Unearth The Voyage
Blink and you might miss it, but this sleek corner in downtown D.C. is where Peruvian cravings graduate from want to need. The energy hits first, then the aromas, and before you know it, you are plotting a second visit before the first course lands.
I wandered in for ceviche and left with a full-blown obsession, thanks to sharp service and flavors that do not quit. Ready to eat like a local who will absolutely pretend this spot is a secret?
Ceviche Sampler Spectacle
The first spoonful snaps like a cymbal, bright and bracing with lime. Onion crunch, sweet potato softness, and that silky leche de tigre dance in quick time.
You will swear the seafood was swimming minutes ago, because it tastes that fresh.
Three ceviches let you play favorites without committing. One leans classic, one leans tropical, and one brings a peppery push.
I like to pause between them with cancha, letting the toasty corn reset the palate before diving back in.
Ask your server which order to taste for balance. A chilled white or the blanco sangria pairs beautifully and keeps the citrus in control.
By the end, you will be bargaining with yourself for another round you promised not to order.
Lomo Saltado With Sizzle
Listen closely and you can hear the wok whisper caramelized secrets. The steak is tender, onions sweet, tomatoes softened just enough to gloss the sauce.
Fries soak in the jus like happy sponges while rice waits to be mixed.
I break the runny yolk and sweep everything together. Each bite rides savory, tangy, and a tiny bit smoky.
When the fries catch edges of char, it reads like a love note from the kitchen.
Pro tip, ask for a little extra sauce if you are a dipper. Share if you must, but you will not want to.
This is the plate that converts the I do not order steak crowd into enthusiastic regulars.
Ají de Gallina Comfort Bowl
Sunshine in sauce form arrives steaming and fragrant. Shredded chicken swims in a velvety ají amarillo blanket that somehow tastes like both Sunday and celebration.
A slice of egg and a briny olive cut through like friendly referees.
I spoon it over rice until there is no white left. Each forkful cozies up without feeling heavy.
The pepper heat is gentle, more nudge than shove, which keeps you chasing another bite.
If you need calm after a wild week, this is your edible exhale. Pair with a passion fruit mocktail and lean back.
I left grinning and slightly annoyed I had not ordered it sooner in life.
Octopus Plancha Masterclass
The moment my knife glides through, I know the kitchen nailed it. Octopus is tender, not rubbery, with just enough char to smell like seaside grill smoke.
Paprika oil lays down warmth that lingers politely.
Crispy potatoes crunch under the fork and mop up every glossy drop. A swipe of olive aioli cools the edges.
Together they hit salty, earthy, and ocean-clean notes without crowding each other.
Good octopus is rare, great octopus is a brag. This one is brag level.
I kept promising to share and then conveniently forgot, which I choose to call strategic tasting.
Empanadas That Vanish Fast
The crust shatters like applause, and that is before the filling even says hello. Inside, chicken stew is juicy and gently spiced, with a satisfying savor that keeps building.
I dip in the aioli and suddenly I am negotiating for the last piece.
They arrive hot, perfectly sealed, and never greasy. Two per order means instant table diplomacy.
I like a squeeze of lime for brightness, even if the server did not suggest it.
These work for brunch, happy hour, or the I just need something excellent moment. Order them early so you do not regret it later.
You will consider stashing one in your pocket, but crumbs will absolutely give you away.
Tuna Tartare Tacos Pop-Off
One bite and the room goes happily quiet. The tuna is cool and plush, dressed in citrus that brightens without masking the fish.
Crunchy shells deliver texture fireworks, then avocado steps in to smooth the landing.
These are small, which is exactly why you need them. They work as a light start or a clever share.
I like them with a pisco punch to echo the tropical vibe in the background.
If you are indecisive, this solves it fast. Clean flavors, quick satisfaction, and a photo that will make your friends text where are you.
You will be here, finishing your second order with zero regrets.
Chaufas Mixto Wok Magic
The wok breathes smoke into every grain and it tastes like confidence. Shrimp snap, chicken is juicy, and calamari stays tender.
Scallions keep it green and lively while the soy glaze ties everything together.
I chase little crispy bits like treasure. A squeeze of lime lifts the richness and keeps me fork-happy.
This is the dish that turns a maybe into a definite comeback.
Portions lean generous, so plan to share or pack leftovers. It reheats like a champ, not that you will leave much.
I told myself I would save half and immediately failed in spectacular fashion.
Brunch Pre Fixe Wins
D.C. weekends feel brighter when this menu lands on the table. Three courses for a friendly price means freedom to explore without menu FOMO.
Empanadas warm you up, mains bring the cheer, and dessert closes with applause.
