Mike O.
Yelp
Decided to try this place on my first night in Santiago partly because it was reasonably rated, but mostly because it was close to my hotel and pouring rain outside.
That night, it was clear I was the only customer. There were seven or eight guys standing around waiting for something to happen and, when I walked in, began to excitedly approach me like a pack of American used car dealers. I meetly thought of my dad's childhood warning to me-never eat in an empty restaurant. I have a mind to walk back out, but looking at the pouring rain, I decided to plunge forward and take the risk that my first meal in Santiago might be my worst.
Surprise upon surprises, I wasn't disappointed. In the least. I ordered a Peruvian fish platter with a delicious side of some sort of savory corn and bean cake. The food was moist, flavorful, and it was clear that these guys took pride in what they were doing. The meal was accompanied by a side of some sort of delicious cilantro tapenade which I quickly slathered all the food with, only increasing the flavor. All in all, a satisfying dinner. I didn't feel taken advantage of in the least, and my used car dealer fears were unsubstantiated.
I was in and out of there relatively quickly, which was fine--I had other things to do. The price was about 10,000- US$15- not a budget meal, but not highway robbery either. I wouldn't make a special detour for this place, but if you were looking for a slightly classy Peruvian meal in the neighborhood that won't shock your wallet, Olan might just be the ticket.