Victoria's Peruvian Cuisine
Reviews
Name: Yocasta Valdez
Occupation: Corporate Recruiter
Lives In: Boynton Beach
Restaurant Pick: Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine
Reviewed Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine: September 15th, 2009
Since the restaurant is not located off a main highway exit, you have to pay attention to the plaza. It’s about one block south of Lantana Rd. on Federal Hwy. The restaurant is small and doesn’t offer much in the way of decorations or ambiance, but it makes up for this more in the quality of food prepared. Since this is a regular destination of ours, we have tried just about all the items on the menu. The soups are excellent. All items are usually prepared promptly and satisfactorily.
People not familiar with Peruvian cuisine are encouraged to try the Anticuchos, an appetizer consisting of grilled cow-heart meat on a skewer accompanied by sweet baked potato slices and Peruvian styled white corn. A warning for diners, the sauce that accompanies this dish is very hot. We have tried this appetizer at other Peruvian restaurants and have found theirs to be one of the better ones served.
Name: Olivia Foster
Occupation: Bartender
Lives In: Jupiter
Restaurant Pick: Sailfish Marina
Reviewed Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine: September 13th,2009
The strip mall where Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine is located is less than appealing. However, nothing about the stale strip mall compares to the culinary adventure we were about to engage in. This is where the saying, “never judge a book by its cover” comes well into play. Upon entry we were immediately greeted with a friendly smile from the son’s owner who led us to a table. The dining room was small and quaint with a welcoming family feel. One could tell that the facilities are well maintained despite its simplicity. Two flat screen TVs played continual scenes of Peruvian landscapes while traditional Peruvian music provided comfortable background listening.
On the menu, the entrée titles were written in Spanish and the descriptions in English. However the font was blurred and too small to read. (I must add however, this setback will be the only negative obstacle during the entire experience!)
The young man was endearing and very friendly. He invited us to try a traditional Peruvian non-alcoholic beverage called Chicha Morada, which he explained to be a beverage prepared from a base of boiled purple maíz, to which are added chunks of pineapple, sugar, and ice as it cools. We also tried two traditional Peruvian beers, “Cristal” Peru's most popular beer and “Cusquena Malta”, a sweeter dark Lager.
Our Server intuitively offered suggestions and information. For our appetizer, we chose the Mixed Seafood Ceviche and Beef Tamales. For our entrees, we followed his advice and ordered Lomo Saltado, Cabrito con frijoles and Mixed Seafood Arroz Chaufa. The Ceviche was the best Ceviche I have ever had. The balance between lime cilantro and chilies was near perfection. I could have made a meal out of the plump fresh seafood and delicious tangy juice, slices of paper-thin red onions and individual kernels of sweet corn. The Tamales were delicate, fluffy and well executed.
Our entrees arrived with fifteen minutes after the appetizers. The Lomo Saltado was like a Peruvian version of the French Steak Frites. Slices of tenderloin marinated and grilled with sliced red onions, a brown sauce and the French fries folded into the meat and onions. It was very hearty and a dish I would suggest to the less adventurous patron. The Cabrito con frijoles was a stew of tender baby goat meat marinated in chicha de jora (fermented corn liquor whose origins date back to a time before the Incas) and vinegar accompanied with beans served with fried onions and garlic.
The meat was tender and cooked perfectly. The flavors melted beautifully with each other and the meat was phenomenal. Mixed Seafood arroz chaufa was a dish reminiscent of a paella with Asian flair. The saffron colored rice piled high with a fresh sautéed selection of scallops, calamari and shrimp was flavorful, tender and delicious. For our desert we had a Tres Leches Cake served with lucuma, which is a subtropical Peruvian fruit. It possessed a unique flavor of maple and sweet potato, not too rich, creamy, light, sweet and divine.
What I loved about Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine was foremost the food, but also the welcoming uncomplicated family feel. Our server was so delightful and so friendly. We sat there for at least two hours and enjoyed a slow paced meal, never feeling rushed. Our server even chatted with us about the new ventures they are pursuing, namely featuring a picture slide show of the dishes on the TV screens so the guests can get an idea of all the different menu options. We left feeling full and happy. Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine is a classic example of a jewel in the rough.
Name: James Brogan
Occupation: Private Investigator
Lives In: Jupiter
Restaurant Pick: Sushi Rock, Boca
Reviewed Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine: September 10th, 2009
Parking in a strip mall; had a hard time finding it with my GPS. The waitress was great. She went over the menu with me, explaining Peruvian food.
I ordered the Peruvian special steamed dolphin. It came with rice, fried potatoes, shrimp, calamari, mussels plus steamed dolphin. It was perfect, great taste. I ordered rice pudding for dessert but they were all out. The waiter suggested the tres leches cake. It means three different kinds of milk – it was out of sight ! I even brought a piece home for my wife. I didn’t like the non dairy creamer for my coffee, I expected real cream. My fish dinner was $13.95, cake $4.50, tea $1.50 -- great prices. Overall, a great place to eat.
Restaurant Information
Location: 111 S. Third Street, Lantana Florida 33462
Phone: (561) 588-9606
Parking: Yes
Restaurant Owners: Ana Leon & Julio Leon
Executive Chef: Julio Leon
Pastry Chef: Ana Leon
Type of Cuisine: Peruvian
Signature Dishes: Ceviche, Papa huancaina, Anticuchos, Arroz con Mariscos
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Alcohol Served: Beer & Wine
Corkage Fee: $5.00
Bottle Limit: None
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday – 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Meals Served: Breakfast (weekends), Lunch, Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, %15 gratuity, w/o alcohol):$20-$25
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, %15 gratuity, w/o alcohol): $12
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? Visa, Master Card, Discovery
Accept Reservations: Yes
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: A day prior to attendance
Accommodations for Children: Yes
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 45 people
Accommodate Groups: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Tables with Scenic Views: Yes
Outdoor Dining: No
Entertainment: Live Music for special events (mother’s day, father’s day, Valentines Day, Criolla Music day)