Costanera, Montclair's hip restaurant, offers authentic and bold Peruvian Cuisine in a warm, casual atmosphere. The restaurant's owner and executive chef, Juan Andres Placencia, creates dishes with only the freshest, high-quality ingredients prepared with refined, elevated cooking techniques. Located in the heart of Montclair, Costanera is open for lunch and dinner six days a week.
"Ate with my husband and another couple for the first time at Costanera this past Saturday night. Everything was delicious and the wait staff was helpful, efficient and very professional. Looking forward to a return soon!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"Pleasantly surprised with the food - authentic Peruvian dishes, well made in some cases the variations are better (in my opinion) than the more traditional recipe - this was the case with the pan roasted Pescado a lo Macho. The Quinoa Crusted Oyster Po boy Sliders were great as was the humble Salchipapa that our kids ate with gusto.
Outstanding service and attention, highly recommend it."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2001
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"This was my first time going to Costanera. The food was very good - lots of interesting and healthy choices that should appeal to a broad audience. We were unsure where to check in and another waiting couple told us that the man behind the bar/cash register would take care of us. We did wait a while and noticed that a group that came in who went up to him got seated before us and the other couple. Huh? Once seated, waiter great, food very good. But then once he put down the check, the guy from the front comes over shortly to "see if we are ready" to pay. = pushing us to get up. WTF? We didn't even have apps or dessert, and he took his time seating us. We were at table 1'10" not like we were bunkering down. That was a REAL turn-off."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"That was my 4th visit to Costanera and the excellent food, service and atmosphere never fails. I will keep bringing guests to savor the delicious Peruvian plates"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"This is quickly becoming our favorite restaurant in Montclair. We've been four times now and it's even more delicious each time. Especially excellent seafood dishes! Very attentive but not overbearing service. Great for a date night or a group."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Had Costanera Ceviche with crab, Arctic char and shrimp, Yum!! Would like spicier but wad delicious. Had fresh WellPoint oysters and Arroz con Mariscos--for lunch with my mother. Very much enjoyed the food and atmosphere, though it is pretty expensive. they do have a Lunch Special but nothing appealed to us so we ordered from the Regular/Dinner menu. finished lunch with Perfectly creamy flan and caramel sauce. Bonus was finding out Thursdays are $1 Oysters & $0.75 Clams on half shell! Will be back for that!! And it's BYOB!!!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Had such a great experience here. Had never had Peruvian food before. Was very much like Cuban food. Everything we tried was outstanding - including desserts! Our waiter helped guide us on ordering and he was fantastic. He was fantastic and present as we needed him theough the night. This despite the restaurant being packed to the brim. We understand why. Not enough places arpund like this. Authentic fresh food. Can't wait to return!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Many of its dishes had the exact same "basic" sauce. In other words, despite that they should have been entirely different, their basic flavor , smell(and even texture)was identical.
A good effort to recreate some typical Peruvian dishes, but the result, in the dishes we tried, was not quite there.
No special features to be noted other than the place was a bit too dark and the music was at times a bit too intrusive."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
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"Super find! Peruvian food is a great change of pace. Terrific service and servers. Nice selection of fresh fish entrees and specials. Tip: If you bring your own pisco, they will whip you up a fantastic pisco sour! Otherwise BYOB."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"We were looking forward to this Peruvian experience but were met with rather pedestrian offerings. The appetizer of various vegetables in a cheese sauce was ordinary and the Osso Bucco was buried in a thick sauce which completely masked the taste of the meat. We also had seafood in a wok style rice dish which was similar to Asian fare and was not remarkable. They also serve puffed corn instead of bread while waiting for the food so that was nothing to eat with our wine while waiting for the appetizers."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
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"Overall a really great and unique find. Very interesting decor and food choices, and -- even though this was my second visit and I came because of the great food -- we found the food unexpectedly exceptional.
Service was the only unimpressive aspect. Seemed like they were running short-staffed. It took too long to get attention, then they were abrupt when taking orders, and then it took too long for the food to start arriving. Although the food turned-out to be worth the wait.
