La Hacienda Peru — Restaurant in Sydney

Service: I was left for a ridiculously long time with no indication of when I might be seated/served. The waitress saw me, but was focused on handling payments and taking extended orders when letting me sit and see a menu would've taken 10 seconds max and she could've easily returned to those tasks while I decided what to order. When she finally did decide to serve me, she asked if I was ready to order when I'd barely sat down, and she hadn't even passed me a menu! It's one thing being the only waiter and having to handle all the customers herself, but the decisions she made didn't make sense regardless of busyness. That said, there should've been more staff to help out at a prime meal time. at least when the waitress was finally ready to take my order, she was willing to answer my questions and give descriptions/recommendations, which I appreciated. The food also didn't take too long to come out thankfully.

Tamal (pork): 3/5 corn mixture was soft, almost mushy, and unfortunately quite bland in flavour so got old fast. Pork belly filling was soft, steamed, and seasoned a bit better so was more fragrant, but still too plain. Without the onion garnish on the side I wouldn't have been able to finish it. The size was bigger than expected (like a small burrito), but I wouldn't get it again Ceviche Del Rey (spicy): 5/5 a flavour bomb, absolutely divine; the main flavour sourness from probably a citrus mix (interestingly pink-ish and opaque). The spiciness gave a good kick too (highest level). The dressing marinated a good serving of white fish slices (I think kingfish, according to the menu) which were so fresh they had no smell at all, and were flawlessly silky and robust. To balance the texture, there were two kinds of corn kernels dressing it all; a crunchy, fragrant, perhaps air-/fried kind and a much plainer white, maybe steamed kind (both of which were a lot larger than normal corn). The latter didn't offer much in flavour or texture, but with the iceberg lettuce leaves still gave appreciated variety. Definitely recommended, premium price and all Tres Leches Cake: 4.5/5 surprisingly soaked through, to the point where there was even a little puddle beneath the slice. The sponge was quite firm given the amount of liquid absorbed, still mushy though it was; the texture which was what lost the dish the points (though this may be unfair, as due to the nature of the dessert said texture probably can't be helped). Taste-wise it was delicious, the three different milks blending together to form a generally sweet but deep, creamy flavour that with the cinnamon-sprinkled icing was beautiful and decadent. The cake was heavy, so only a smaller slice is needed -- but is worth getting again Arroz Con Pollo: 4.5/5 so fragrant the longer it was left strangely, a chicken drumstick with meat falling off the bone atop a bed of substantial, humble but aromatic rice. The rice was surprisingly deep and delicious due to the herbs included, while a little salad of iceberg lettuce and onion slices rounded out the dish and gave it an element of freshness to balance out the oiliness. Overall delicious while surprisingly humble and comforting Empanada (beef): 4/5 reminiscent of a curry puff in a few ways, from the size, to the wrapper (just less flaky, more solid), to the filling (minced beef with some stir-fried onion I think, but without curry spices). Said filling doesn't make one as keen to try anymore though, as it could've been seasoned more Cheese Arepas: 3.5/5 more crumbly and not as elastic as regular bread, with some chew still. A bit too dry due to some of the cheese filling leaking out, and overall could have been seasoned better (if not just with salt). Fresh from the pan, it could be quite a tasty snack still though.

Conclusion: If you can see past the bad and/or potentially late service, the food is at least good quality and quite nice. The Peruvian decor and vibes are comfortable too, though beware visiting on a hotter day; there's no air conditioning, so can get...

La Hacienda Peru is a hidden gem near Darling Harbour in Sydney, offering a delightful journey into authentic Peruvian cuisine. This family-owned restaurant stands out not just for its exquisite dishes but also for its warm and welcoming ambiance. As soon as you step in, you're greeted by a charming mix of rustic decor and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere that reflects the heart of Peruvian culture.

One of the most notable aspects of La Hacienda Peru is its attentive and friendly staff. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels at home. They’re not just servers—they’re passionate ambassadors of Peruvian cuisine, eager to share the stories and cultural significance behind each dish. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the staff’s hospitality leaves a lasting impression.

