Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

We had an amazing time trying many creative and quality cocktails, and the food is absolutely fantastic. The extensive ceviche and small plates menu was a highlight for us. We tried ceviche clásico and camarón, the short ribs and lamb lollipops, and the ribeye and chicken, and everything was so flavorful and perfect. Bartenders and other staff were friendly and helpful. Felipe was amazing as our bartender. Will return next time in town!

Lucuma Kitchen is a Keeper! Open only 6 months, and it is very hard to get into this hot place in Oakland! We slipped in for Happy Hour on a Friday, and we're very pleasantly surprised. A warm welcome, nice seating, and delicious tapas with tasty drinks...what more can you ask for? We ordered ceviché classic, ceviché verde, yucca fries, plantain chips, and pork sandwich. Ceviché classic was okay, but we really liked the ceviché verde. And the fried plantains. And the yucca fries. And... you get the idea. Our server, Vanda, was fabulous! Attentive, yet not obtrusive. When she went on a food delivery, the other staff seamlessly stepped in and supported her. A very pleasant experience. Make reservations in advance, as walk-in seating is nigh impossible to get. And enjoy!

Last minute brunch in the area with 2 women friends, we sat at the bar where we could see the care put into cocktail creation. Staff were caring and friendly. Food was fresh and delicious. I had the mushroom sandwich (spicy!) and an exquisitely presented side of avocado. Love the decor in this place, the color scheme, the earthy ceramics and the accessories are on point. Will be back for happy hour!

I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. I had a fantastic dining experience here with my husband this past week. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the service was fantastic! Everyone from the host to our server to the food runner were pleasant and knowledgeable. We ordered two cocktails from their specialty menu that were delicious and had the empanada trio, the scallops, and potatoes. All were wonderful and I would order them again. Especially the scallops, they were amazing! Highly recommend this for a date night spot or a fun dinner place. Would love to see these owners open up more businesses in the area!

Really enjoyable experience! Our server was attentive, the place is super clean and crisp, definitely a good date location. When the manager saw there wasn't anyone at our immediate table, they asked if we were being served, just to make sure we were accounted for. I say, if you come here, go get the ceviche and that alone. It has the layers and complexity I was expecting from a joint like this. It sucks that I feel like they don't give you enjoy plantain chips for the ceviche. But where they really lose you are brunch items. My girlfriend found the El Jardinero a bit too oily. The Arroz Tapado is A LOT of rice. Don't get me wrong, I'm a rice boy, but it's extremely one note. And it says sweet fried plantains but I got one haha. The pan con chicharron was good but, I don't know, I've had better chicharron, by a lot.

I am a huge fan of Peruvian cuisine, and Lucuma delivered on all fronts. Intimate dining space, efficient service, diverse menu, great drinks and apps, super tasty entrees, and excellent desserts. Recommend coming with a group so you can sample as much as possible. Def start with a ceviche of sorts, as there are many. Follow it up with some shared plate — you can go wrong with anything, though I would likely skip the scallop and cheese dish next time due to price/size/interesting combo. Ají de gallina is one of my fav Peruvian dishes, and it lived up to the hype — as did my wife’s lomo saltado. All in all, a solid Peruvian restaurant that I will visit again, but won’t stop me from visiting other Peruvian spots in the area.

I didn't eat any food, hence the lack of stars. I did, however, have a gorgeous tequila cocktail that was also quite delicious. I popped in around 1:45pm for a recon and had difficulty finding the entrance. I walked around the corner to what turned out to be a wall, then doubled back to stand in front of the entrance, though I hadn't realized it yet. Luckily a couple arrived and settled the matter for me. Once inside, I was immediately captivated by the warm and inviting ambiénce, the room buzzing with happy conversations. Eager to be part of that buzz, I acknowledged the host in passing as I made a bee line for the bar...at which point I was immediately stopped and told that I could not sit at the bar, or anywhere, without a reservation. "A reservation for the bar?" I asked as I gestured towards the 7 empty bar stools, with the 8th stool occupied by a single man looking at his phone. "Yes," the host confirmed, "but I will see what I can do." Well, to make a short story long, he pulled some strings, called in a favor and was able to secure a stool at the bar right next to the single man on a date with his phone. It was, let's say, cozy. As the host seated me, he let me know that it was currently 1:45 and he would need the stool back by 2:15. I was only scoping the joint, so 30 minutes would be plenty of time. My bar mate immediately began defending the reservation policy and declaring his loyal patronage of Lucuma. The bartenders were attentive, bringing me a sparkling water immediately without my even asking. They even left the jug, which pleased me because I found the sparkling water deliciously refreshing. I ordered one $18 tequila cocktail (the yellow drink in my photo), as I perused the food options. I determined this was the spot I would bring my date. I liked the place, but I knew my date would LOVE this place. After I snapped a couple of pictures, I asked for my check. I was not prepared for what arrived: a $30 bill. My eyes almost popped out of my skull. Were taxes calculated differently here, or maybe generous gratuity was automatically added? The answer to both questions was: no. The $30 bill came from adding one $18 tequila cocktail to one $8 glass of sparkling water. Now, I didn't ask for the sparkling water, and I don't recall being asked if I wanted it or not, nor a discussion about it's price. After begrudgingly signing the check and leaving a rather generous tip, I decided I wasn't leaving a single drop of sparkling water in the jug or my glass, since I paid for it, so I sat a few minutes longer and polished off an entire jug of sparkling water. I did this knowing that I would be on the road for the next hour. And yes, I did almost actually kinda sorta maybe totally without a doubt pee my pants as I danced in the hallway struggling to find the key to my apartment door. You know the dance. The $8 sparkling water, while cool and refreshing at the restaurant, was quite warm and free of charge as it trickled down my leg. So, yeah, I recommend Lucuma. See ya there.

