El Chalan Restaurant

So glad to have found El Chalan while here in DC on vacation. My family and I lived in Piura, Peru for almost 9 years which is in the heart of Peruvian creole food. We LOVE Peruvian food and this is as authentic as you can get. I even told my wife that the sala made me feel like we were transported back to Peru. We ate here twice. The ceviche, papa a la huancaina , cabrito norteño, arroz con mariscos, chupe de camarones, anticuchos and lomo saltado we’re excellence!!! I would absolutely recommend El Chalan!!!

When I entered I was immediately surprised. From the outside there are not a lot of clues as to what to expect. The place is small but it does not feel cramped. I really liked the choice of furniture because it looks like very well kept antique pieces and a little rustic. I ordered the Lomo Saltado and I was not disappointed. The Meat was cooked perfectly and the dish had the smokiness that can only be achieved by preparing it in the traditional way and which is something that some places that serve this dish neglect to do. I had the flan for dessert and it was ok, nothing to write home about but a good sweet accent to the end of my meal. My only complain was that eventhough I got a tabme as soon as I came in my waiter did not come to my table until I stopped one of the busboys which was 10 to 15 minutes after I was seated. Overall I was very happy with this place and I will be returning to try their other dishes in the future. Buen Provecho!

Surprisingly nice place below street level. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but cozy and well decorated inside. Helpful staff that was accommodating to split our check. We enjoyed a good ceviche mixto. I had the cabrito nortena. The flavors were spot on but the meat was dry. Next time I'll explore other dishes.

Authentic Peruvian cuisine with good wine. the prices are not that high considering this place is located in the heart of DC. they also serve good bread before the meal along with unique spicy sauce. very crowded during lunch time. reservation is recommended if you are on schedule. Must try: Goat stew and ceviche.

A small but inviting place, don't let the first steps in the restaurant fool you, the food is delicious. Our meals were quite enjoyable, not as spicy or bold as they should have been but still quite good. The service was excellent as well. But one of the top things was the drink menu. A number of very nice cocktails worth experimenting with.

El Chalan was a great experience overall. Staff was a little slow to serve and help us, we weren’t at a peek hour but the restaurant was kinda of full. The food quality was great and the portion generous. I’m giving 4 because the paella seafood was kind of over cooked, however it was still high quality in comparison to others. We’ll come again to retry this. The meat was sublime. The fish was good, again shrimps over cooked and maybe lacking a little flavors? Their cocktails are generous and their Pisco sour is really good. Will come back!

As a first timer at El Chalan, and having heard positive first hand reviews, this place is fantastic. In fact, it's only my second Peruvian dining experience. For drinks to start, a Pisco sour and Maracuya sour. I felt a strong strong buzz from one Pisco Sour. Wow. The appetizers included one marinated beef heart. So tender! The three of us at the table couldn't keep away from the plate. Also a ceviche pescado was fresh and flavorful (very light). For entrees, two lomo saltado especial (meat is fillet) and also a Arroz con Marisco. Complimentary bread with a spicy orange color sauce (be careful with this). Highly recommend.