Visited the location this afternoon for lunch - the ambiance was very nice, pretty extensive menu! The establishment is Peruvian with a chance and Japanese fusion (imagine that)! The dishes were all delicious and plenty to select from with the alcohol menu as well - was reasonably priced and will visit again! Definitely worth checking out! Oh and the BEST YUCCA I ever had - all about the spices and sauces, must try!
Delicious Peruvian and Chinese fusion cuisine with experimental flavor combinations that dazzled my tongue. Our waitress was very knowledgeable of everything on the menu and our order came out very quickly. The food was presented beautifully and the waitress even prepared part our meal at the table which was interesting to see. Highly recommend!
Nice food but fairly costly. It was very big and it wasn't crowded when we reached because maybe we were in the middle of two meal times but by the time we left the place was full. The server was very nice and helpful and the food was great. However, one particular special spaghetti vegetarian dish was quite misleading. The serving bowl was huge but the quantity was small. The taste was good though. Ultimately the vegetarian members of the group had to order another dish. They asked for what we were having but without the meat.
Truly one of the most difficult menus, in terms of choice; everything looks [and is] good and it is hard to choose, so I recommend doing many small plates. All across the menu are bold flavors emphasizing spicy, acidic, and savory tastes from South American, Japanese, and Chinese roots. Peru’s history as a melting pot of South American and East/Southeast Asian peoples is on full display.
My experience here surpassed my expectations — I had been raving about a Peruvian restaurant in the city to a friend, and they told me to come here. I went spontaneously before a movie at the Gallery Place theater for some apps and drinks. From the minute we walked in, we were greeted with warm service. It was a Saturday night and we had no reservations, so we were hoping for the bar, which was full upon arrival. The host was diligent in tracking where each party was in their meal and let us know stools would open up soon. Once two did, which was about 90 seconds after we arrived, he let us know. Our bartender was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, helping us choose dishes to satisfy our specific pallets. Everything we had was remarkable. The prices were not outlandish either, and service was incredibly fast. The interior was also eclectic and vibrant, matching the energy of the restaurant. I highly recommend.
China Chilcano presented a very unique fusion of cuisines that aren’t commonly seen together (Peruvian, Japanese, and Chinese). Each dish on the menu has a small indicator next to it that denotes which cuisine it’s mainly inspired by, so I’d recommend getting at least one dish from each for the best variety.
Some items stay more traditional, while others lean more into the fusion aspect. Keep an open mind about it and you will enjoy what they have to offer.
Visited during restaurant week to try a variety of different things. Had a good experience overall - it is a well oiled machine considering how busy the dining room was during restaurant week. The shu mai and desserts were the highlight for me. A couple of the dishes were on the overly salty side for me. And the regular price outside of restaurant might be a bit steep, but that is just how restaurant prices are these days. I would say it’s worth a visit overall. Give it a try during restaurant week - definitely make a reservation ahead of time.
Such a cute place! The staff were all friendly and great! Food was fantastic! We went a little out of comfort zone to order, not quite knowing what to expect from some of the words/descriptions (just our lack of knowledge), but the waitress was so helpful and ALL THE FOOD WE HAD WAS PHENOMENAL! I’ll be thinking about this meal for a long time!
We were able to walk in mid-week with a large group from work. The service was fantastic and the food amazing. We loved the fact that we could order a variety of things and share. I would definitely go back but would also love to try some more of Jose Andres' other projects.
Sometimes I wonder why I don’t dine here more often! They have such an interesting menu — with curious flavor combinations. Everything we had was delicious!! José Andrés restaurants have yet to disappoint.
We came here for restaurant week and chose from the sample menu. We really
Enjoyed ourselves, the waitstaff were amazing And very knowledgeable. The only downside was feeling rushed. We pre-selected each course from the restaurant menu and each dish came out very quickly. Sometimes before we finished the current dish. Nonetheless, the food was delicious and it had a great ambience. Warning for the Tam Tam noodles: it’s pretty spicy.