I visited Lucuma intending to sup there before it got buzzy and I needed a reservation weeks in advance! The place is worth a visit - date night or comfort food night. The ambiqnce is something otherworldly...almost like a dreamy set. I would take someone here just to impress them with the cane animals. Vegetarians have ample options. Even though the main course does not explicitly tell you this, three of them can be made without meat. We ordered 6 different starters and turned it into a tapas night. The plantain chips came out first. I found saltless and lacking, but they made for good munching. The pequenitos(?) came out next and they were an interesting combo of egg rolls and cheese with a guava syrup. The flavors worked only in this mix! The Pisco sour mocktail came out next I found it a bit citrus forwaed, but definitely refreshing. The potato cake was one of the stars of the evening. It looked like a watermelon sandwich, but was anything but that. Spicy and perfectly gooey it embodied the fusion cuisine this place will be known for. The mushroom empanada was divine. From the crunch to the stuffing to the dip ... They were all a match made in heaven The Yucca fries came out next with the same sauce. I found them a little too chewy and under salted like their plantain cousin. And finally the mushroom chicharonnes. They were relatively unremarkable, but with the magic sauce, they more than filled me. I will have to pay a visit again and attempt take eat through the main course next!

Lucuma is FANTASTIC - easily the best meal I've had eating anywhere in the last year. It's fresh and vibrant with flavors bursting. I love the salmon and steak dishes, as well as the crudo... you can't go wrong!! The decor and interior is so beautiful and full of life! Great for a date night, catching up with a friend or girls night. The staff is friendly and attentive - high recco a rezzie!!!

Came here for my anniversary, the food was excellent and the drinks were creative and delicious. We really enjoyed the ceviche (tried multiple kinds and they were all excellent) and the papa à la huancaina. The ambiance was very nice and our waiter (Milton I think?) was so kind and attentive. They brought us a piece of cake with happy anniversary written on the plate and two champagne flutes. Milton said they know we have a lot of choices to dine for a special occasion and they were honored we had chosen them. I appreciated the experience so much. Would highly recommend.

Chinito Ceviche , cubes of ahí tuna soaked in grocery brought sweet chili sauce, called Peruvian? Aiyaya, 99% grocery brought sauce with 1% added labor called it a day. Oh my my. If you watch food channel , you understand what diaper food is: the Parmesan Scallops, greasy rubbery and patch of melted cheese that overpower and ruin the frozen scallops. I can't eat it , but don't want to waste so I asked for to go box for the scallops but server told me I cannot take the shell of scallops coz they need to wash and re-use. Fine dinning atmosphere and decor, garnish and plating; come out a cheap shot for dishes. If you want to spend $70 for one ceviche and a pile of greasy, maybe find other options.

We had a fantastic celebration of my husband's birthday at Lucuma. All staff members were so kind, especially Garrett who was behind the bar on the night we dined there. Lucuma has incredible energy, and on the Saturday night we came in it felt like entering a party we were glad to attend. I highly recommend eating at the bar, especially if you're dining solo or with one other person. We sampled widely of the drink and food menu and didn't encounter a bad bite. Birthday celebrations are important. Thank you Lucuma for making this one perfect.

Only the girlies will understand the joy that is sitting at a nice and visually appealing bar and yapping it up with your girlfriends! It was great spending a little bit of time doing just that at Lucuma! We were a bit too early for our reservation across the street at Sobre mesa, so we hopped into Lucuma to sit at the bar and have a little drinky drink. First of all this place was so cute on the inside! Lots of color and festive decor everywhere. Definitely a treat for the senses in more ways than one. I saw tons of other girlies in here enjoying the beautiful bar as well. They definitely know how to appeal to us girly pops. The super sweet hostess sat us and we got to looking at the menu. Since dinner was only an hour out, we opted for drinks. I got the Pisco Sour while my friend got the Alchemist. Both were super yummy, but I really enjoyed mine. I asked the waitress if I could make mine spicy and boy oh boy did they deliver! Probably one of the spiciest drinks I had and I loved it! Sour and spicy, totally up my alley. I loved that they had tons of alcohol free options for drinks as well! Cute Cute Cute little hour spent at Lucuma! Hopefully, next time I can take more time to try the food.

