Fresca

While Fresca had some great Peruvian options, its prices betray its Peruvian roots and draw attention to the ways it could be better. I went there... more

Fresca is wonderful. Exotic variations of ceviche abound on their menu. While a bit pricey, each preparation of ceviche is fresh and a wonder of flavors. For my entree, I chose the Causa Andina which comes with smoked salmon and tuna tartar, deliciously complimentary sauces and decadent creamy garlic mashed potatoes. We also tried the rotisserie chicken which was a tad on the dry side, but still seasoned well and served with crunchy and satisfying french fries. Pros: menu offerings, ambiance Cons: pricey more

Fresca is wonderful. Exotic variations of ceviche abound on their menu. While a bit pricey, each preparation of ceviche is fresh and a wonder of flavors. For my entree, I chose the Causa Andina which comes with smoked salmon and tuna tartar, deliciously complimentary sauces and decadent creamy garlic mashed potatoes. We also tried the rotisserie chicken which was a tad on the dry side, but still seasoned well and served with crunchy and satisfying french fries. I love this place and despite multiple locations popping up all over the city, Fresca has maintained a fresh and delightful take on Peruvian fare. Pros: menu offerings, ambiance Cons: pricey more

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon the 24th Street location for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Although there were tables in the front and at the bar, we were seated at a table in the back, next to the restrooms. Upon 10 seconds of taking our seats, we became aware of the steady flow of people brushing up against us on their way to the bathrooms, as there was practically no walking space between us and adjacent tables. We requested to be moved to another table across the room and were told that it was "reserved," though it was unoccupied during our entire 1+ hour lunch. We also quickly became aware of the table of about 12 next to us -- a bridal shower. Now, I completely understand that there is certain amount of rambunctiousness associated with such a celebration, but these women (in addition to the understandable yelling, clapping, lingerie throwing, etc.) were constantly getting up to mingle with one another. Bear in mind that there was practically no space between our table and the bridal shower table, so my boyfriend and I were constantly staring at these womens' rear ends (and I know this isn't politically correct, but they weren't exactly centerfolds) which were just inches away from our faces, and enduring the rear ends brushing up against us throughout our entire lunch. At one point, one woman stood so close to me that she grabbed onto my chair and began shaking it amidst of a fit of laughter. When I turned around, she said "oh, we're just being obnoxious, you should request a different table," and proceeded to re-stick her butt in my face. This ENTIRE time, there were other tables available, and none of the servers ever came by to check on us, or much less, display some degree of attention or empathy for our situation. Pros: Ambience, Neighborhood Cons: Service more

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon the 24th Street location for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Although there were tables in the front and at the bar, we were seated at a table in the back, next to the restrooms. Upon 10 seconds of taking our seats, we became aware of the steady flow of people brushing up against us on their way to the bathrooms, as there was practically no walking space between us and adjacent tables. We requested to be moved to another table across the room and were told that it was ""reserved,"" though it was unoccupied during our entire 1+ hour lunch. We also quickly became aware of the table of about 12 next to us -- a bridal shower. Now, I completely understand that there is certain amount of rambunctiousness associated with such a celebration, but these women (in addition to the understandable yelling, clapping, lingerie throwing, etc.) were constantly getting up to mingle with one another. Bear in mind that there was practically no space between our table and the bridal shower table, so my boyfriend and I were constantly staring at these womens' rear ends (and I know this isn't politically correct, but they weren't exactly centerfolds) which were just inches away from our faces, and enduring the rear ends brushing up against us throughout our entire lunch. At one point, one woman stood so close to me that she grabbed onto my chair and began shaking it amidst of a fit of laughter. When I turned around, she said ""oh, we're just being obnoxious, you should request a different table,"" and proceeded to re-stick her butt in my face. This ENTIRE time, there were other tables available, and none of the servers ever came by to check on us, or much less, display some degree of attention or empathy for our situation. Pros: Ambience, Neighborhood Cons: Service more

Somewhat pricey, but delicious. Despite reviews to the contrary, we were seated right at the time of our reservations. Service was friendly and efficient. The cocktails were unique, flavorful and colorful. The crab cakes were amazing. We had shared 3 entres (Peruvian Paella, fish, and lamb) and all were perfect. Dessert was also right on the mark. While it was $200 for 3 people, we paid for 2 appetizers, 3 entres, 2 desserts, 6 drinks and tip. The halibut ceviche was the only blah dish, other than that everything sparkled. We ran into a family of Peruvians while we were there, always a good sign. Pros: Tasty Food, Creative Cocktails Cons: Loud, Small more

Somewhat pricey, but delicious. Despite reviews to the contrary, we were seated right at the time of our reservations. Service was friendly and efficient. The cocktails were unique, flavorful and colorful. The crab cakes were amazing. We had shared 3 entres (Peruvian Paella, fish, and lamb) and all were perfect. Dessert was also right on the mark. While it was $200 for 3 people, we paid for 2 appetizers, 3 entres, 2 desserts, 6 drinks and tip. The halibut ceviche was the only blah dish, other than that everything sparkled. We ran into a family of Peruvians while we were there, always a good sign. Maybe the Fillmore and West Portal locations don't have their service and cooking together, but our experience at the Noe Valley branch was just great. Pros: Tasty Food, Creative Cocktails Cons: Loud, Small more

