Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Peruvian Spot – San Diego
The Peruvian Spot - San Diego
Photo from The Peruvian Spot
The Peruvian Spot at a glance
San Diego Linda Vista
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#31 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
437
Reviews
92.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Warm Hospitality
- Flavorful Cuisine
- Family Friendly
Frequently criticized
- Uneven Dishes
- Casual Dining
- Cost Concerns
The restaurant The Peruvian Spot in San Diego’s Linda Vista neighborhood offers a cozy dining experience where you can savor authentic flavors. This casual spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
You’ll find a diverse menu with options for various tastes, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting The Peruvian Spot
The Peruvian Spot offers a generally delightful experience, with many guests praising the authentic sauces and the overall tasty dishes. The alfajores are a particular standout, often described as the best.
You’ll find the service incredibly welcoming, making for a pleasant visit. However, some experiences point to concerns regarding value, with a few finding it somewhat pricy.
While many enjoy the food, a few dishes have been noted as bland or reheated. The casual setup, including paper plates, also doesn’t resonate with everyone.
Excellent
9
out of 10
437
Reviews
92.4%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
404
positive
The Peruvian Spot earns an impressive overall score of 9, reflecting a largely positive dining experience. This is strongly supported by an excellent 92.4% customer satisfaction rate, indicating most diners leave pleased.
These high marks are based on a substantial 437 customer opinions, with 404 positive remarks outweighing just 28 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Service shines brightly with a score of (9.6), consistently described as incredibly welcoming and attentive.
The Ambience also rates highly at (9), often noted for its friendly and clean environment, including a popular kid-friendly area. The Food, while generally excellent at (8.9), does have a few specific dishes that some found less appealing.
However, Value (5) stands out as an area where opinions are more divided, with some finding it a bit pricy.
What people like
- Exceptional Service & Owners
- Authentic & Tasty Food
- Kid-Friendly Ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Fast-Food Setup
- Perceived High Price
With a strong recommendation score of 9.2, The Peruvian Spot is certainly worth considering, especially if you appreciate genuinely warm service and a family-friendly atmosphere. Many find the food delightful, particularly the unique sauces and desserts, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meal.
However, be mindful that some dishes might not consistently hit the mark, and the casual, self-service setup with paper plates isn’t for everyone. If you prioritize excellent hospitality and specific Peruvian flavors over a formal dining experience, you’ll likely enjoy your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Peruvian Spot
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 91.1%, its clear that diners are consistently delighted. Many rave about the authentic Peruvian flavors, especially praising the "Pan con Chicharrón, " "Lomo Saltado, " and delicious "alfajores.
" Out of 304 opinions, a whopping 277 were positive, highlighting the dedication and love in every dish. However, a few diners (23 out of 304) did note some areas for improvement. Concerns included "portion size" on some pasta dishes, occasional "bland" flavors in items like ceviche, and sometimes "tough meat" in the lomo saltado.
While these are minor points compared to the overall praise, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Food
304
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian flavors
- Delicious Lomo Saltado
- Amazing desserts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Occasional blandness
- Tough meat
Often praised
- foodThe sauces provided by the owner were amazing, including Rocoto, Ají Charapita, and Ají Amarillo. The food was very tasty, and we absolutely LOVED the Chicha Morada! The service was also a highlight; the people were incredibly nice and welcoming.
- Lomo SaltadoMy experience at The Peruvian Spot was wonderful. I took my Peruvian family there for lunch, and we enjoyed really great house-brewed cafecitos, Chicha Moradas, Lomo Saltado, Empanadas, and Pan con Chicharrón. The sauces provided by the owner were amazing, including Rocoto, Ají Charapita, and Ají Amarillo.
- alfajoresEven though ceviche isn’t on the menu yet, you can still ask for it, and it’s delicious with a well-portioned serving. On the way out, I grabbed a box of alfajores because no one makes them better 🥰. Silvana, the owner, has been making amazing Peruvian food and sweets for years, and you can really taste the love she puts into everything.
- Peruvian foodOn the way out, I grabbed a box of alfajores because no one makes them better 🥰. Silvana, the owner, has been making amazing Peruvian food and sweets for years, and you can really taste the love she puts into everything.
- lomo saltadoMy experience at The Peruvian Spot was truly fantastic! We enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche, empanadas, lomo saltado, plantains, and ají de gallina. Every bite was a delight.
- empanadasMy experience at The Peruvian Spot was truly fantastic! We enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche, empanadas, lomo saltado, plantains, and ají de gallina. Every bite was a delight.
- FoodFood:5
- chocolate cakeIf you haven't tried this place yet, you are missing out on what a high-rated restaurant truly is all about. Some favorites are: Inka Asada Fries, Lomo Saltado, Mil Hojas, Alfajor, perfectly balanced homemade chocolate cake, and various nicely flavored ice creams. Enjoy!
- pan con chicharrónMy experience at the restaurant was excellent, with both the food and service being outstanding. I highly recommend trying the panes con lomo, pan con chicharrón, and tamales, as everything was delicious. Don't miss out on the Quinua carretillera, which brought back memories of Peru!