A Yelp recommendation... Nice atmosphere w/a chill vibe, greeted w/warmth & a smile. The Alchemist 3outta5 the coconut fat-washed whiskey had me intrigued but I've never had matcha & that killed it for me. I couldn't get past the earthiness & appreciated the comp. Brisa Andina 3.5outta5 Light & refreshing Tikila 4outta5 Refreshing & light Ceviche 5outta5 It tasted great. Too many red onions (imo) but they were an addition that I pushed aside. The overall flavor however was amazing! Tequenitos 5outta5 The wantons were crisp, & filled proportionately. The passion fruit sauce was delicious. Pulpo al Olivo 4outta5 Octopus was tender & tasted great w/the accompanying sauce & veggies. Conchitas à la Parmesana 4.5outta5 We were skeptical about the cheese but it actually tasted great. The sweetness of the scallop danced harmoniously w/the salty, nutty & sharp savoriness of the parm. There was just a bit too much for my liking. First time trying Peruvian cuisine & it was a good experience. We enjoyed ourselves. #GoTaste&See

Just affirming my love love of my local hangout by sharing my shell scallop photo :) Note: they're open Sunday nights if you're stuck looking for a place that's open on Sunday's.

I wanted to love it, I really did. My best friend and I went for brunch Sunday & I was quite taken with the decor and vibes initially. Well thought out, cohesive while still exciting design - vibes, check. I ordered the iced Incan Gold Matcha Latte, Lucuma French Toast and a side of crispy bacon, my friend ordered the El Picarone Latte, Tamalito Peruano con Huevos, and a side of fried sweet plantains. That matcha latte was absolutely spectacular - creamy and smooth, very high quality matcha you can taste. 10/10 The French toast came out first, and alone, more like an appetizer (even though it was brunch and I only ordered that and bacon). Out of respect, I wait until everyone at the table has their food to start eating; from what I've experienced, it's also considered generally respectful dining etiquette. The other items, including my bacon, don't come out for another 15 minutes. The poor timing of the kitchen negatively impacted my ability to enjoy my entire order hot, or at least lukewarm; by the time my bacon arrived the beautifully plated, delicious looking French toast was ice cold. There was only one other person at my table & I saw all three plates for the folks next to us come out together. Idk what gave. I would have liked to experience it warm, but declined the option to have kitchen make another one because I didn't want my friend's food to get cold while she took her (unexpected) turn at waiting to eat food she was excited about. What also made me raise an eye is that there was no offer to comp the cold French toast or offset the bill in any way due to the poor experience caused by bad kitchen timing. Overall flavors were decent, bacon was crispy & warm, but the cold French toast is like a wet blanket over the whole experience. I get some days things just aren't up to par, so I'd likely try one more time because the floor staff were lovely, the decor is really gorgeous, and despite it being cold the French toast was not bad, which means it's likely fire when it's the right temp.

I've been once and was impressed enough to leave a five star review. We went mid-week at lunch time and it was busy. The place is intimate and lively - perfect for ladies night or date night. Groups may be an issue since it's small - so call ahead. They do have a lunch time special. My friend and I shared that, as well as an off regular menu entree and it was a great mix and quite a bit of food. The ceviche was incredible. Fresh and flavorful. The lomo saltado was so good with real cuts of steak and they didn't skimp on protein. In lieu of fries, usually featured in this dish, they featured flash fried potato wedges. The pork sandwich special was good (honestly too rich for me) but my dining partner enjoyed it immensely. Service was solid. We sat at the bar and it was fun and interesting to see them preparing the food with the freshest ingredients. No cocktails for us, but they looked fun! A business lunch was fun, but I'd definitely come back pre or post Fox show for some eats and cocktails!

Came here for NYE dinner Everything was really great! Loved the lamb chops. We ordered salmon ceviche, lomo saltado, chicken paella and banana flame dessert. Lomo saltado had really nice potato bricks on the side that were so buttery and crispy and had us wanting for more. Salmon Ceviche was good, and want to try the other ceviches on the menu. We were sat right in front of the bar and sit was nice to see how they prepared everything. Everything was really well executed and delicious. Loved the presentation of the dessert! Definitely come here for a special dinner or meal!

