“ 3.5/5 My Peruvian friend brought me here on a Thursday night at 7 and it was not busy at all. The inside feels very clean, modern, no frills, and you could tell that it is ready to transform into a space for karaoke and dancing once the time is right! The server was very friendly and took our order in Spanish. I totally thought this spot was related to the el Porteño in the ferry building but their empanadas were quite different. I thought it was nice how they let us order 1 of each (chicken, beef, and cheese) to get a variety since each order comes with 3. My friend enjoyed them but I personally would have preferred the empanadas at el porteño in the ferry building or Limon. The yucca fries were interesting as the outside was very crispy (loved how light it was) but the inside was soft/mushy (in a way that felt like it wasn't done yet). I ordered the arroz con pollo and it was a really hefty portion! The presentation was very nice and the chicken came off the bone very easily. The sauce was very flavorful but a little on the saltier side for me so I wish I had more rice to balance it out. My friend thought the flavor was just right but I prefer my flavors on the lighter side so I totally took the rice home and made another yummy meal for myself! ”

“ Top Food! Best plates: Choritos a la chalaca Chaufa Anticuchos Bar: Peruvian music And old reggaeton ”

“ Everything was so tasty including the drinks. Service was super fast and friendly. My hubby even asked while going to bathroom for her to surprise me with my initial in the next round of pisco and she did a great job. It said Mia on the receipt so great service from her. Definitely will be back! ”

“ Delicious authentic peruvian food! We were looking for peruvian restaurants and were initially a little hesitant to come here given the few reviews this restaurant had. Upon entering, I almost mistook them for a club as there was a full bar set up and a dj playing music. We came on a Friday night and they were also doing karoake. In my opinion, the music was simply way too loud. It was basically impossible to have a conversation without full-on yelling. Even from outside, you could hear the music blasting clearly. That was probably my one issue. For food, I ordered the Perihuela, which was a tomato based soup with fish and other seafood. I loved it; there were crunchy pieces of giant peruvian corn on the top and a generous amount of seafood. The tomato flavor was nice and strong. My boyfriend enjoyed his lomo saltado a lot, but he wished there were more pieces of steak. Overall, the restaurant was definitely not what I was expecting in the slightest but it was a great experience and I'm glad I went. Would revisit to try other items on the menu. ”

“ Good resto for Peruvian food. Can't go wrong with cooking that tastes like homemade. Love my pisco sour as well. Another good find in the mission. Trust. ”

“ Very authentic no frills Peruvian cuisine In the heart of mission! Came here Friday w 5 friends- and boy did we leave happy ~ Food: authentic - there's morning more to say. One suggestion on the yuca Fritas: dish came with 4 pieces.. we weren't sure if that was intentional or an accident - but they were really good, so bring more next time!!! The sea food was fresh and the spicy sauces perfection. I especially enjoyed the deep fried seafood platter- it came with everything from the ocean , lightly battered and expertly seasoned. The beef hearts were a good switch up too--- overall, the menu had a solid and sizable mix of traditional Peruvian fare with a twist of some treats for the more adventurous eaters. Drinks: full bar but we ordered Piscos all around in Peruvian fashion. They were excellent. The staff was friendly w family vibes all around. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu. Oh, and If you come on a Friday- you may be in for a Spanish karaoke party fiesta! ”

“ There are a few places called 'El Porteno' in the city. I know there's the Argentinian empanada stand in the Ferry Building, but I don't think there's a connection with this place. There's another one down in Crocker-Amazon, which I believe is the progenitor of this place. I just visited that one for the very first time and quite by accident, but that's another review, right? I get so confused, especially since a Porteno is a native of Buenos Aires, and these restaurants are Peruvian. I don't mind since I really like Peruvian cuisine, and theirs was well prepared. I started with the $11.98 Surco Ensalada, which was a robust and refreshing mix of iceberg lettuce, purple cabbage, Peruvian quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded carrots, and sunflower seeds with a lemon vinaigrette dressing on the side (photo: https://bit.ly/3Jk9QI1). For my entree, I went with the $18.98 Pollo a la Parilla, a hefty portion of grilled marinated chicken chunks. The dish normally came with with salad, rice, and fries. I asked them to skip the carbs, so it was really a huge chicken salad (photo: https://bit.ly/32qEsHi). Hell, I didn't mind, but I wasn't that nutritionally conscientious since I also ordered the $7.98 Yuca Frita, fried yuca with a creamy huancaina sauce on the side (photo: https://bit.ly/3qE7mMa). So I skipped fries for other fries. Like that made sense. Anyway, they were delicious plates that made me want to go to Lima. Ah, when will we be free of this pandemic? FOOD - 4 stars...solid homestyle Peruvian food AMBIANCE - 4 stars...pleasant, open interior though I took my food home SERVICE - 4 stars...quite friendly and timely TOTAL - 4 stars...well, at least I went to visit one Porteno in the city RELATED - Exploring the Mission? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NHtst6 ”