6.00
Sweet plantains
- Papas Fritas $6.00
French fries
- Yucca Frita $6.00
Fried cassava
- Arroz Amarillo $6.00
Yellow rice
- Arroz Blanco $6.00
White rice
- Frijoles Rojos $6.00
Red beans
- Salsa Criolla $6.00
Peruvian onion and tomato salad with lime juice
- Side Ensalada $6.00
Mixed salad
- Frijoles Blancos $6.00
White beans
- Steamed Vegetables $7.20
Steamed vegetables
- Cancha $3.30
Online Menu - Sopas
- Sopa Del Dia $9.60
Available Wed - Fri only. Our delicious, always fresh Soup of the Day varies day to day so please call to confirm what we have
- Caldo De Gallina $15.00
Caldo de Gallina is a rich and flavorful hen broth slow-cooked to perfection. Served with tender hen, noodles, boiled potatoes, and a hard-boiled egg.
- Parihuela $19.80
A rich, flavorful broth infused with bold spices and packed with a mix of fresh fish, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. Peru’s ultimate seafood soup! Light spice level
El Gordo MONTCLAIR Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
El Gordo MONTCLAIR Photos










El Gordo MONTCLAIR Location
El Gordo MONTCLAIR
324b Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
El Gordo MONTCLAIR Reviews
lomo saltadoricegreen saucepollo a la brasarotisserie chickenbarstoolsledfamily-owned businessalfajoresseco
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Yum, Yum, Yum!My social media feed kept showing me El Gordo in Montclair, so I finally gave it a try today—and I’m so glad I did! Not only was the hot sauce amazing, but the touch of serving it with Cancha was such a great start. We ordered our favorite yuca with Huancaína sauce, and it did not disappoint. So thankful my feed led me here, and so happy we gave it a try. El Gordo has officially made it onto my “usuals” list!
August 16 · Tanya GarzonA Hidden Gem with Heartfelt Service and Food!!!Amazing service, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere! We truly felt loved and cared for—every dish tasted like it was made with love. This family-owned business has been around for 30 years, and it’s clear they take great pride in their customer service.Funny enough, we discovered this place after having a disappointing experience at Lena y Carbón. But we’re so grateful that God led us here—this spot is a true gem.We’ll definitely be back. Thank you again for the incredible food and hospitality!
May 11 · Cynthia WWe just happened upon this spot driving thru Montclair… and it was delicious! We ordered the fried rice with beef, chicken, and shrimp… and the fried fish. Everything was yummy… but the winner is their sauce!! Sooo dang good. I bought two bottles to take back to Philly!
July 26 · veronana70Really yummy! Had my favorite dish Lomo Saltado and my fiancé had the chicharrón de pescado. It was the perfect amount of food, not too much or too little. I went during the week which made it easy to get a table but not sure how easy it is on the weekends. I hope to visit again soon
April 26 · KellieIt’s been so long since I’ve had Peruvian food so very happy that this place opened up in Montclair. As familiar as I am with Montclair, it was in an area I’ve never been to. In any case, the food was delicious and the service was attentive. It’s a a small place with 4 small tables and a barstools on one side. It seemed like a mostly takeout place but it was rather nice to stay there and enjoy our meal. The ceviche was wonderful with so much seafood along with corn and sweet potatoes. The moderate spiciness ended up a bit a tad spicier than I prefer so I’ll make sure to order it as mild next time. My partner had the breaded chicken that reminded me of Milanese chicken. It was tender and tasty. Plenty of rice and fried plantain. I had the steak and wow, so flavorful. No need for any condiments. I had the yellow rice which was delicious and the fried plantain, which was crispy on the outside. We had their freshly made juice (I can’t recall what it was) and also quite good. We plan to visit again!
April 12 · Elena Yee
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