Presentation is gorgeous. Chuletas were delicious. The chimichurri sauce elevated the lamb well. And the lamb was cooked to perfection. My dad would like it. I am not a huge fan of the potato cake because it was in 3/5 dishes ordered. We also had the cauliflower, and a shredded chicken dish. I highly recommend the chuletas. The papa rellena was underwhelming. The meat inside wasn't hot and at the same time tasted overcooked. I have had better. Service was decent, attentive and kind. We asked for the food to come out all at once but they came out one at a time and it was kinda random. The tables are a bit too close together for my preference. I felt like I could hear the people next to us and vice versa. I would have liked a bit more privacy. Otherwise

Ceviche was amazing. Octopus was a little too mayonnaise heavy for me but still pretty goo. The drinks were also good I got the tiqilo, but expensive for $18. Got the lomo Saltado and the meat was tender. Would give this place a five star if it was a bit cheaper. For 3 dishes, 4 drinks came out to $200. But the vibes are cute for a date and service was excellent, very friendly.

My husband surprised me by taking me to this place on a Sunday for brunch. They do offer reservations, but we got in no problem. The waiter was very knowledgeable and the hostess was very helpful when you sit down at your table, the ambience is very beautiful, which definitely matches the food as it comes out. We ordered some ceviche Some drinks and a main dish to share and we left pretty content. I really like this place and would love to come back again sometime to try their other dishes.

I've officially found my new go-to Peruvian restaurant. I stopped by for lunch today and we ordered a few shareable plates: yucca frita, asada de mamita, leche de tigre, and the standout of the meal- papa rellena. Everything was absolutely divine, but the papa rellena was my favorite. It was full of flavor, and while I never thought egg and raisins would work together, I was proven wrong. I'll definitely be back just for that dish alone. It's so exciting to have a fun, vibrant restaurant like this so close to home. One small note: the placement of the host stand right by the front door isn't very functional. While we were checking in, the heavy door swung open and hit us as someone walked in- apparently it happens often, according to the hostess. A small layout tweak or a quick heads-up to step aside would make a big difference. That aside, I'm already looking forward to coming back and working my way through more of the menu. Highly recommend giving this place a try!

I just ate the best Causa I've ever had, and the Aji de Gallina was absolutely on point. I don't say this lightly; I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in Lima, and Peruvians are very proud of Peruvian food. This place actually exceeds the hype. Outstanding food, first-class service, vibrant yet intimate ambiance. Bravo. New favorite restaurant.

i came to have a late lunch. there was no wait. the aesthetics here are chef's kiss. so vibrant and inviting. I love that they have a mocktail menu. i tried the brisa de maracuya and jardin de muna both were good. now i will say i was very limited on what i could eat because i only eat chicken and seafood and nothing raw. I ordered a chicken empanada i definitely should've ordered 3 it was really good. I also ordered the shrimp and cheese wontons i really didn't care for them. My friend ordered the lamp chops they were bad but the potatoes were good. for dessert i had the fried banana it was so delicious. they do an amazing job with presentation. I definitely want to come back to try some other things. the customer service was great as well.

Ok, Oakland I see you! Looking for a spot to tuck into with a friend for lunch? Lucuma Kitchen and Bar was alive on a weekday in December. Serving elevated Peruvian dishes, adding Lucuma to the roster of spots I can't wait to go on a future date night to. Service was attentive and quick upon entering, and a friend and I were able to get front row seats to our ceviche making as we nestled up to bar seating. We went with the Lomo Saltado (get the fried egg add-on), and ordered from the Lunch Break menu: essentially a 'fast fixed menu for busy weekday guests' that includes a starter and entrée for $34.99. We chose the Ceviche Clasico (with red onion, corn, sweet potato), and the Pan con Chicharron sandwich. We just went with water since we were stopping in between a few things, but the cocktail/mocktail menu looks so divine. I normally don't order ceviche, but I feel like it's almost a must at Lucuma..they have a whole menu focused on it! Such beautiful presentation, heavenly bites of freshness, and the flavor medley..almost like there was a dance party of ingredients on my palette. Delicious. The lomo saltado was incredibly hearty, and the steak was cooked to perfection. And the star for me..the sandwich! I've never had a sandwich quite like this before (see my photos). With sweet potato, aioli, and salsa criolla, the pork was equally cooked just right..both juicy and salty (in the BEST way). No notes. Literally finished it off. And the bread? So fresh and soft pillowed between a heaping serving of the classic pork. They really don't skimp on anything here! This spot is really nice to the eyes. Vibrant, cozy, and normally I never talk about the bathroom at restaurants because (why?), but the bathroom at Lucuma? Top-tier. Friendly peeps, sweet digs, and they also serve brunch and dinner. Oh, and we didn't grab dessert, but my eye is on the El Turrón ~ Anise cheesecake topped with Peruvian candies? Yes, yes, yes. Located on a corner, do some homework ahead of time for parking garages in the area. Street parking could be a bit tough.

