Rushie B.
Yelp
This location once housed our beloved neighborhood Cuban restaurant, and it was bittersweet to see it go after so many years. But when I saw a new Peruvian spot open in its place, I knew I had to check it out because if there's one thing I love, it's a good Lomo Saltado.
I finally made my way over on a Saturday afternoon. The first thing I noticed? They were out of rotisserie chicken. No big deal, though, because I already had my mind set on Lomo Saltado. My partner had been here before and raved about the food, so I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
We were greeted by a friendly staff member who let us choose any open table. The place was nearly packed, with only a few indoor seats left. The patio was empty not surprising for a chilly March day in California.
After scanning the menu, we settled on the Lomo Saltado and Ceviche Mixto both of which my partner had tried and highly recommended. Our server also suggested the house lemonade, which turned out to be a lemon-mint blend. If you're not a fan of mint, you might want to skip it, but I enjoyed its tangy kick.
Lomo Saltado (5/5) - The beef sirloin was cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and well-seasoned. It came with a side of rice, but fair warning: the portion is on the smaller side, so order your own! Every bite was worth it.
Ceviche Mixto (Spicy) (5/5) - Absolutely delicious. The balance of citrus, spice, and texture was spot on. The crunchy fried corn, choclo (Peruvian corn), and sweet potato added the perfect contrast to the tangy lime marinade. Pro tip: Don't mix everything together--keep the sweet potato separate so you can enjoy it as a palate cleanser.
Plantains (5/5) - Perfectly cooked, sweet, and caramelized just right. I always pair mine with rice, and this combo did not disappoint.
Lemonade (3/5) - More on the tangy side, with a refreshing minty twist. While I liked it, I wish they had mentioned the mint beforehand--I was expecting pure lime.
Service & Atmosphere
The service was excellent--friendly and attentive. In fact, I accidentally left my purse on the back of my chair, and a staff member ran outside to return it.
The restaurant itself is small and cozy, so I can see it filling up quickly. If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that patio seating is available, but on cold days, everyone wants to be inside.
If you love authentic Peruvian food, especially a killer ceviche, bookmark this spot immediately. I'll definitely be back to try more dishes. Highly recommend!