I went for lomo with the egg and it was the right call. Pancakes topped with alfajores crumble finished the show.
Sweet, yes, but not in a knock-you-out way.
Service hums along at a relaxed clip, and refills appear like magic. Grab a passion mimosa if you like tart over sweet.
By the time I left, my calendar mysteriously added a repeat visit for next Sunday.
Pisco Sour Flight Adventure
The foam wears a bitters smile and I immediately grin back. Three variations arrive chilled and balanced, each showing a different side of Peru’s favorite spirit.
Classic leans citrus and silk, maracuya swings tropical, and the seasonal keeps things flirty.
Sip left to right to track acidity and sweetness. The staff will happily coach your order if you are new to pisco.
I like a tiny pause between sips to let the flavors reset.
Flights are fun but sneaky, so pace yourself. Snack on cancha or a small bite while you taste.
You will leave with a favorite, and possibly a plan to name your next plant Pisco.
Happy Hour Goldmine
Five o’clock feels smarter here. Cocktails go easy on the wallet and heavy on the craftsmanship, which is the rare combo we all deserve.
Small plates stack quickly if you are with friends who believe in sampling sprees.
I like to park at the bar, swap recs with the bartender, and let the playlist carry the mood. Anticuchos and empanadas are the move.
The pisco punch drinks like vacation but behaves if you show restraint.
Weeknights hum, Fridays pop. Arrive early for prime seats and quick rounds.
It is the kind of hour that accidentally becomes two without anyone complaining.
Passion Fruit Cheesecake Mic Drop
The first forkful is a standing ovation. Tart passion fruit rides on creamy cheesecake, then settles into a silky finish that feels inevitable.
The crust holds firm, buttery and not too sweet.
I am usually team flan, but this dessert made me switch sides for a night. The glaze delivers bright citrus without souring the room.
One slice feeds two, unless one of you is me.
Pair it with a late cappuccino or a crisp white. Let it linger while conversation meanders.
When the plate is empty, you will wonder if ordering a second dessert is bold or simply correct.
Service That Feels Personal
Names stick here, and not just yours. Staff glide in with timing that feels both precise and human.
I have had servers walk me through three menus without a hint of rush.
Ask questions and you will get thoughtful answers, not scripts. Recommendations land spot on more often than not.
There is pride in the room, and it shows in the little checks that keep meals smooth.
On my last visit, a quick heads-up about spice level saved a friend from overcommitting. That is the kind of care you remember.
It is no mystery why regulars treat this place like a favorite living room with better cocktails.
Gluten Free and Allergies Tip
Here is a heads-up you will appreciate. The kitchen is careful, but cross contact can limit options for certain allergies, especially shellfish.
If that is you, flag it early and ask for specific guidance.
Gluten free choices exist, though the labeling is not always front and center. I have had success talking through dishes with the server, then confirming with a manager.
It takes a minute, but it is worth the peace of mind.
Call ahead for busy nights so the team can prepare alternatives. The staff want you to eat well and safely.
With a little planning, you can still enjoy strong favorites without stress.
Ambience With Urban Glow
The room balances buzz and comfort like a pro. Wood, tile, and soft light set a scene that flatters both date nights and group catchups.
You can actually hear your friends, which feels like a luxury downtown.
Bar seats give you a front row to shaker theater. Tables along the wall lean cozy without crowding.
I like the way the music softens during brunch and climbs gently as the evening stretches.
It looks polished, but never stiff. Dress how you like and bring an appetite.
By dessert, you will forget you are steps from L Street and not in a Lima daydream.
Sangria That Stays Crisp
Refreshment arrives in a tall, irresistible glass. The white sangria keeps the fruit bright and the sweetness in check.
Ice clinks, citrus perfumes the air, and suddenly conversation lifts a notch.
I favor it on warm afternoons or with ceviche flights. It cleans the palate without competing.
A carafe for the table is an easy yes if your group likes a slow sip.
Keep an eye on the refills, because it goes down smoothly. Pair with salty bites and you have harmony.
When the carafe is gone, you will wonder how it vanished so gracefully.
Reservations, Timing, And The Bar
Peak hours turn the doorway into a popular club. Reservations help, especially for groups, but solo seats at the bar are a sleeper win.
I have snagged a last minute spot and still eaten like a VIP.
Lunch moves briskly, dinner builds to a happy hum, and weekend brunch brings a patient buzz. Arrive early if you love lingering.
Service keeps pace even when the room is full.
If you call ahead, ask about menus running that day. Sometimes you get lucky with specials.
Either way, the bar team will take great care of you while you plot your next plate.
