Lima Criolla

Lomo Saltado is a must try! Perfect amount of spicy, the ingredients they use compliment each other just right!!!
I’ve been chasing a good Lomo Saltado since I first tried it in Venice beach. The others have failed miserably until this place!

Superb food and great and very friendly service. Amazingly affordable prices. Love the fact that they have a full bar.

The food was great and the resteraunt was nice, we ordered all of the ceviches and jalea. However, the service was extremely slow. When we ordered the ceviche we were surprised to find that it didn’t come with tostadas. When we asked about that they brought us some chips that were pretty stale. The jalea was also very good, but they took over 40 minutes to make.
Overall, the food was great, but the service was once again too slow, although our waitress was very nice, which is why I gave the resteraunt 3 stars.

While looking for satisfy my south american food craving I stumbled upon Lima Criolla. Upon tasting the Ceviche Limeño and the Aji de Gallina Limeño I found myself super delighted with the flavor. The prices are really good as well. I will definitely be coming back soon.

Attentive service, consistently good food. Empanadas were yummm.

Excellent! Had two of the ceviches and the potatoes in yellow sauce, and it was all great. Pisco sours were also really good. We’ll definitely be back.

Good was very very good. Don’t get any kind of fried fish. That wasn’t good. But the beef dishes were great and the yuca was awesome. Reason for a 3 is the service was bad. We had to hunt our waiter down two times. We almost had to cover our friends check because she was running out of time after two hours.

I had a pisco (very reasonably priced) and the chicken with parmesan sauce (Aji de Gallina Limeno), which was not exactly what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised.
The food was very good, pretty generous portions but not overkill, and good prices for Austin. The service was a bit slow, but it wasn’t a big deal. No idea what it would be like if it was busy.
I will be going back to try more dishes!

Pez Weon would be proud! I lived in Peru several years and we have nothing this good and Peruvian near Dallas. ¡Muchas gracias por el sabor peruano!
We had the ceviche mixto «mixed ceviche» and it was awesome! This is what a true ceviche is about. Also the Tallarines Verdes or spinach pesto over noodles with beef-​steak. My son’s favorite. Combined with chicha morada (a purple corn sweet drink) and Inca Cola, it brought back many a fond memory of my time in Lima.
Great crowd but not crowded. Service was «muy amable» very kind.
I have no idea if this is the best Peruvian place in Austin because we’re visiting here, but we had the best experience at this Peruvian restaurant and I will definitely come back.

LUNCH REVIEW:
I was teetering between a 3 and four star but decided on a four based on flavors, price and service. There is definitely plenty of parking and this place was hopping at lunch.
I ordered the Peruvian Cola which to me tasted like a extra sugary version of cream soda. The lovely Erica V. and I stopped in here for lunch after it popped up on her radar as a new place.
We ordered the Yuca with cream cheese and yellow peppers sauce, the beef empanada and both did the lunch special. The special was your choice of one of three soups and either a chicken or a pork dish. I chose the Aji De Gallina Limeno (shredded chicken in a Parmesan cream sauce with rice) and the beef soup with rice.
The yuca by itself was very flavorless but, wow for the sauce!!! I recommend ordering a side to put on your rice because it is that good. I didn’t try the beef empanada but, Erica said it was throwing her off with the powdered sugar on it so, I would order it without it and it would probably be pretty good. The soup I had definitely needed to be doctored up at the table with salt and pepper but, the broth was pretty meat hearty and the rice wasn’t overly mooshy. I would recommend the soup which had a meat ball and 1 potato in it as garnish.
The shredded chicken was moist however, I didn’t taste a whole lot of Parmesan in the cream sauce; it was more citrusy from lemon than anything. I was surprised by the kalamata olive (be careful there is a pit in it) and the hard boiled egg slice. I have never had Peruvian cuisine but, I am sure this is an ethnic custom and it was actually tasty; just wish there was more than one of each. The rice made a nice addition to eat up the rest of the sauce but, it could have been a larger portion.
For the price though, you can’t beat it and I will definitely be back to sample some more items. I also saw a projector on the ceiling so, they must do some sports viewing or something there.

The best Peruvian restaurant in Austin, TX. Love their Lomo Saltado, Bisteck a lo Pobre, and Yuquita a la Huancaina! Their chicha morada and picarones are awesome too! Good Music and great environment! So glad they opened it up close to my place and work. I’ve already been there at least 4 times this month and I am gonna keep coming.

