Jarana: Chef Martha Palacios brings Peruvian food to Aventura
“Jarana” in Peruvian means a lively party, a celebration, a true fiesta — and that spirit is felt the moment you step inside this vibrant Peruvian restaurant. Overseeing the kitchen is Executive Chef Martha Palacios, whose culinary voice is as dynamic as the word that names the restaurant.
Born in Lima and shaped by time spent in Japan, Chef Palacios builds her menu on the foundation of traditional Peruvian ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, while gracefully weaving in Japanese, Italian and Chinese influences. Her style reflects years spent refining her craft across South America and abroad, creating a cuisine that feels both deeply authentic and globally informed.
In March 2025, Chef Palacios was recognized as a Culinary Star by MIAbites for Women’s Month in South Florida — a fitting acknowledgment of a chef whose work celebrates culture, creativity and joyful hospitality in every dish.
The setting at Jarana mirrors the celebratory meaning behind its name. The décor is bright and festive, evoking the warmth and color of South America while maintaining an air of understated elegance and comfort. It’s a space that feels joyful and refined without being overly formal.
The restaurant’s large, inviting bar encourages guests to linger over pisco cocktails and conversation, while additional outdoor seating offers a breezy extension of the dining experience. The open kitchen adds another layer of energy, allowing diners to glimpse the choreography behind each dish and further connecting the room to the food. Together, these elements create an atmosphere that feels both spirited and welcoming — a place designed not just for dining, but for gathering and celebrating.
From JARANA’S extensive and creative cocktail menu, we chose the Maracuyá Sour — made with Caravedo Quebranta pisco, passionfruit, fresh lime juice, a dash of Angostura bitters and crowned with frothy egg white, it delivered a heavenly balance of sweet fruitiness and citrusy tang. A traditional red sangria proved equally refreshing and well balanced, pleasantly restrained in sweetness.
Our wonderful waiter, Fernando, guided us through several new menu additions, encouraging us to be adventurous — advice we were happy to follow.
From the various Cebiche offerings, we chose the Cebiche Limeño, a beloved Lima classic. A medley of shrimp, octopus, calamari and firm white fish tossed in ají amarillo leche de tigre and a zesty lime-chili marinade, served with pozole corn, crunchy corn and sweet potato slices. The result was exceptionally fresh, bright and alive with flavor — a dish that immediately awakened the palate and captured the coastal essence of Peru.
We continued with a series of dishes that beautifully showcased the range and creativity of the menu at Jarana.
The Crispy Rice, topped with tuna tartare, avocado, ikura (cured salmon roe), and accented with a cebiche-style sauce, delivered a delightful interplay of textures and fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
The Conchitas a la Parmesana — scallops served in the shell, topped with Parmesan cheese and broiled — honored a beloved Peruvian coastal classic, reminiscent of a French Coquilles St. Jacques. Deeply satisfying, it delivered indulgent richness while still carrying a refined coastal character.
For a true hit of soul-warming comfort food, the Croquetas De Aji De Gallina are a must! Golden and crunchy on the outside and filled with a hot, creamy and oh so flavorful chicken stew.
The Muchame featured impeccably fresh cured hamachi with avocado, tomatoes, capers and chimichurri, served alongside crispy soda crackers. Although the chimichurri leaned slightly salty, the dish remained light, flavorful and wonderfully refreshing.
From there, we explored selections from the restaurant’s Josper grill, a Spanish-style charcoal grill known for imparting subtle smoky flavor through intense heat. The traditional Corazón — veal heart marinated in mild red pepper and savory spices, skewered and grilled to perfection — was remarkably tender with a delicate, mild flavor. It arrived with roasted potatoes and both a spicy red sauce and a gentle green herb sauce on the side, allowing for delicious customization with each bite.
Next came the Steak and Fries, also prepared on the Josper grill and cooked flawlessly. Bathed in a creamy, rich peppercorn sauce and accompanied by a generous portion of thin, crispy fries, it was an ideal dish for sharing.
Having thoroughly overindulged, we were hesitant when Fernando encouraged us to consider dessert — but we are grateful for his persistence. Following his recommendations, we sampled the Torta de Chocolate: a moist cake infused with pisco syrup, layered with lúcuma (a fruit native to South America with a sweet, caramel-like flavor) ganache and finished with dark chocolate sauce and delicate chocolate crumbles. Despite its decadent appearance, it was pleasantly restrained in sweetness and an absolute winner.
Also worth saving room for are the Picarones — traditional Peruvian fritters reminiscent of Spanish churros, crisp on the outside and soft, pillowy and tender within. Made with kabocha squash and sweet potato, they were served with chancaca honey (a fragrant syrup crafted from unrefined cane sugar with notes of cinnamon, clove, and orange peel). Paired with a cup of coffee, they provided a warm and comforting finale to a memorable meal.
In the end, dining at Jarana feels exactly like its namesake suggests — a spirited celebration of culture, flavor and shared experience. From the vibrant cocktails to the myriad of thoughtfully executed menu offering that honor Peru while embracing global influences, every course carries a sense of joy and intention. It is the kind of restaurant where the energy of the room, the generosity of the service and the clarity of the cuisine come together to create something memorable rather than merely enjoyable.
STILL NEED LAST MINUTE MOTHERS DAY PLANS?: Jarana will be honoring Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with a special menu and live music — a fitting extension of its festive identity. Given the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
19505 Biscayne Blvd (Unit 5105)
Aventura, FL 33180
786-840-8840
HOURS-
Sunday - 11:00 AM- 9:00PM
Monday-Thursday- 11:30AM- 9:00PM
Friday- 11:30AM- 11:00PM
Saturday 12:00 noon-11:00PM
Brunch- Sunday 11:00AM- 2:00PM
Happy Hour- Modays-Fridays 3-6pm