I am a huge fan of Peruvian cuisine, and Lucuma delivered on all fronts. Intimate dining space, efficient service, diverse menu, great drinks and apps, super tasty entrees, and excellent desserts. Recommend coming with a group so you can sample as much as possible. Def start with a ceviche of sorts, as there are many. Follow it up with some shared plate -- you can go wrong with anything, though I would likely skip the scallop and cheese dish next time due to price/size/interesting combo. Ají de gallina is one of my fav Peruvian dishes, and it lived up to the hype -- as did my wife's lomo saltado. All in all, a solid Peruvian restaurant that I will visit again, but won't stop me from visiting other Peruvian spots in the area.

Excelente!! I came in with no reservation and was immediately accommodated around 2pm on a Monday. They had a table option but I sat at the bar instead, to wait for my friend. We had lots of yummy drinks and paired them with the lomo saltado and ceviche mixto. The ceviche had to be my favorite, plus I liked the yucca fries!! Lomo saltado was delicious, perfect portion for one. My favorite drink was probably the flor de maíz (purple), but you can't go wrong with anything.

Came here for my birthday dinner and everything was amazing! The vibe, food, drinks, and staff were all great. My favorites were the salmon ceviche and octopus. The lomo saltado was excellent and the meat was very tender. All of the plating was beautifully done. Highly recommend for a birthday or any occasion as the food is so yummy! Can't wait to come back!

Such a cute and colorful restaurant! Wow I wish this place was around back when I still lived in the Bayarea. Any who. My friend from grad school and I visited this place for brunch. They offer a robust selection of coffee beverages. So many unique flavors. I ordered the Kion latte. It was made to perfection. Complimented my entree order very well. I ordered the Lucuma French toast and my friend ordered the El Jardinero. Everything was very fresh and well made. Did I mention the restaurant is beautiful! I will definitely be making this a must stop next time I'm in the bay area!

Weekday lunch party of two with reservations. I've seen this space in other casual iterations before Lucuma arrived and was stunned at the transformation. Vibrant colorful decor and lighting. We decided to share small plates - the ceviche, cauliflower, short ribs over mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad - with the help of our server's recommendations. The dishes arrived quickly and everything was so good. We noted all the toasted corn topping most dishes and the quinoa in the Caesar salad. The ceviche was divine. The ribs were not as tender as they could have been but very flavorful. The cauliflower was our least favorite of all the dishes but it was still good. Tip was automatically included in the bill. I would return.

Friend made a reservation for two on a Thursday night at 6:00pm, arrived on time and checked in with the host who was able to seat me. Restaurant was pretty busy, most tables were full throughout our meal so would definitely recommend a reservation. Drinks: Pisco sour with passion fruit - sweet and boozey, with a bit of lime and passion fruit this had a nice egg white foam which added great body and texture Food: Cremoso Ceviche with plantain chips - a great start, super refreshing and bright, nice acidity with a balanced creaminess, definitely recommend adding the plantain chips for dipping and scooping Vegetable Causa - fun and colorful, bright purple pink in color from the beet juice in the potato, creamy from the avocado, some crunchy from the diced veggies, an interesting twist on causa Aji de gallina - tender shredded chicken in a rich creamy slightly spicy pepper sauce, the rice is great for soaking up the sauce, the potato pave was a bit unexpected pairing and was pretty mild in flavor so didn't add much to the dish Alfajores - good, light shortbread filled with sweet dulce de leche, liked that this was plated with fresh fruit to make if more of a full dessert Beso Limeno - interesting, surprisingly liquid in texture, a light caramel flavor with a Al ght fruitiness, topped with whipped cream and fruit Service was great, really friendly and warm with great recommendations, water was refilled throughout, bill at the end took a little while but otherwise smooth. Overall really enjoyed Lucuma, great spot for Peruvian food in Oakland, the ceviche was definitely the highlight!

Very cute restaurant, we were very excited to try it! We love Peruvian food and were expecting this place to be really good due to the reviews. We ordered the wontons, a cauliflower dish, the lomo Saltado, our favorite Peruvian dish, coffee and a drink. The drinks were great however we weren't impressed with the food. The wontons were alright but the lomo saltado is what really disappointed us. The cauliflower also was lacking in flavor and wasn't great. It wasn't as flavorful as my other favorite Peruvian restaurants. The service however was quick!