Now, let’s talk about the food—an absolute highlight. La Hacienda’s menu is a testament to Peru’s rich culinary heritage. The ceviche del rey is a standout favorite, offering a perfect balance of tangy, citrusy flavors that make it a must-try for seafood lovers. Another crowd-pleaser is the lomo saltado, a savory and hearty stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with crispy fries and fluffy rice. For those looking for something a little different, their burgers are also highly recommended, blending classic flavors with a Peruvian twist.

The portions are generous, and the presentation is top-notch. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring that the flavors are authentic and memorable. It’s clear that the chefs take pride in their craft, bringing the vibrant and diverse flavors of Peru to life. The quality of the ingredients and the balance of spices make every bite a delight.

La Hacienda Peru has garnered glowing reviews from its patrons. On platforms like Restaurant Guru, it boasts an impressive 4.3 out of 5 rating based on over 1,100 reviews. Diners frequently praise the restaurant for its high-quality food, authentic flavors, and exceptional service. Facebook reviews echo these sentiments, with 84% of reviewers highly recommending the restaurant. Many highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the passion of the staff as key reasons to visit.

If you’re new to Peruvian cuisine, the staff is more than happy to guide you through the menu, explaining the ingredients and recommending dishes that suit your preferences. It’s this personal touch that makes dining at La Hacienda Peru such a unique and enjoyable experience.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure with their meals, the restaurant also offers a variety of traditional Peruvian beverages. From refreshing chicha morada, made with purple corn, to the iconic pisco sour, the drink menu perfectly complements the food and adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

In addition to the fantastic food and drinks, the restaurant’s location near Darling Harbour makes it a convenient and scenic spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends, La Hacienda Peru offers an experience that’s hard to beat.

Overall, La Hacienda Peru is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Peruvian culture and cuisine. With its inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering dishes, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone in Sydney. If you’re looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Peru, this is the...

Saturday 18th March 2023 Visited the restaurant again today and the food was amazing. Ordered some of our favourites and a couple of new ones. All highly recommended.

Cevich Carretillero (Fried Calamari) Is a unique dish with plenty of flavour and cruncy fried calamari.

Papa Rellena (Beef Croquette) This is my favourite and is a parcel with a cruncy exterior and soft centre mashed potatoes with bold flavours. Is a must try.

Sunday 01st January 2023 Small business located on the corner of Sussex & Bathurst streets and I have been eating here for a long time as this style of food is unique. The price is slightly higher and I have uploaded the current menu, however given the location and only peruvian style restaurant I feel the price is worth it. Atmosphere has a good vibe if you enjoy some Latin music playing in the background while the restaurant fills up with those Peruvian spices from the cooking in the open kitchen.I have given an overview of the items we ordered on our most recent visit to give you a guide on what to expect.

Anticuchos (Beef Heart Skewers) This is a great way to start the meal, the meat has been well seasoned and cooked over a grill. Served with a potato that tastes and looks like it's been oven roasted. A flavour bomb in the mouth and this is our regular entree that we order and it never fails.

Bistec A Lo Pobre (Scotch Fillet) Steak cooked to satisfaction and we love this item cause it comes with a bit of everything. Salad is well dressed with avocado slices on top and a good serve of chips on the side which are crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Rice is dry and I recommend getting a runny egg to mix through, however the fried bananas are great!

Tres Leches The Tres Leches cake is one item that I order everytime we eat here. Tres Leches cake features three types of milk: whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk which is absorbed into the cake. It's topped with cream and cinnamon. An excellent cake for milk lovers!

Helado De Lucuma (Fruit Flavoured Ice-Cream) This was our first time trying the Ice cream which is made from “Lucuma” a tropical fruit from Peru. The texture was a little icy, not smooth like a gelato. It has a nice flavour and is very refreshing on a hot summer's day.

Inca Cola This is the most popular soft drink and for good reason, it's amazing and a must try on your first visit. Served in the glass bottle just like the...