- Peruvian cuisineMy experience at The Peruvian Spot was unforgettable, offering the best of Peruvian cuisine in a family atmosphere. It was fantastic!
Frequently criticized
- sandwichhad way too much chicharron and was TOO Disproportionate with camote and cebolla
- Aji de gallinaAji de gallina, ok; looked reheated not so good
- Papa a la HuancaínaPapa a la Huancaína... tasted bland, stale, and far from fresh
- aji verdeThe aji Verde did not have much taste or heat to it.
- ajíNo ají either
- arroz chaufathere was no arroz chaufa on the menu
- breadThe bread was dried and crispy on the outside
- cevichemedium-spicy ceviche... tasted bland, stale, and far from fresh
- chicharronchunks that were not edible or just 100% chunks of grease
- coffeeJust coffee was weak for my taste
If you're craving authentic and delicious Peruvian cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. Most dishes are a hit, promising vibrant flavors and generous servings, though you might want to double-check portion expectations on certain items.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.6 and a stellar 98.4% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 63 remarks, a whopping 62 rave about the genuine warmth, hospitality, and family business feel, highlighting the staffs impeccable skill and personal touch.
However, there was one minor point raised among the overwhelmingly positive feedback. A single comment noted the self-service at the register, which some found reminiscent of a fast-food experience. It's a small detail, but worth noting for those who prefer full table service.
Service
63
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Genuine warmth
- Impeccable skill
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Self-service register
Often praised
- serviceI ordered a sandwich that was impressively large, highlighting the great portions. The service was incredible, and I really loved the people working there. Additionally, they offer free coffee until 10: 30 AM.
- ServiceSilvana and her team are really amazing
- staffWe shared the Peruvian donuts, which are a must-try, and the alfajores were also amazing. The restaurant has plenty of seating, the staff was super nice, and it was clean, which is always a plus. I'll be back soon!
- ownerThe owner of the restaurant is the best Pastry
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owners were incredibly nice and genuinely excited about their food, which made the visit even more special. Everything we ate was so delicious.
- customer serviceGuillermo was awesome with his customer service
- peopleCouldn’t think of nicer people to support
- GuillermoGuillermo was so kind
- RoseRose was super kind and helpful
- Silvana and WillySilvana and her husband Willy went out of their way: so friendly and welcoming!
Frequently criticized
- self-serviceself-service at the register. It reminded me of McDonald’s
If you value exceptional service and a truly welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The staffs genuine warmth and efficiency are consistently praised, making for a delightful dining experience. Dont let a minor self-service point deter you from enjoying their outstanding hospitality.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning an excellent 9 out of 10 and boasting an impressive 95.5% customer satisfaction! Based on 63 positive opinions, guests consistently praise the family atmosphere, kid-friendly vibe, and inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the play area for children, the convenient location, and the overall spacious and clean environment, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
However, among the 66 pieces of feedback, a couple of negative opinions did surface. These mentioned the setup feeling a bit like a fast-food joint, with the use of paper plates detracting from the dining experience. This feedback suggests that while the overall atmosphere is fantastic, a minor detail might occasionally miss the mark for some.
Ambience
66
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Kid-friendly play area
- Inviting atmosphere
- Spacious and clean
What people don't like
- Fast-food setup
Often praised
- atmosphereWe had a very friendly atmosphere during our lunch. My wife and I enjoyed our meal, finding the Lomo Saltado and the empanadas to be yummy!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentMy absolute favorite were the alfajores, truly the best I've ever had! They also have a kids area that my children loved, allowing me to fully enjoy the environment and the food. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning.
- kids corneryou can enjoy your meal while your kids play in the kids corner!
- restaurantthe restaurant was clean which is always a plus !!
- locationTheir lomo saltado is prepared with the highest quality beef, and their homemade ice cream is truly fire – the lúcuma ice cream was a standout, and I highly recommend asking for a sample. The restaurant itself is very welcoming, boasts a great location, and uses all fresh ingredients. Thanks!
- play areaThey also have a play area for the kids
- Kid-friendlinessVery friendly for kids. They have a playing area.
- ambianceThis has the ambiance of a nice clean small restaurant.
- casual placehaving a great casual place
Frequently criticized
- paper platesEven the fries for our daughter were undercooked. The setup felt more like a fast-food joint than a restaurant celebrating Peruvian culture, with paper plates, bowls, and self-service at the register, reminding me of McDonald's but without the consistency. We ended up tossing everything and driving to Del Mar, which was a breath of fresh air – flavorful, beautifully presented, and worth every penny.
- setupEven the fries for our daughter were undercooked. The setup felt more like a fast-food joint than a restaurant celebrating Peruvian culture, with paper plates, bowls, and self-service at the register, reminding me of McDonald's but without the consistency. We ended up tossing everything and driving to Del Mar, which was a breath of fresh air – flavorful, beautifully presented, and worth every penny.
If youre looking for a restaurant with a fantastic, family-friendly atmosphere where kids can play and you can relax, this place is definitely worth a visit. Youll likely find the inviting and clean environment perfect for a comfortable meal. Just be aware that a very small number of guests found the setup a bit too casual.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 5% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the price to be quite reasonable, with mentions of a comfortable price per person range. These positive remarks, accounting for 2 out of 4 total comments, suggest that some guests felt they got a fair deal, even though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%. However, the value proposition isnt universally praised.