Cute new Peruvian restaurant in downtown Oakland. Service and Staff: - We made a reservation ahead of time, so we were seated quickly - All of the staff members were nice and made sure to check on everyone Food and Drinks: - Pisco Punch: this drink was massive. It came in a goblet-like glass and delivered on the tartness - Old Fashioned: the presentation was fun and you could smell the smoke whenever a different table ordered this drink as well - Ceviche Clasico: refreshing, delicious, flavorful. Would order again - Ceviche Nikei: fun Asian fusion flare to this with the soy sauce flavors and cucumbers. Would order again - Lomo Saltado: my go-to dish at any Peruvian restaurant. They did a fun twist to this with their home French fries (potato wedges with sauce) instead of French fries - Donuts: this dish was interesting. The sauce tastes burnt and the donuts were gooey / chewy instead of fluffy and airy. Miscellaneous: - There is one unisex bathroom in the back - The restaurant is quite narrow, so would be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller - Parking is available via street parking - The decor is fun - a lot of thought was put into it

Lucuma is an absolutely great spot for dinner! The inside is beautiful, with different decor and fixtures. At night, the lights are dim creating a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to make reservations because this place is usually booked up! They do have a time limit once you sit down at your table. The food was exceptional! Everything came out quickly, was beautifully plated and tasty. They have a fun cocktail menu featuring specialty Peruvian drinks. Our server was kind and able to answer any questions we had about the menu. We will definitly be returning!

Hip sexy spot for a girls night, food is a bit plain but overall OK Creamy ceviche - the most flavorful dish. There was a good balance of texture, flavors and acidity. Aji gallina - very plain tasting, unclear why the server loved it, it was on the lines of boiled chicken. I expected a stronger flavor given the colors. Also I felt that the dairy smelled funny or old in this dish Chicharrones pollo - standard fried chicken. I like all types of fried chicken, this is good but did not wow me Green mashed potatoes and steak - better than the typical take on the fries and steak dish. Picarones - highly recommended by our server , but super plain between the 3 of us we left 1 while donut. It's basically plain fried dough with sauce, however texture and taste did not hit Service was good, Ambience was modern, cute and lively Overall it's a cute date spot. However if you're looking to be wowed by the food it does fall short. They have a variety of things on the menu though so it has return value

My friend and I made an early reservation for 4:30pm on a Monday night. I honestly thought that this was silly so early in the evening, but the place does get full, so make sure you have a reservation! To summarize, I would love to come back as most of the food was lovely, but they need to work out some service issues. Things we ordered: *Ceviche Classico - this was very basic and honestly, it had no flavor and was kind of watery. I would want to try other ceviches. *Yucca fries - these were delicious, but each of us had one that had a wooden skewer or something in it? *Tequenitos (with shrimp and cheese) - these were like little wontons and delicious! It came with passionfruit sauce, but it didn't quite go with the dish (for me), and I ended up pouring it over some of the ceviche to give it some sort of flavor. *Papa a la huancaina - this was tasty We also got a couple of drinks. I tried the NA Pisco sour (it was a bit sweet) and the Flor de Maíz which was a lovely drink. Lastly, we finished with the chocolucuma dream, which was delicious (I wish there was more cake and less whipped cream). Overall, the food was mostly solid and I'd come back. I will say that the place gets loud, as in there's music and people are fairly loud as is, so I would come back and maybe sit at the bar as that might make it easier to chat. The thing that did annoy me though was the service. Our server brought our dessert, and quite literally, as we each took one bite, he brought out our check, put it down and said no rush. I genuinely didn't remember there was a time limit on the table, and it would have been nice to be reminded when we sat down, because him coming back three times within a couple of minutes of dropping it off was jarring and uncomfortable. He then came over and told us there was another reservation that would need to be seated, so no rush, but... I'm all for tables having time limits and respect that completely, but I'm also used to being reminded gently when I sit down, not just having someone passive aggressively trying to get me to pay when I'm just starting on dessert. This also felt odd because there was an empty two-top right next to us. Anyways, feels like a quirk they can work out easily.

10/10 !!! Nice ambience Great service Tasty drink Delicious food......no complaints at all. FYI, there is a parking garage nearby so no hassle of finding street parking :)

This small but mighty Peruvian restaurant is amazing! We made a reservation in advance and I suggest you do to! The service is all about the details and they pay attention to every detail. The small shared plates menu was delicious and delivered a great amount of food for our continued birthday celebration. We order almost everything on the menu and almost stayed for dinner but our reservation time was up. The bartender kept our drinks flowing at our table and we even got desserts! I will say a must here is the ENSALADA CÉSAR and anything from the shared plates menu. Try this place out and tell Lucuma Kitchen and Bar to keep the drinks and food coming!

I'd call this a hidden gem but unfortunately too many people know about it and it's hard to get in. Everything i've had from here has been amazing. Such good flavor balance. Shoutout to having FIVE delicious non-alcoholic cocktail options.

I loved everything! From the beautiful decor inside, the presentation of the food, the divine flavors and freshnesss, to the accommodating servers! It was a fantastic experience. I'd go back for the Leche de Tigre alone! I want to try more from the crudo bar! Also I saw several desserts come out that looked so good I need to go try them!