Despite how good it is, though, prices are high. $200 before tip for 4 appetizers, 4 entrees, 3 desserts, and 2 coffees (BYOB). Because of that I will not be visiting them as often as I would like."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Excellent chicken empanadas with a very light spice. The Osso Bucco fell off the bone and the spinach mashed potatoes were delicious. I would go back."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Costanera and its Peruvian cuisine is always a reliable choice, particularly on Thursdays when they have a special on clams and oysters on the half shell. Very nice ambiance and generally good service BUT since when is it ok to charge an extra $3 for a refill on American coffee?? That's just insulting!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Great food - consistently! Reservations are a must! This place is so popular (and rightfully so) that if you want a table without the wait, do yourself a favor and make reservations."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We have been to Costanera numerous times, this is the first time I was disappointed. I ordered the duck special - usualy absolutely fabulous. I asked for "no salt". The dish arrived, with the duck not exactly hot (although the rice was) and so salty that I was shocked. I think the waiter or the kitchen thought that "no salt" meant: ADD A LOT OF SALT.
Further, it seemed as if there was a kitchen problem - the wait between appetizers and dinner was very long - this is unusual as restaurants want you in & out so that they can turn the table."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"getting a table was the easiest part, we were promptly seated at the exact time of our reservations. We didn't know it was BYOB. Our waiter seemed really out if it, he kept forgetting what the specials were. We then asked him for drinks and before we could say that we only wanted juice, he chimed in and said this is BYOB, so my husband said, we only want an Iced Tea and Cranberry juice. The waiters response was, I'm not sure if we have any left and then went to the bar to look for some. He came back with one Cranberry juice and no Ice Tea and said that the only thing left to drink is water. It was only 9:30pm and they were already out of juice and some of the specials as well. Food was ok but took an hour to get it."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Ever since Costanera opened, it has been a welcome addition to an already amazing restaurant scene. I get here every few months and always have a great meal and a wonderful time."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We like good food and good restaurants. Costanera is a step above most restaurants. If you like different and not the regular tun of the mill food, this is the place. Juan the owner was very accomodating and very helpful with selection. Our waiter and wait staff was great and thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Costanera."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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"Great experience! They were happy to modify the dishes to accommodate special needs and the food was delicious. The wait staff was attentive and prompt."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"My wife and I have been to costanera several times. As always this visit was just as great. Table was ready and waiting for us on time. This alone was great considering it was valentines day and very busy. Service was excellent. Food was prepared perfectly. Satisfied as always."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I would have given the restaurant more stars but the service was poor. I understand that Valentine's Day is a very busy time but it took our server a half hour to remember us and take our order."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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"REally enjoyed my first visit to Costanera, and know I will be back. Too many things to try in one visit. The sashimi cut ceviche was very good. Salad w/ quinoa, lettuce, corn, cheese...very good and enough to share. Chicken kabobs were good. The desserts were outstanding we had flan and shortbread cookie sampler."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The recipes are adventurous while evoking the traditional. The Ceviche Costanera was other-worldly. The seared duck special was one of the best duck dishes I've ever had. My only regret was not being able to try a dozen more menu items. We are planning to go back in a couple of weeks. Can't wait."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"I had been to Peru recently and while the food isn't exactly authentic, it was reminiscent. The food had a flair with excellent flavors. You can order healthy or heavy."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"Food is amazing. Apps and small plates are the real gem here! Quinoa crusted fish fritters are a must have. Service was slow and not that attentive. That being said I highly recommend this place! Best Peruvian I've ever had!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"This restaurant was highly recommended by a Peruvian friend. The appetizer was excellent. The main course was average and didn't live up to the description or expectation that it would be spicy and flavorful. Perhaps we chose the wrong dish, since many of the dishes on the menu looked appetizing as well. Or perhaps we should have asked the server what he recommended."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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"Decent. However, not good to hear the host say to a server as our friends came in "what is this, walk-in night?" Come on, guys, don't say stuff like that...you weren't even that busy."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Never had Peruvian food before and it was fantastic! Service was great. The waiter made great recommendations and everyone in our party (4) raved about their dishes. Didn't break the bank either. Great find and a must if you're in Montclair."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Everything was excellent, as usual. Food presentation was outstanding. We had a gluten-free vegetarian in our party, and she was able to choose from selections that more than met her expectations!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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