Amelia
Google
This new fast-casual restaurant just opened its second NYC location here in Astoria, offering healthy, fresh options with Peruvian flavors. The menu includes smoothies, seasonal salads, and bowls (from set menu or build your own). I love that the Build-Your-Own bowl comes with unlimited toppings. You choose your base, protein, toppings, sauce, and blossoms and dips.
I opted for a base of half spinach and half tri-color Peruvian quinoa, topped with marinated (ceviche-style) tuna, broccoli, cucumber, Peruvian sweety drop peppers, choclo (giant Peruvian corn), sweet potato and avocado blossoms, and Brasa dipping sauce on the side.
First off, the bowl was beautifully prepared—colorful and nicely arranged (which I always appreciate—nothing worse than a bowl that looks like it was tossed together haphazardly). The sweet potato and avocado blossoms were not only visually fun and unique but also added great flavor. The choclo was another highlight—chewy, satisfying, and unlike anything you'd find at your average salad bar.
Taste-wise, the bowl delivered. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and flavorful. My only gripe is that the portion of tuna was a bit small, especially for this price. Also, I wasn’t a huge fan of the sweety drop peppers, but I’m glad I gave them a try.
Service was great. The staff was friendly and gave helpful advice—especially their recommendation to eat the bowl right away since the tuna was raw. While checking out, they mentioned that if you download their app, you get a free bowl after your first purchase. Definitely a reason to return!