My wife always looks for Peruvian food when we travel, and this is one of those places you will remember. The chef's choice ceviche was absolutely delicious. We shared several plates, including the empanada sampler and the causa sampler--everything was fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. The Portuguese rosé was light, crisp, and slightly sparkling, which paired perfectly with the food. The hostess was incredibly sweet and found us a great place to sit so we could fully enjoy what turned out to be some of the most fabulous Peruvian food we've had while traveling.

Made a reservation for a celebratory dinner and Lucuma did not disappoint. It ended up being the best meal I've had all year. We ordered the ceviche cremosa, tiradito piña, tequeñitos, veggie causa criolla, and aji de gallina, and shared everything amongst a party of 3. It was the perfect amount of food for us. Every single thing we ordered was delicious. The ceviche cremosa was tart limey deliciousness. I devoured the creamy causa criolla which cut through the acid of the other dishes nicely. The aji de gallina is perfect for a cold evening with its warming almost curry-like flavors. But the standout for me was the tiradito. I will have dreams about that dish. Spicy, tangy, savory, slightly sweet and so fresh. It was perfection. Excellent service combined with gorgeous decor. I will absolutely be coming back.

I believe this was my first time having Peruvian food at a restaurant and I can't believe I haven't had it before. They made this restaurant very aesthetically pleasing but also their food is delicious, and I'm so glad I got to try their brunch menu. I ordered the Arroz Tapado and I can't wait to try it again. Everything was so tasty. Their staff were also friendly and also helpful when my friends and I asked for recommendations.

Came to this cute Peruvian restaurant and had such a great experience. The place was clean and welcoming. Even though they were fully booked, they still made room for us, which we really appreciated. The customer service was excellent and our server Melvin was wonderful. The mocktails were amazing. I ordered the passion fruit mocktail and it was absolutely amazing. It tasted fresh and well balanced. The food was excellent. I had the Lomo Saltado and it was delicious. The steak was very tender and cooked perfectly. Everything came out flavorful and well prepared. The only small thing I would suggest is offering a regular cola like Coke or Diet Coke, but honestly that did not take away from the experience at all. When we were leaving, the restaurant was packed, so we were even more grateful they made room for us. We will definitely be coming back and highly recommend checking this place out.

Stopped in for a quick bite and ordered the causa de pollo and asado de mamita, while my husband had the lomo saltado. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the staff was attentive and welcoming. The causa de pollo was well prepared but lacked the bold Peruvian flavor typically brought out by the traditional ají sauce. The asado de mamita, braised ribs, stood out--exceptionally tender with rich, satisfying flavor. The lomo saltado was cooked nicely and very tender, though it also fell a bit short on the classic, home-style Peruvian seasoning. Overall, a pleasant experience with great presentation and service, with some dishes shining more than others.

We were lucky to stumble across this spot while visiting the area. We didn't have a reservation. You should make one on "open table" after 4 we were told. We were lucky they were able to accommodate us. We had the fresh catch ceviche, it was amazing! We had the sampler causa, the beet was our favorite but all were good. We tried the empanadas trio and the mushroom one was the best! The salsa that they are selected with was rich and creamy. Being a military brat I spent 4 years in Peru, it is hard to find good Peruvian food but Lucian has got it down! For dessert we had the anise cheesecake and the alfajores. Yumm to both!! Thank you for making space for us!

Having heard about the amazing ceviches we tried several. All were fantastic and are perfect with the mixed chips (of plantain and other roots). The Yuca fries were also a hit. The octopus, salmon and the scallops were our favorites. The service provided just the right amount of attention. Making a reservation guaranteed a table. Noise level was a good balance. The restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Oakland and street parking was plentiful.

Make a reservation! Drinks were delicious and food met expectations. Loved the ambiance and decorations, super trendy and cute for a date night or girl's dinner.

Lucuma, in my opinion, is the best Peruvian restaurant in Oakland. I've yet to come cross a place with so many flavorful options that represent Peru like this place does. We sat at the bar so the service was very fast. We placed our order and one by one plates came out. We ordered several small plates as you can see below in photos. I definitely recommend ordering multiple small plate options to get a robust experience. Every small plate we tried was so delicious, from the Causa Criolla, to the empanadas, to the ceviche cremoso. This place executes these plates well. My partner recently came back from visiting Peru and felt like many of the plates were very close to what she tried there. After the many small plates, we decided to try the Arroz chaufa à la criolla which might be one of my fave fried rices I've tried in the Bay Area. Very flavorful and savory. I might dream about this rice. This is definitely a recommended date night spot with lovely decor, great drinks, and even better service. I highly recommend you try this place out!

Dropped in craving some ceviche. Got lucky it was before their Saturday rush because I was able to get bar seating, however she told me I only had 1 hour before their reservations came in. Kinda off putting, but whatever. Had some Ceviche, their main fish plate, and a couple cocktails. The food was delicious. Ceviche felt fresh, and the fish plate was amazing. I didn't pick any of the food. I just asked the bar dude for his recommendations and went with them. Definetly worth it.

