Santa Brasa

- 1291 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents in search of authentic and flavorful Peruvian cuisine, **Santa Brasa** in Clifton stands as a significant local institution. Specializing in the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Peru, this **Peruvian restaurant** provides a deep dive into South American flavor, offering everything from hearty grilled meats to delicate seafood and signature stir-fry dishes. It is a well-known spot in the area, offering **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, and **Delivery** options to the North Jersey community.

The menu at Santa Brasa is a comprehensive tour of Peruvian classics. One of the most celebrated categories is the **Saltados**, the traditional Peruvian stir-fries that blend strips of seasoned sirloin, chicken, or seafood with onions, tomatoes, and crispy French fries, all served with white rice. The most famous of these is the **Lomo Saltado** ($20.00), a perennial favorite that is a must-try for any first-time visitor. Equally popular is the **Arroz Chaufa**, or Peruvian-style fried rice, which comes in several varieties including **Chaufa de Pollo** ($18.00) and the mixed **Chaufa Santa Brasa** ($25.00) with beef, chicken, and shrimp. These generous portion sizes are a consistent advantage noted by customers, offering excellent value.

Another cornerstone of the menu is the **Pollos a la Brasa al Carbon**—Peruvian rotisserie chicken cooked over charcoal. Available in quarters, halves, or whole chickens, these combos are served with classic sides like French fries and a fresh salad, offering a savory, convenient meal for families or groups. Seafood lovers are catered to with an array of Pescados y Mariscos options, including the Jalea ($27.00), which features deep-fried fish and seafood, and the potent Leche de Tigre ($15.00), the tangy, spicy citrus marinade used in ceviche. The dessert selection is also extensive, featuring Peruvian treats like **Picarones** (Weekends Only - $10.00) and **Helado de lucuma** ($8.00).

While the food is largely considered good and authentic, the restaurant experience can be mixed. Santa Brasa is designed with a **Casual** and **Cozy** atmosphere, suited for a quiet meal. It’s popular for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and welcomes both **Family-friendly** crowds and **Groups**. However, some recent customer feedback highlights areas where the local dining experience falls short, specifically regarding transparency on charges and management's handling of customer service issues. Potential patrons should be aware of policies regarding bottled water and potential fees for takeout containers and automatic gratuity, which have been points of contention for some local diners.

Location and Accessibility

Santa Brasa is conveniently situated at

1291 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Accessibility has been considered for patrons with mobility needs. The establishment offers a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, providing necessary convenience right near the venue. Furthermore, the dining area includes **Wheelchair accessible seating** and a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, ensuring comfort for all guests. For general parking, **Free street parking** is available in the surrounding area, which is a significant advantage in this dense commercial hub.

Services Offered

• Full Meal Service: Provides **Table service** for **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner** in a comfortable setting with general **Seating**.
• Takeout and Delivery: Offers convenient options for both local **Delivery** and in-person **Takeout** services.
• Variety of Offerings: Menu includes **Comfort food**, specialized **Small plates** (Antojitos like Papa a la Huancaina), and dedicated **Healthy options** and **Vegetarian options**.
• Beverage Selection: Serves a variety of Peruvian **Bebidas organicas de los Andes**, including **Chicha Morada** and **Emoliente**, alongside standard **Coffee** and various bottled drinks.
• Dessert Menu: Features an authentic **Dessert** selection, including the weekend-only **Picarones**, Tres leches, and **Helado de lucuma**.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• Family Amenities: The environment is generally **Family-friendly** and provides **High chairs** for children.

Features / Highlights

• Signature Dish Excellence: Renowned for its **Lomo Saltado** and other **Saltados**, a core pillar of Peruvian cuisine.
• Authentic Rotisserie Chicken: Offers high-quality **Pollos a la Brasa al Carbon** (charcoal chicken) combos, a popular local specialty.
• Comprehensive Peruvian Menu: A large selection of traditional dishes, from **Sopas** (like **Chupe de Camarones**) to **Chaufas** (Peruvian fried rice) and large Parrillada options for **Groups**.
• Seafood Specialties: Features highly rated Pescados y Mariscos such as **Jalea**, **Pescado a lo Macho**, and various **Ceviche** options like Leche de Tigre.
• Genuine Peruvian Beverages: Serves traditional drinks like **Chicha Morada** and **Inca Kola**, enhancing the authentic experience.
• Variety of Dining Options: Caters to all parts of the day, offering **Breakfast** (including Desayuno Santa Brasa) through to **Dinner**.
• Accessibility and Parking: Provides key amenities like a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** and **Free street parking**.

Contact Information

Address: 1291 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone: (973) 955-4999

What is worth choosing

For New Jersey diners, Santa Brasa is a compelling choice when the priority is experiencing authentic, flavorful Peruvian cooking. The menu is arguably one of the most extensive local selections of Peruvian cuisine, offering a chance to taste classic dishes often hard to find elsewhere. The commitment to dishes like the signature, tender **Lomo Saltado** and the family-favorite charcoal rotisserie chicken (**Pollo a la Brasa al Carbon**) is a major draw. The variety in the menu is a strong point, allowing a group to sample different facets of Peruvian food, from the mixed meats of the **Chaufa Santa Brasa** to the creamy **Papa a la Huancaina** appetizer. The large, family-style platters and combos also make it highly suitable for **Groups** seeking a satisfying, communal meal at a good value.

However, local users should proceed with awareness. While the **Waitress service** is rated highly by some patrons, other reviews indicate significant issues with service transparency, specifically around undisclosed charges for automatic **gratuity**, bottled water (instead of tap water), and takeout containers. For those who prioritize a smooth, predictable billing experience and management responsiveness, this is a necessary consideration.

Ultimately, if your primary goal is to enjoy hearty portions of authentic Peruvian food—the kind that makes you feel like you are traveling through the Andes or along the coast—Santa Brasa in Clifton offers a deep, satisfying menu that delivers on flavor and variety. For the best experience, focusing on their popular classics and clarifying all potential charges upfront is recommended. This restaurant is a pillar of the local Latin American dining landscape, providing a true taste of Peru to the North Jersey community.

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Santa Brasa

1291 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA