Lawrence, Mass., restaurant combines flavors of Japan and Peru

“Japu” offers an innovative menu full of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients

Updated: 8:25 PM EDT May 15, 2025

ONE, A UNITED STATES MOTTO, THE SPIRIT OF WHICH IS CURRENTLY PLAYING OUT IN LAWRENCE. HERE, A DOMINICAN CHEF IS FINDING SUCCESS COOKING JAPANESE INFUSED PERUVIAN DISHES AT JEFF TO MEET ARTURO ACOSTA. I’M EXECUTIVE CHEF AND CO-OWNER WITH MY SISTER DELANEY ACOSTA, A BIT SHY ABOUT HIS ENGLISH. WE SPOKE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A TRANSLATOR. ARTURO SAYS IT WAS THROUGH HIS LIFE JOURNEY THAT HE FOUND CONFIDENCE IN THE KITCHEN IN REPUBLICA DOMINICANA. I WAS BORN IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, BUT I WENT TO CHILE TO STUDY IN SOUTH AMERICA. MY COWORKERS WERE ALL PERUVIAN, SO I TURNED TO PERUVIAN FOOD FOR REFUGE. THE FOOD THAT REMINDED ME MOST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WAS PERUVIAN FOOD, NOT CHILEAN FOOD. PARTICULARLY INSPIRING TO ARTURO WAS A NICHE JAPANESE PERUVIAN FUSION CALLED NIKKEI, WITH FAMILY LIVING IN LAWRENCE, ARTURO SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THESE UNIQUE FLAVORS TO THE CITY. UNA FORMA DE. AND IT WAS ALSO A WAY TO BRING KNOWLEDGE OF A NEW CULTURE TO THIS COMMUNITY THROUGH FOOD. BACK IN THE KITCHEN, ARTURO GETS TO WORK CREATING SOME OF HIS SIGNATURE DISHES WITH ARTISTRY THAT NEEDS NO TRANSLATION. TODAY I WAS TESTING THE CEVICHE. MIXTO. IT’S A RAW FISH AND SHRIMP EMPANADAS DE LOMO SALTADO. IT’S A TRADITIONAL EMPANADAS WITH THE BEEF. WE TRIED A SUPPORT ROLE. IT’S THE BEST SELLER SUSHI. ANOTHER PLAY WAS THE CHICKEN YAKISOBA WITH THE VEGETABLE WITH TRADITIONAL FLAVOR, WITH NOODLES. OUR SIGNATURE DRINK IS PINEAPPLE GINGER MINT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPEAK SPANISH TO VISIT JAPAN AND APPRECIATE THESE FLAVORS OR THIS SPACE, WHICH ARTURO DESCRIBES AS FAMILY FRIENDLY. BUENA ONDA THAT GOOD VIBE. YOU WILL FEEL IT FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE UNTIL THE MOMENT YOU TASTE OUR FOOD. OR AS DELANEY PUT IT, COME VISIT OUR FAMILY. SOUNDS NICE. NOW YOU MIGHT THINK THE NAME JEFF IS A MASHUP OF JAPAN AND PERU BASED ON THE CUISINE THEY SERVED THERE, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE NOW. IN QUECHUA, A LANGUAGE FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF PERU, IT MEANS SAND AND THE ACCENT IN THE RESTAURANT’

Lawrence, Mass., restaurant combines flavors of Japan and Peru

“Japu” offers an innovative menu full of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients

Updated: 8:25 PM EDT May 15, 2025

Japú Restaurant in Lawrence offers a culinary journey by blending traditional Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Known for its innovative menu, Japú delights diners with sushi, ceviche, and other dishes that pay homage to Nikkei cuisine—a harmonious mix of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients. With its contemporary design and warm ambience, Japú has become a standout dining destination, attracting food enthusiasts eager to experience this intersection of cultures.

LAWRENCE, Mass. —