Unearth The Voyage
Craving bold Peruvian flavors without leaving Montclair You will love Fusionista, a cozy downtown spot where tradition meets modern flair in every bite. With a 4.9 star rating and a fiercely loyal fanbase, this intimate BYOB favorite turns lunch and dinner into mini celebrations.
Come early, make a reservation, and prepare to discover your new go to for ceviche, lomo, and unforgettable desserts.
1. Charapa Ceviche Experience
Begin with citrus brightness that wakes your palate right up. Fusionista’s Charapa ceviche brings pristine fish, zippy lime, and a flirt of spice that lingers just enough.
You taste clean ocean notes balanced by red onion crunch and creamy sweet potato alongside.
Ask your server about heat levels and they will guide you kindly. Portions feel generous, perfect for sharing before mains or savoring solo with a chilled drink.
It is the kind of plate that convinces skeptical friends that ceviche can be life changing.
What makes it modern The plating is refined and the textures are dialed to perfection. Grab a reservation on busy nights so you do not miss out.
If you love freshness, this is your first stop and likely your favorite repeat order.
2. Lomo Saltado With Huancaina Touch
Stir fry energy meets comfort here. The lomo saltado arrives with tender beef, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and jus that soaks into fries just right.
Ask for the papa a la huancaina on the side and watch creamy, peppery sauce elevate everything.
The meat is cooked to that sweet spot where it tastes buttery without losing bite. If you like bolder seasoning, the team gladly nudges spice to your lane.
It is a plate built for sharing, but you will guard every forkful once you start.
Some nights it hits perfect, other times merely good, yet always satisfying. Pair it with rice for that luxurious sauce absorption.
You will remember the aroma drifting through the cozy dining room long after dinner.
3. Churrasco With Pesto Pasta
This combo turns heads every time. Grilled churrasco lands juicy and deeply seasoned, then shares the plate with silky pesto pasta done Peruvian Italian style.
It looks like date night but eats like comfort, rich yet balanced.
If you want extra herb brightness, ask for a touch more sauce. The kitchen usually nails medium beautifully, and staff check in to keep you happy.
It is a great choice when you want steak without a heavy, old school presentation.
BYOB makes it friendly on the wallet, and the portion can feed two if you start with ceviche. The vibe stays intimate, so reservations help on peak nights.
You will leave feeling like you discovered a signature Fusionista move.
4. Charcoal Grilled Octopus
Smoky, tender, and beautifully charred, the grilled octopus shows precision. Sauces glide over the curls, adding citrus lift and savory depth without hiding the natural sweetness.
You cut with a fork and smile because texture is spot on.
Pair it with a crisp salad or share as a luxe appetizer. Servers are quick to suggest sauces and will adjust pacing if you are tasting through the menu.
On cooler nights, the warm room and candlelit feel make this even better.
Presentation leans modern, with careful color and height. If you have had chewy octopus elsewhere, this will redeem the dish completely.
Order confidently and let the kitchen prove how technique transforms seafood.
5. Arroz con Mariscos Comfort
This seafood rice arrives plush, every grain bathed in ocean rich broth. Mussels, shrimp, and squid bring variety while peppers and herbs round the profile.
It is soulful yet polished, a hug that still photographs beautifully.
You will want to slow down and let the steam carry those aromas. Staff happily provide lemon or extra aji if you crave brightness or heat.
Portioning feels generous, perfect after a busy Montclair day.
Some nights the room buzzes, but the bowl keeps you centered. If you are sharing, add a light starter like ceviche for contrast.
Expect to scrape the dish clean, then talk about it on the ride home.
6. Arroz Chaufa Stir Fry
Peruvian Chinese flavors shine in this wok kissed fried rice. You get smoky edges, soft grains, and savory bits that keep each bite interesting.
Add chicken, shrimp, or beef depending on your mood and appetite.
It is an easy crowd pleaser and reheats like a dream if you take leftovers. Servers time it well with appetizers, so you can pace the meal naturally.
If you prefer lower oil or extra scallions, just ask and they will accommodate.
The dish feels familiar yet distinct, a gateway for friends new to the cuisine. In a cozy space with limited tables, it lands quickly and disappears faster.