Unfortunately I have to update my review and it’s not for the better.
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve visited Lima Criolla with guests from out of town because I was so excited about the new gem I found. Both times the restaurant was out of items that we wanted (Pan con Chicharron, Arroz con Mariscos, Parihuela, Picarones, Tacu Tacu de Mariscos, Suspiro a la Limeña), even though it was a Saturday night. I understand shortages – but it was a big let down for my guests.
The Jalea (fried fish & calamari) was still good and same with the Tallarines Verdes (Fettuccine w/​pesto and flank steak). The Sopa a la Minuta (Angel hair pasta with ground beef) was delicious (I’ve come to the consensus that every soup at Lima Criolla is perfection). The Tallarin Saltado de Pollo (Spaghetti with chicken) lacked some flavor, and same with the Lomo Saltado that night.
I’m disappointed that I was let down the last two times I’ve visited, but I’m hoping that these issues will be resolved soon because I truly did love it the first time I visited!

Outside it’s flanked by two small horse statues and a large clock. Remnants of middlefiskvillle mall desert charm shouldn’t scare you away from the best food you’ve had in a while. Tried the $ 7.99 lunch special today. Delicioso! Pick a soup plus a plate from the pollo or lamb section. In one trip, it’s already my second favorite restaurant in Austin.
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Beef empanada was stuffed with a good amount of meat; the dough was flavorful and flaky and a bit sweet. The pisco sour was very foamy and just a touch too sweet but still satisfying on a nice spring day.
The location is not the best in the neglected Highland mall area but there was plenty of parking. The staff was nice and welcoming if a bit inattentive once the lunch rush bustled in.
I’ll will be back to try more of their large variety of appetizers!

First of all, this place is great! Why? Here goes…
The interior is well lit. And there is are two screens to view sports (I’m guessing its going to be mainly showing soccer). One is a huge projector screen so you can pretty much catch the match from everywhere.
The interior is well lit and while there aren’t much decorations around, it has a very clean feel to it. Most of the tables in the place can seat about 2 – 4 people, although you can probably put tables together if you have larger parties. The restroom was pretty clean, no complaints.
The servers are great and can provide recommendations if you are unsure of what you want. Didn’t have to wait too long for the food either.
The food is pretty awesome. Big portions, you’ll definitely leave satisfied. For the price you pay, its a pretty solid bunch. I’d try most everything given the chance.
The only downside to this place is that it may be a bit hard to spot from the main roads. It is in a plaza off the highway, but I’d never have heard about this place if my friend hadn’t recommended it.
There is plenty of parking since it is in a plaza. Parking should be of no issue.
Will definitely return often and with friends!

I’d normally give a place like this a solid 4 stars, but I’m giving it 5 stars because there are very few Peruvian options in Austin and their dishes were not only tasty but also priced reasonably well. Other highlights for me? No wait… even on a weekend night, which is helpful for me because I’m not the best planner and neither is my husband. :)
I missed Peruvian ceviche and they DID. NOT. disappoint.
If you read about their amazingly delicious cookies, please note how much effort they are to make. The cookies are made of a fine starchy recipe and they fall apart easily. The dulce de leche in between is difficult to apply in between when sandwiching them together. And yes, they will melt in your mouth at each bite. Most latino countries have their own version. Peru is no exception for this deliciousness.

I went for lunch today with a coworker and was pleasantly surprised! The lunch portions were perfect… not too big, not too small for the price. It’s a family-​owned and run feeling kind of place, and you can see into the kitchen which is cool.
I thought the quality of the meat and fries in the lomo saltado was pretty good, and I liked the side sauce! My colleague had the ceviche mixto, and he enjoyed that a LOT. When I get the itch for Peruvian food, this will definitely be a go-​to for me.
It’s in a weird location, and you’re bound to spend a minute finding it, but once you do it’s definitely worth it.

I’m kinda a Peruvian food nut. After growing up with it in Miami you get that way. So of course I was thrilled when friends wanted to try this place that’s right in our backyard.
Good ambiance, it was pretty busy. Bar and table seating. There is an opportunity to arrange the tables better — they’re packed in and difficult for customers and servers to navigate.
My favorite Peruvian dishes are the Papas a la Huancaína, lomo saltado, and the green spaghetti (I never remember the name!). I opted for the papas and spaghetti, since I am sadly on a vegetarian kick.
The papas were good, a bit bland. But really they never really kick — they’re just meant to be creamy starch! What got me was the spaghetti, which is to be served with meat traditionally. So when I asked for just the spaghetti I got just a massive portion of that. I guess I expected the price to be adjusted, but I was still charged $ 15 for it. The spaghetti itself was, not quite right. At least not in the usual Peruvian green spaghetti way.
The drinks were where the restaurant shined — Pisco Sours! And a version of the Pisco with Passion Fruit nectar — so good. Oh, and they have Inca Kola.
So overall, misses the mark for me on Peruvian but come hang out for a Pisco and soccer watching.