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I was initially skeptical that Peruvian/Chinese/Japanese food would be good, but so glad we came here to try it out - truly unique and a fantastic spin on both South American and Asian fare. Such an easy 2-minute walk from the Archives metro stop. We got lucky with reservations and nabbed an outdoor table on the day of at a decent evening time on a Friday night. The outdoor patio was very cute with minimal street noise, but be warned that there will be a million mosquitoes, probably because of the plants out front. I got about 20 bites as soon as we were seated and had an extremely itchy meal. The staff was friendly and provided bug spray when I asked, but it was already too late, so make sure you're protected before you arrive or wear pants and long sleeves. Also, the patio is pretty narrow, so be careful of the chair tipping over the ledge when moving around. (Or just sit indoors if you can to avoid all the hassle and just truly enjoy the food.) The food made it all worthwhile though - will definitely return when I'm back int own. Highly highly recommend the ceviche clasico with the fish of the day (and all the other food that we got shown in the pics)!!
I have been several times, and every time this place is badass. Great food, all with explanations of ingredients and origins, served in sizes that are perfect - you won't get too full on the tasting menu, but you'll leave happy. The cocktail pairings are well worth the money as well!
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Allow me to share my recent dining experience, sprinkled with a touch of candid feedback.
While the starters danced delightfully on my palate, the main course seemed to have missed its cue, arriving with a note of plainness that fell a tad flat. Now, let's talk about the "Suspiro Limeña." The passion fruit jam played the role of the villain, overpowering the delicate flavor of the condensed milk custard and leaving a sour aftertaste. A touch less intensity would have let the whole thing shine.
Speaking of shine, the "Summer Restaurant Week" menu felt more like an appetizer sampler than a full-course affair. Exiting a supposedly four-course meal with a still-rumbling stomach felt like an unexpected encore.
Moving to service, a little advice for the summer terrace: wiped tables are a basic overture. Cutlery exposed to the elements is like sending them on an unscheduled outdoor adventure. And while "salt" might not be the most complex term, having staff familiar with basic English could add a harmonious note to the experience. Lastly, let's not forget the condiments. A pinch of salt can make all the difference, considering the varied palates that grace your tables (human beings have different sodium/potassium balance, and that’s why some of them need salt).
My expectations, fueled by positive reviews, sadly missed the mark this time.
This was one of our favorite places in DC. Pricey, but only because Alabama wages don't carry as far everywhere else in the US 😅 I recommend making reservations to dine here. A little hard to accommodate children's palates, but the server/chefs made it happen. Our dishes were fresh, hot, and delicious. We had Tam Tam, HaKao, Pollo a la Brasa, Suspiro Limeña, and Torta de Chocolate. It was all excellent 👍🏼
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This restaurant is an all-around WINNER!
I've since come to learn that owner, Chef José Andrés, provided meals to the residents of Puerto Rico after the hurricane. That's supporting your community.
UPDATE: Dec 01, '23 - Thank you. General Mgr CJ, thank you for reaching out and inviting me back. Melissa, our hostess, was exemplary. She was knowledgeable of the menu and the dishes. That's what you expect. Her conversation was lively and engaging. Requested hot water and lime, didn't ask for the mint. CJ apologized, stating I should have been given the mint. Then, I received a bowl of mint! It's the little details that makes me a return customer. Hi Ms. C. WELCOME BACK!
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11 29.23: I will not be back. I requested hot water and lemon with mint, please. Waitress responded that they did not have mint. Ordered a chocolate and banana ice cream dessert, with a sprig of MINT! When I asked the waitress, she shrugged her shoulders. Ridiculous. Then, Manager attempts to explain that the waitress wouldn't know. Well, does she know how to ask! Moreover, he states it's black Peruvian mint used solely for dessert. If I can spend $100+ on a single meal, give the mint!
A creative and artistic take on Peruvian-Chinese fusion! Dishes were pricey but delicious. Cocktails were good and not too expensive, with prices mainly ranging from $13-$15. Most portions were decent sizes, but the ceviche was too small for the price in my opinion. We loved the yuca fries with bonito flakes and their deconstructed Suspiro limeño for dessert. I’m from Miami and it’s been hard finding up to par Peruvian food in DC, so this was a pleasant surprise!
We came here for lunch for restaurant week and were very excited. The restaurant is gorgeous and a very unique vibe which I absolutely loved. The service was also really great. I think the food was good but was expecting a bit more based on the fun and playfulness of the vibe of the restaurant. Would recommend for a good vibe but not very impressed by the Suspiro Limena dessert.
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