Limón

Limón's usefulness outshines any of its Peruvian food - Review - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Limón is nothing if not consistent. The Peruvian restaurant with locations around the Bay Area is usually loud and fun, the small plates always have a strong showing, and the mains are always a bit middle-of-the-road. You might not remember your date night meal here several weeks after you have it, but Limón Rotisserie's secret weapon is that it's reliably satisfying in the moment. Order heavy in the appetizer section, especially the ceviche with enough tang to make your tongue perky and the empanadas that shed pastry flakes like they're practicing to be in a dandruff shampoo commercial. The mains are less successful: the lomo saltado is seasoned well, but has tough pieces, while the chicharrón de pollo has the opposite problem (moist meat, but bland). The entree shortcomings are easy enough to look past if you're here for a rowdy time. Between the pulsing music, the groups of reunited friends asking their servers for photos, and the people scream-offering the last bite of leche de tigre-covered calamari, the restaurant sounds like it’s ready to make its ascent from SFO. (Anyone who wants a slightly quieter dinner should finagle a table downstairs, where it’s roomier and the acoustics are kinder on the ears.) When you can't take another candlelit date night with hushed conversation, or you need a spot for a small group dinner you forgot to plan, Limón is a solid choice. Last-minute reservations are typically available, and even on weekends, the wait for a walk-in usually doesn’t require more than a quick lap or two up and down Valencia St. Food Rundown Ceviche Limón This ceviche could use a little bit more heat, but the crispy calamari contrasts really nicely with the red snapper and shrimp. Empanada Our favorite is the beef, which has pops of sweetness from golden raisins. photo credit: Limon Rotisserie Chicharrón De Pollo While a little bland, the chicken is cooked well and we'd happily fill up on the included yuca fries and call it dinner. photo credit: Limon Rotisserie Lomo Saltado The beef tenderloin can be tough on occasion, but it’s still a solid and filling choice for a main. photo credit: Limon Rotisserie" - Patrick Wong