I can only describe my time here as the single worst dining experience of my 30+ years of life. It's unfortunate I leave this review, as the cocktail and ceviche I ordered were tasty, and the bartender who served me was pleasant and knowledgeable about his work. I write this review in english so as to warn travelers or immigrants about my experience here.
I came to this place alone and sat myself at the bar, wanting to dine in peace and pass some time before the arrival of my girlfriend's flight. As an Asian person, I don't look like I speak Spanish, but having lived in Latin America for 3 years, I've learned the language and speak it at a business level, as my clients are based throughout LatAm.
From the moment I sat down, I overheard employees behind the bar, speaking at a not so discrete volume, make both homophobic and racist comments about me, likely presuming I could neither hear nor understand them. I ignored it at first, as I'm unfortunately accustomed to abrasive comments at this point, and engaged with the bartender who served me. He was kind, professional, and produced a lovely Carajillo.
I ordered the ceviche carretillero, which was quite tasty - a delicious balance of heat, acid, and texture. Honestly, the dish was well prepared.
As I finished my meal, I continued to hear the men behind the bar talk as if I could not hear or understand them. It reached a point where I could not tolerate it anymore and asked for the check.
Once the check arrived, I politely told the bartender that it was not so difficult to hear what was said. He immediately apologized, realizing I was aware of my surroundings, and credit to him, asked for forgiveness on his coworkers' behalf, admitting that the comments made were inappropriate and unprofessional. I asked him if he could bring me the manager, simply so I could inform her of what happened. And to her credit, she also apologized on their behalf, and offered me a free dessert, which I turned down as I was in no mood to continue my stay. I ultimately paid for my bill, and left the establishment.
What an unfortunate way to represent a business, and an astonishingly disrespectful way to treat customers who have done nothing wrong. I was polite in all of my interactions and I simply wanted to enjoy a nice meal. One of 10 Peruvians have Chinese blood, and one of the characteristics I cherish about this country is the diversity in people, gastronomy, and cultures one can experience here.
This is no way a customer should ever be treated, whether it's in Lima, London, Tokyo etc. I wish I could leave more positive comments, and I quite literally have never left such a negative review, but I hope for the sake of future customers and this restaurant that they find a way to uphold a standard of professionalism, so as to not have employees make such offensive remarks in front of clients who they believe will not understand them.
Before I left, I politely told the bartender two things. Firstly, I don't need or want anything free and that secondly, I hope that when his coworkers travel to other countries, for work or for pleasure, that they are not treated with the same disrespect I undeservedly...
Read moreVery odd experience... I never write negative reviews!
My best friend and I were celebrating our last night in Peru. Our server was delightful, wonderful atmosphere, and the food and drinks fine. (They were out of every white glass on the menu but one, and the Cesar salad had pasta in it. But WHATEVER we were enjoying ourselves and maybe we ordered wrong! The eggplant Milanese special lacked flavor but was cooked perfectly.)
We mentioned at the beginning we'd order dessert... and then in the middle of our dinner, the server came up and informed us that they were closing in 2 minutes, asking if she could get us anything else.
I've been a server for 15 years; I know that last call is last call, and the table always has the option for dessert. You inform the guest of last call because... it's last call. A restaurant always wants to upsell, and usually your tip increases. There's sidework to do, anyway.
Not understanding that we were all being seen out, we asked for another glass of wine and dessert. She shrugged politely and said she didn't know how she would, because the bartender was already gone. We awkwardly clarified, "So... nothing then?" and she shrugged again, very politely, walking away.
Mind you the restaurant was mostly full at this point; together all the servers effectively cleared the entire thing (7-12 tables and maybe 25-35 people between inside and out) in 10 minutes.
We sat waiting for our check; not that we asked for it, but... we got implicitly kicked out and had literally nothing on our table so.....???? Still we had to ask someone else. If you're going to kick us out, don't make us wait weirdly to pay. 🤪 I think she may have felt uncomfortable because we were clearly confused and disappointed.
Either way, we would have spent money on another two drinks and dessert and left her a fat tip... but the plug got pulled on our special evening. And not just us, but the whole restaurant.
It was weirddddd!
I guess just make sure you know their hours 🤷🏻♀️ Would have had only glowing things to say because of the initial professionalism and warmth......
Read moreTeam Italia’s Pickleball World Cup Celebration Spot!
We were thrilled to celebrate a fantastic day of pickleball with Team Italia at La73, and this spot couldn’t have been a better choice for world-class food and great vibes! Located in the heart of Peru, La73 delivers a truly unforgettable dining experience with flavors that excite every sense.
The Tuna Tartare stole the show from the first bite – incredibly fresh and beautifully seasoned, it had the perfect balance of creamy avocado and citrusy zing. The presentation alone is great, but the flavors are what make this dish an absolute must-try for any seafood lover.
The Ceviche at La73 deserves all the praise. Tangy, refreshing, and with just the right amount of spice, this dish is a perfect blend of traditional Peruvian flavors with an artistic twist. Each bite is like a celebration of the ocean, making it an ideal dish after a day in the sun.
To wrap up our meal, the Churros were simply divine. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with just enough sugar, they come with a luscious dulce de leche sauce that takes them to the next level. A sweet ending to a perfect meal!
La73 is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience, with vibrant decor and an upbeat atmosphere that matches the spirit of celebration. Whether you’re a traveler, a foodie, or just someone looking for a memorable meal, La73 is a must-visit. We highly recommend it to anyone visiting Peru – you won’t regret it!
Enjoy reliving this celebration of good food, good company, and great...
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