Went here for a girls night and everything was amazing. The service was excellent, the waiter helped us choose the best dishes from their menu. We ordered yucca fries, shrimp ceviche, and the paella. The yucca fries were soft and crispy just how we liked it. The ceviche paired well with the plantain chips. The paella was my favorite dish out of all. The food and service quality was truly exceptional, I can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu!

Lucuma Kitchen & Bar opened where Wise Sons Jewish Deli once was. Interior totally renovated. Entrance on 17th St. side, not at corner. Entered. Greeted at front desk. Was Asked if I had a reservation. "No" said I. Got assigned to a seat at the bar. Lunch Offerings (Peru): brunch items, crudo(ceviche) Bites: Ceviche Cremoso (25) came in 9 minutes. -fresh catch of the day (red snapper) ceviche served in secret house sauce: leche de tigre, aji limo. All tasted fresh, exquisite. *leche de Tigre usually made with fish stock from ceviche fish, chili peppers, salt, red onion, garlic, ginger, celery, cilantro. Secret ingredient an addendum to list. -accompanied by piece of steam yam, fried corn, corn niblets. Ceviche garnished with red onion schreds, cilantro, red wine, red pepper slices. -ate red snapper morsels dipped in sauce while also pairing it with the sides. -so much better than the usual ceviche. Sauce has nuanced savory, semi-spicy, mellow sweet notes. Pan con Chicharron sandwich (19) came in 20 min. -"classic Peruvian pork sandwich" filled with shredded moist pork shreds, salsa criolla(cilantro, red onions, aji Amarillo peppers) lotsa baked? Sweet potato chucks with aioli for dipping. Tastes better than the usual Cubano. 5 stars worthy! Pricey though. Quality:,excellent Quantity: too ingredients utilized.

I always enjoy stopping by Lucuma. The drinks are always on point and easy to enjoy. I don't order food every time, but when I do, it hasn't always hit the same way. This time the potatoes felt a bit burnt and the dish was just a little off. Still a spot I like and would come back to, especially for the drinks.

Had a 6:15 dinner reservation, but we got there around 6. They said our table wouldn't be ready yet so we had the option to either sit and wait by the bathroom or sit at the "walk-in" bar temporarily until the table was ready. The place is arranged like a long skinny hallway and and it's packed for dinner, every single table was full and they essentially had endless reservations. The decor was very cohesive and modern, matching the cuisine, but because it is so cramped, it feels very claustrophobic. The chairs at the bar are very close to the neighboring guest as well. The portions were surprisingly HUGE and the flavors came through in each dish. Paella peruana de tierra - 8/10 unfortunately we did not have this fresh because we were sooo stuffed from everything else we ordered. We took it togo and re-heated it on a wok and it was just as good. Pescado a lo macho - 9/10 The fish of the day was a red snapper. It paired so well with the sauce and the mix of other seafood. This was our favorite dish! We wish the coconut rice was a bit more soft and had more coconut-taste, but it was the perfect amount to accompany the dish. Asado de mamita - 8/10 So close to being perfect. The meat was extremely soft and fell apart easily. The mash potato was very warming and comforting, but we wish there were just a couple more spoons of sauce on top to season the portions of meat that weren't on the top. Crispy camarones - 9/10 shrimp 2/10 quinoa. The coconut shrimp SHOCKED US! This is must order because the flavor was just right, the size was big, and cook/snap on the shrimp was great. However, the quinoa had no flavor and didn't feel necessary to this shareable. Only the bites reached by the passionfruit sauce were flavorful. Definitely would come again come as a date night! Also would try a drink next time and order less.

Had a great team dinner at Lucuma. Quaint a nice decorated corner sport. Menu is extensive with inventive cocktails. Didn't take pics a lot and drinks are amazing and apps too for HH: mac and cheese was the sheer delight for me. Also had ceviche, yucca fries, lomo and short rib - all were good but wished more meat on the saltado.

The food and cocktails are top tier!!!! Great spot for a date or special occasion. Food and drinks are very instagramable. Easily the best peruvian food I have had in the Bay. Seating is limited, be sure to make a reso.

We took our friends here when they were visiting from San Diego and we all loved the food! We almost missed out when we arrived an hour before closing because they were very busy. Luckily the hostess was able to squeeze us in as the last table 20 mins later. We order a few of their cocktails to start and they were all very good. Our waitress was also amazing in recommending drinks based on what we liked. For appetizers we got the Fried Wontons, Empanada, and Lomo Saltado. Everything was so good! One of the better Lomo Saltado dishes I've had in a while! The restaurant is small but it's a really nice spot to for a date night or a fun night out with friends.