La atención es rápida, la comida también es rápida pero el el sabor no era lo que esperábamos…

Oh wow, I wish I would have discovered this place sooner! I studied abroad in Peru for a year (I’ve missed Peruvian food ever since) and this place is pretty authentic!
I went with a couple coworkers for lunch and we started with the ceviche. If you think you’ve had ceviche (most likely, at a Mexican restaurant), think again! Peruvian ceviche is waaaaay better! More citrus-​y with high quality, fresh fish. We also had the yuca frita. Yuca is a great, starchy potato, cut into a large sticks, served with huancaina sauce, made by blending queso fresco and yellow Peruvian aji pepper. It is not cheese, as another Unilocaler improperly noted.
Lima Criolla offers great lunch specials. For $ 7.99, you get a soup or salad, plus any meat place. I ordered the carapulcra, a pork dish with dried potatoes, rice, and sauce, which was delicious! My coworkers (one is a Peruvian) enjoyed their arroz con pollo and aji de gallina. Needless to say, we were stuffed and content with the great meal.
I’ll definitely come back sometime soon, and get a pisco sour next time! They also have Inka Cola, which you should try if you never have!

So we started with the Papa rellena — it was so yummy!!! It was served with red onions marinated with lime juice. The dish was so good and big enough to share with three people. So generous! The sauce it came with was phenomenal
We then had the yuca — talk about comfort food, and it was served with this lovely cheese sauce which I was first suspicious about. It was a perfect combo.
The Anticuchos is a MUST! I wouldn’t have ordered it if it weren’t for my Peruvian friends who didn’t tell me what it was. It was DELICIOUS
Then I had the mixed ceviche which was so yummy and fresh
For dessert we had the Picarones and the Suspiro de la limena — both were soooooooooooo yummy but the Suspiro de la limena was so so good!
My daughter had my phone so I only have one photo

Okay, those STROOONG Peruvian cocktails for only $ 5 each? Yes, please. Looks like they have a lunch special (Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), where you get a soup or salad plus an entrée for $ 7.99. I’ll try to catch that.
Otherwise, Lima Criolla does pretty well. Our entrees were good. Alicia was crazy for her dessert, though it really just looked like a cookie to me. Our server was sweet but didn’t seem to understand us at all. We gotta learn Spanish.
EDIT: apparently they have happy hour Monday through Friday 4 to 7, so I’m not sure what the drink prices are during that time.

Happiness from the kitchen to your mouth !
Susana is a pleasant owner and host of her restaurant. Will guide anybody’s palate, new to Peruvian food, with wisdom.
Restaurant located in the old Lincoln shopping center, this place brings life to the area. Long menu with a varied list of Peruvian dishes, and a exquisite bar for your Pisco Sours, which I recommend you to try.
We had the anticuchos and yuquitas fritas for starters, just delicious. The anticuchos come in a tray surrounded by three sauces to eat with the meat and potato. The yuccas are fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
For seconds we ordered the Cau Cau and Arroz Chaufa, the Peruvian version of the Chinese fried rice, a fusion of both cultures. The Cau Cau, a fusion of Italian and Peruvian, had the traditional flavor of those Italian restaurants in downtown Lima. and the rice dish had a perfectly cooked rice with a combination of meats, the chicharron, crispy pork, in tiny pieces just embrace the dish.
To finish the Picarones, Its principal ingredients are squash and sweet potato, with its typical Chancaca honey sauce, perfect closure to a nice evening with my son.
By the way, there is music on weekends. i only got to hear to guitarist playing some great Santana.
Looking forward to my next visit to Austin. There is a lot
in that menu, way to inviting.

I’m very pleased that La Chapparita has survived the slow-​motion implosion of Highland Mall and reincarnated itself down the street in this new location as Lima Criolla. Austin is not exactly overflowing with Peruvian cuisine, and even if there’s aspects of the new location I’m not perfectly content with, I’m glad they’re still around.
To get it out of the way, let me just say that my main complaint about Lima Criolla is that it’s more expensive than La Chapparita was. Their ceviche used to be $ 8; now it’s $ 11. Don’t get me wrong, the quality is as high as ever — a minor mountain of delicious fish in a wonderful lime bath, accompanied with a tasty wedge of sweet potato and some corn. It was my favorite dish at LC and it’s still great, it’s just that you pay more for it now. My meal of papas a la huancaina ($ 6), ceviche ($ 11), and chicha ($ 3) was a little on the spendy side for the quantity, even if the quality was still high.
At least the menu is much larger — even the ceviche comes with more options now, with a larger version that has other ingredients like octopus in it for $ 15. They got rid of their tacos, which were decent but not worth writing home about, and added many more items that could tempt me away from the ceviche. I’m not sure what’s in a $ 14 soup, but I will probably try it, and I’m extremely curious what their take on pasta is like.
I don’t blame Lima Criolla for changing, because a lot has changed for them. Whereas before they were a kiosk in the food court of a dying mall, now they’re a full-​fledged family restaurant. I went there on their first day for their soft opening and I was glad to see that they were full. I hope they improve slightly on the value front, but they’re still absolutely worth a visit.