I recommend going to the one in Fillmore. Their space is tiny but their service is a lot better and the atmosphere is nicer. I live in the neighborhood so I end up going to this place a lot because my boyfriend loves ceviche and they do have a nice ceviche bar/selection. However, everytime we go, I swear that I'm never coming back because of the lousy service. The waiters are not attentive at all, and they're downright rude. They all have this attitude like, 'I can't be bothered by you.' Well gee- last time I checked, you work at this restaurant and it's your job to cater to diners. I once waited 20 minutes before I got a single glass of water. The rest of the food isn't bad but tends to be very, very salty. If it wasn't for the good ceviche and the fact that my boyfriend loves it, I wouldn't come near this place again. more

I recommend going to the one in Fillmore. Their space is tiny but their service is a lot better and the atmosphere is nicer. I live in the neighborhood so I end up going to this place a lot because my boyfriend loves ceviche and they do have a nice ceviche bar/selection. However, everytime we go, I swear that I'm never coming back because of the lousy service. The waiters are not attentive at all, and they're downright rude. They all have this attitude like, 'I can't be bothered by you.' Well gee- last time I checked, you work at this restaurant and it's your job to cater to diners. I once waited 20 minutes before I got a single glass of water. The rest of the food isn't bad but tends to be very, very salty. If it wasn't for the good ceviche and the fact that my boyfriend loves it, I wouldn't come near this place again. more

It's a good thing I enjoyed the food and my friend's company because the Fresca staff really tried to ruin our night! Fresca lost our reservation, and from the moment we showed up we were treated as if we were mistaken and a nuisance. The hostess implied we had called the wrong location, but we confirmed we were correct by looking at our cell phone history. She wrinkled her face many times, and servers shooed us away as we tried to identify tables we could be seated at. We waited 45 minutes to be seated, and service throughout the dinner was incredibly slow. Luckily, we did get seated with a great server who helped to improve the experience. I would not choose to go here again. Pros: Ceviche Cons: Service more

It's a good thing I enjoyed the food and my friend's company because the Fresca staff really tried to ruin our night! Fresca lost our reservation, and from the moment we showed up we were treated as if we were mistaken and a nuisance. The hostess implied we had called the wrong location, but we confirmed we were correct by looking at our cell phone history. She wrinkled her face many times, and servers shooed us away as we tried to identify tables we could be seated at. We waited 45 minutes to be seated, and service throughout the dinner was incredibly slow. Luckily, we did get seated with a great server who helped to improve the experience. I would not choose to go here again. Pros: Ceviche Cons: Service more

Great place to dine!! Very tasty Ceviche!! Try their Treo or even Quado... We loved all four Ceviche dishes we tried. Great Mojito... I read about bad service and hostess. I guess we got lucky. Our hostess and waitess were very friendly and helpful. What a GEM!! Pros: Great food, Great Service & Great atmosphere!! Cons: None for us more

Great place to dine!! Very tasty Ceviche!! Try their Treo or even Quado... We loved all four Ceviche dishes we tried. Great Mojito... I read about bad service and hostess. I guess we got lucky. Our hostess and waitess were very friendly and helpful. What a GEM!! Pros: Great food, Great Service & Great atmosphere!! Cons: None for us more

I had tried another Peruvian restaurant and was left unsatisfied, and so when my best friends party was going to be held there I wasn't too thrilled. But I was pleasantly surprised when out came the GREAT food and drinks. The prices were incredibly reasonable as well. Pros: Ambience Cons: Service more

I had tried another Peruvian restaurant and was left unsatisfied, and so when my best friends party was going to be held there I wasn't too thrilled. But I was pleasantly surprised when out came the GREAT food and drinks. The prices were incredibly reasonable as well. The only downfall was the hostess. I know I am not the only one who noticed that the service is a little mediocre, but it's not enough to take the attention away from the fab food. Pros: Ambience Cons: Service more

As has been noted by many others, while the food is generally good the service is generally bad. Everything from long waits to be seated to my favorite story... after being seated at the ceviche bar, despite being in the middle of all the waiter traffic and sitting right across from the chef, we were not initially approached by a server for almost 30 minutes. We were finally able to grab a busboy and request that someone look after us... a waiter was sent over and made a big deal about looking after our table despite it not being his. We placed our order and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. The people seated next to us at the bar who ordered the same food had their food served and finished and still nothing for us (that bread was getting put to heavy use). Several inquiries of our waiter informed us that "there was a huge backlog" in the kitchen and that the food was just about ready. So we wait. And wait. And wait. This time we grab the manager and ask again where our food is... she goes into the kitchen and raises hell. Magically, 10 minutes later, our food shows up. Kitchen backlog? Try lost order. It was brutal. My girlfriend had finished the bread and was down to eating her nails. Mercifully the food showed up just in time before she started in on her fingers. Pros: Food Cons: Service, waiting time more

Pros: Food Cons: Service, waiting time more

This place was so good. The ceviche was tasty as was the braised pork I had - tasted like homemade. I really wanted to shovel the food into my mouth as quickly as possible but remember I was in public. My boyfriend and our friends both really loved their dishes as well. Even my Shirley Temple (I don't drink hardly) was exceptional! It's very lively but doesn't feel annoyingly trendy - a good place to take the folks! Pros: food, drinks, non-trendy atmosphere Cons: possibly the wait more

This place was so good. The ceviche was tasty as was the braised pork I had - tasted like homemade. I really wanted to shovel the food into my mouth as quickly as possible but remember I was in public. My boyfriend and our friends both really loved their dishes as well. Even my Shirley Temple (I don't drink hardly) was exceptional! It's very lively but doesn't feel annoyingly trendy - a good place to take the folks! Pros: food, drinks, non-trendy atmosphere Cons: possibly the wait more

Wonderful sangria, amazing paella and fun atmosphere in noe valley. Very cozy and good service. highly recommeded. more