You will wonder why all fried rice does not taste this layered.
7. Pescado a lo Macho
Golden fried fish meets a luscious seafood sauce that coats every crisp edge. The contrast is addictive, crunchy outside with a savory, briny blanket on top.
A squeeze of lime brightens the richness without stealing the show.
If you like texture play, this is your plate. Servers often recommend it to first timers because it captures Fusionista’s spirit beautifully.
Ask for extra sauce if you are a dipper, then enjoy the quiet nods around your table.
It pairs well with a simple salad or rice to catch drips. The portion is generous, perfect after browsing downtown shops.
You leave proud of the clean plate club membership you just earned.
8. Croquettes Starter
These croquettes arrive hot, crisp, and comforting. Inside, the filling is creamy with subtle spice, made for dipping and passing around.
They are perfect when you want a bite that feels familiar but still distinctly Peruvian.
The portion size works well for two to three people before mains. You can pair them with house sauces for variety and a little heat.
Service stays attentive, refilling water and checking in without hovering.
They set the tone for a relaxed, cozy meal, especially on cooler evenings. In a small room, the sizzle and aroma draw happy glances from nearby tables.
Order quickly, because they tend to vanish the second they land.
9. Linguine With Peruvian Flair
Linguine gets dressed in sauces that tilt toward fresh herbs and gentle spice. Add seafood or steak for a heartier plate that still feels balanced.
The kitchen plates it neatly, with just enough gloss to look irresistible.
If you enjoyed the churrasco combo, this pasta gives a similar comfort in a lighter lane. Ask about daily tweaks or specials because sauces rotate with inspiration.
Staff are honest about portions so you can plan dessert.
It is ideal for those nights when you want twirlable satisfaction without heaviness. Pair with a citrusy starter to keep things bright.
You will savor the last strands and consider ordering it again next visit.
10. Papa a la Huancaina Side
Creamy, mildly spicy, and incredibly versatile, huancaina sauce steals scenes. Over potatoes it becomes comfort food with personality, silky and sunshine colored.
You can also dab it onto steak, rice, or vegetables for instant elevation.
Ask for a little extra if you are a sauce person. The staff understand and often smile knowingly because regulars do the same.
Its gentle heat keeps you reaching back between bites of your main.
In a cozy dining room, this small plate delivers big satisfaction. It is an easy add that turns a good meal into a memorable one.
You will start dreaming up what else you can drizzle it on next time.
11. Chicha Morada Cheesecake
Dessert brings a playful twist with chicha morada cheesecake. It is light, not too sweet, with gentle purple corn and spice notes lingering.
The crust stays crisp while the filling feels silky and fresh.
If you usually skip dessert, this might convert you. Pair it with coffee or tea and enjoy the warm, unhurried finish.
Servers know it is a guest favorite and love watching the first bite reactions.
Share one for the table or keep it all to yourself. In an intimate space, the final course feels extra special.
You will leave grateful that tradition found such an elegant, modern ending.
12. BYOB, Cozy Vibes, Smart Timing
Fusionista is intimate, with just a handful of tables and warm lighting. That makes reservations a smart move, especially on weekends or holidays.
BYOB keeps the bill friendly and allows you to curate pairings your way.
Parking downtown can be tricky, so arrive a touch early for meters or lots. The team is welcoming, flexible with spice and allergies, and genuinely attentive.
You feel looked after without pressure or rush.
Hours vary slightly by day, so plan lunch or dinner accordingly. When the room hums, conversation stays comfortable because music is not blasting.
You will settle in quickly and forget the outside bustle.
13. Service That Feels Personal
From the moment you sit, the team anticipates needs with real warmth. Servers like Jeremy, Lizbeth, Jostin, Carmen, and Disved earn shoutouts for good reason.
They guide you through sauces, spice levels, and portions without upsell pressure.
Water stays topped, pacing feels natural, and substitutions are handled kindly. If something misses the mark, they fix it fast and without fuss.
You feel like a regular even on your first visit, which is rare.
In a small room, hospitality makes or breaks the night. Here, it elevates everything and keeps guests returning with friends.
You will remember names, smiles, and that last check in before dessert.
