Manka Peruvian Cuisine — Restaurant in Carlsbad

3.5 stars. I think this is a good restaurant but it is heavily overpriced.

We came here on a weeknight evening and had a reservation. I guess it was good that we did because while the restaurant was empty initially, it filled up quickly. They mainly have patio seating. The ambiance is nice but does not scream opulence that one would expect with the price tag.

The service is great. The servers are all knowledgeable and helpful. We started with the pisco sour and a Sauvignon Blanc. We tried their house sangria for a taste but it felt spicy for some reason and I didn't like it. I'm glad I didn't order that. The pisco sour was decent.

For the food, we started with causa limena as a shareable plate, and then got the lomo saltado and the chaufa Manka (chicken) as our entrees. The food came quickly and portions were decent.

The causa limena was deconstructed and delicious. The potatoes were cooked exactly the way you would expect a south Indian dosa (crepe) potato masala to be made. The cold chicken salad was an interesting but positive addition. We enjoyed the whole plate and definitely recommend getting this.

The entrees were good but this is where the pricing comes in. The lomo saltado is priced at $38 and the chaufa at $30 with chicken but $38 with seafood. We felt that the food was not delicious enough to pay this. The lomo saltado was quite tart and the sauce was very strong. You HAVE to add the rice to make it palatable. The meat was cooked to medium to well-done which we liked. The chaufa was a little plain, pretty much like fried rice, but I enjoyed it. It was definitely richer than just a fried rice in other restaurants. I would have liked more red peppers for some heat. The chicken could have been cooked a little more. We did end up taking some of entrees home.

Our experience was good but not worth the final check so if we come back, it will be for the shareables and...

Looked for an “after church” lunch spot and tripped into Manka without doing my research which ended up in sticker price shock. Peruvian food has the audacity to meet all foodies of all levels anywhere in the world with excitement. So that’s how I stepped into this experience, but as soon as i opened the menu there was that moment of “the air quickly turning thick and I lost the initial ambiance connection and starting sulking in my seat. All that was good was gone except the beautiful mural by Rudolph Castro. That was all I clinged to as I awaited a Lomo Saltado dish and a side of fried yucca to come out from the kitchen. The server elegantly handled his two quiet customers, “us” in a space that smelled more like a day old wet mop then the ancestral smells of key peruvian ingredients wafting thru out. The mural depicted humble cooks sharing a meal. The high level artistry and talent of the painter stole my attention and I was mesmerized by his loose line work and the blending of charcoal and white paint. Was I there for the food or the art? The visuals got me thru the wait as did the music, and as soon as the plate was delivered all i noticed was the large potato wedges covering the lomo (steak), it was as if they were hiding the small servings of meat, see picture. Taste was good overall, but presentation needed to be finer than FINE!

POV: local trying out a new restaurant in the Village with afro peruvian roots looking to be spoiled.

The whole time, I kept thinking of the Oceanside spot, the mural there and the decent pricing. MANKA has the potential of filling it up with the after church crowd on the corner if their aggressive pricing...

SO GOOD Manka Peruvian is hands down one of the best culinary experiences we’ve had in a long time. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warmth, pride, and a deep love for Peruvian culture and cuisine. The space is clean, inviting, and has a welcoming energy that makes you feel like you’re being hosted by family. You can tell the team here pours their heart into every detail — from the ambiance to the plating to the way they talk about the food.

We tried several dishes and were genuinely blown away by each one. The ceviche clásico was the perfect start — fresh, citrusy, with just the right amount of heat and texture. The lomo saltado was unforgettable — tender strips of beef stir-fried with onions and tomatoes in a rich, savory sauce over crispy fries and perfectly cooked rice. The aji de gallina was creamy, comforting, and layered with flavor. Even the side dishes — like the cancha and yucca fries — were spot-on.

What really set Manka apart, though, was the service. The staff were kind, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. They walked us through the menu with thoughtful recommendations and shared stories behind the dishes. It felt like more than just a meal — it was a cultural experience.

If you’ve never had Peruvian food before, Manka is the perfect place to start. And if you’re already a fan, this place will make you fall in love all over again. We’ll be...