Other experiences, also making up 2 of the 4 comments, describe the visit as a complete waste of time and money and feeling Pricy to an extent, not really worth it. This contributes to an average score of 5 for value, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in consistently delivering perceived worth.
Value
4
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Waste of money
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- pricereasonable price
- price per personPrice per person:$20–$30
Frequently criticized
- PricyPricy to an extent, not really worth it
- time and moneyWe ended up tossing everything and driving to Del Mar, which was a breath of fresh air – flavorful, beautifully presented, and worth every penny. This was a complete waste of time and money. If you’ve ever had real Peruvian food, you’ll understand why this place misses the mark entirely.
If youre considering this spot, be aware that the value is a bit of a gamble. While some find the pricing fair, others feel its not worth the cost. It might be a hit or miss depending on your expectations for the price.
How are the prices at The Peruvian Spot?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing a good mix of options around the average, with a few higher-end choices available too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both mid-range budgets and those looking for a slightly more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Peruvian Spot
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Peruvian Sandwich Experience
My experience at this restaurant was solely focused on their pork sandwich (pan con chicharrón), as I did not try any other dishes. Unfortunately, the sandwich was not a good representation of the traditional Peruvian sandwich. Firstly, the bread was dried and crispy on the outside, likely due to being warmed in a mini oven, whereas traditional preparation uses fresh, untoasted bread.
Secondly, the sweet potatoes were boiled instead of fried, which significantly impacts their texture and flavor. The onions (salsa criolla) lacked flavor, missing salt, Peruvian yellow ají, and crucially, key limes which are essential for softening and cooking the onions. The pork itself was just okay, with little flavor, suggesting insufficient seasoning like salt, cumin, garlic, or bay leaves.
While I didn't sample other food, the sandwiches here do not reflect authentic Peruvian cooking, which likely requires more time and effort to prepare correctly.
- pork5
- bread2
- sweet potatoes2
- onions1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Delicious Desserts and Perfect Ceviche!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered pickup and was initially disappointed that the key lime pie ice cream was unavailable. However, Guillermo was incredibly kind and offered me samples of the other two flavors, both of which were absolutely delicious.
It's clear his wife, a pastry chef, makes them from scratch. The ceviche limeño was literally perfection; I loved it so much! I will definitely be back to try other dishes here.
- key lime pie ice cream8
- other two flavors9
- ceviche limeño10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Super Good Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was super good! The food was excellent, and the owners were super nice. The restaurant was clean, and the staff was nice.
I tried the fusión Juice, which was super good. I 100% recommend it!
- food10
- owners10
- restaurant9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Peruvian Christmas Vibes!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The atmosphere was incredibly festive and felt very Christmasy and Peruvian. We enjoyed the ceviche and the tallarin a la huancaina con Lomo, which my boyfriend and I both loved.
Towards the end of our meal, a staff member offered us samples of their ice creams. We tried the passion fruit and alfajor flavors. Both were great, but the passion fruit was truly amazing, amazing.
My boyfriend also loved the passion fruit ice cream.
- atmosphere10
- ceviche8
- tallarin a la huancaina con Lomo8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Peruvian Food and Service!
I had an amazing experience dining at the Peruvian Spot! I ordered the Inka Asada and it was SUPER delicious! The meat was incredibly juicy, and their creams are top.
(Love them). The Chaufa rice was flavorful, the Pan con Chicharrón was very tasty, and the service from the staff was super exceptional. The place was spotless, and the restroom was immaculate (it even had mouthwash with one time use).
They also have a play area for kids, which my daughters loved. The wait time was minimal, and everything was fresh and delicious. Highly recommended!
- Inka Asada10
- creams10
- Chaufa rice9
What The Peruvian Spot offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does The Peruvian Spot cater to specific dietary needs?
Yes, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of dishes at The Peruvian Spot. They proudly offer delicious vegan options and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delightful for every palate, alongside their regular menu.
Is The Peruvian Spot a family-friendly restaurant?
Absolutely! The Peruvian Spot is good for kids, making it an ideal spot for families. They provide a dedicated kids’ menu and even have changing tables available, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience for you and your little ones.
What is the overall rating for The Peruvian Spot?
The Peruvian Spot holds an excellent overall score of 9 with a 92.4% customer satisfaction rate. This is driven by exceptional Service (9.6), a pleasant Ambience (9), and generally well-regarded Food (8.9), though Value (5) is seen as average.
What are some popular food items at The Peruvian Spot?
Many guests enjoy the authentic sauces, Chicha Morada, Lomo Saltado, and Empanadas. The Alfajores are frequently praised, and you can even ask for off-menu Ceviche. Some dishes, however, have been described as bland or reheated.
Is The Peruvian Spot suitable for families with children?
Yes, the restaurant is noted for its friendly and clean ambience, including a popular kids’ area or play area. The service is consistently described as incredibly welcoming, with owners and staff making guests feel at home.