Aji Ceviche Bar Tampa – Peruvian Restaurant — Restaurant in Citrus Park

A Peruvian family friends recommendation brought us to Aji Ceviche Bar and my first reaction when I visited was how lovely and clean the interior was. Located in a strip center on N. Dale Mabry, tucked near the back, it was a pleasant surprise.

I will mention service first because the people were extremely nice, very attentive and delightful. A very pleasant ambiance. It was an early lunch so it was slow inside but there was constant parade of to-go orders exiting the kitchen. The decor was gray, white and black accents with colorful art on the walls.

The menu is nothing short of preponderous, it would take a great many visits to navigate the sheer volume of traditional Peruvian dishes, drinks and desserts it houses. The dishes I chose ranged from good to excellent. I will rate each one. The issues I encountered stem from the lack of fresh seafood, most or nearly all is previously frozen.

The Ceviche Explosion is a visual and gastronomic treat. One of the more popular dishes on the menu. Love the fresh citrusy flavor of the sauce. 2 skewers of shrimp with beef loin add to the appeal and both the tender delectable beef and the grilled shrimp on the skewer were excellent. One great detractor was the squid which was hard, rubbery and chewy. Fresh squid would greatly enhance the dish especially since it comprises about 1/3 of the seafood. The fish however seemed to be fresh. Also, I would have enjoyed it more with less corn, more fish and more avocado. I rate it a 4.

Second was the Parilla Marina de Mariscos. A plate of grilled seafood. The previously frozen seafood and the chewy squid made it difficult to enjoy. It also tasted as if one of the items had turned. The fried yuca on top was great. They were gracious enough to take that dish off my check. No rating.

A trio of sauces added to the flavor profile very nicely. Aji Limo which is a very hot pepper to be added to the ceviche for the more adventurous. Rocoto con Huacatay which also had heat and was a very tasty dipping sauce for the beef and shrimp skewers. Last was the Tartara that was a perfect match to the Fried Yuca. Rate of 5.

Next I had the Lomo Salteado. This for me, was the star of the show. Succulent beef cooked Med-Rare per my request in a divine dark and intense wine sauce with red onions and tomato. Accompanied by Fries and White Rice. One of their most popular dishes at Aji and now a favorite of mine. I rate it a 5 and recommend it highly.

Curiosity led me to order the Risotto a la Huancaina. I had to try at least one of the yellow sauces. Perfectly cooked risotto in a tasty, silky and well balanced sauce. Topped with parmesean which I enjoyed. It rated a 5 as I found no flaws.

I had a beer that I liked very much, a Peruvian Pilsner. They also had a couple other flavored beers from Peru. My cocktail choice was a Pisco Sour con Chicha Morada. It purple color derived from the countries corn of the same color. It was an excellent choice. 5 rating.

For dessert I had Mousse de Maracuya. Made of passion fruit with strawberry sauce and powdered sugar. Sweet and tart at the same time it was gratifying. Also a 5 rating.

For me this was a 4.8 rated experience, obviously the lack of fresh seafood was the only issue. I am very excited to return and try some more traditional dishes as soon as I can. There is so much to choose from. Come...

I recently had the most delightful dining experience at Ají Ceviche Bar in Dale Mabry. This Peruvian restaurant truly exceeded my expectations in every way, earning a well-deserved five-star review.

First and foremost, their ceviches were out of this world! The freshness of the seafood combined with the vibrant flavors of the Peruvian spices created a culinary masterpiece. Each bite was a burst of tangy and refreshing goodness that left me craving for more. The variety of ceviches on their menu was impressive, offering something for everyone's taste.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the selection of Peruvian typical drinks was a true highlight. From the classic Pisco Sour to the exotic Chicha Morada, every sip was a delightful journey through Peruvian culture. The drink menu perfectly complemented the flavors of the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

What truly set Ají Ceviche Bar apart was their welcoming customer service. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt comfortable and well-cared for. Their passion for Peruvian cuisine and dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience was evident in every interaction.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was also worth mentioning. It had a cozy and inviting ambiance, with tasteful Peruvian decor that transported me to the vibrant streets of Lima. The attention to detail in creating an authentic Peruvian dining experience was truly commendable.

In conclusion, Ají Ceviche Bar is a gem of a restaurant specializing in ceviches, seafood, and fantastic Peruvian typical drinks. With their outstanding food, welcoming customer service, and inviting atmosphere, they have undoubtedly earned my highest recommendation. Whether you're a fan of Peruvian cuisine or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Finally a Miami style Peruvian...

This Peruvian restaurant is a true gem! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and attentive service. The waitstaff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, eager to guide you through the menu and ensure a delightful dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food – it's simply outstanding. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Peruvian flavors. I highly recommend their ceviche; Even if you prefer to have the ceviche on its own, without traditional peruvian side dishes like choclo or cancha, this is a dish that really shines on its own. The freshness of the fish is the main thing here, and the balance of citrus, and spices are really spot on. And for the main course, you're in for a treat! Either the Arroz Chaufa, with its perfectly seasoned rice and flavorful mix of ingredients, or the Jalea, a delightful fried seafood platter, are excellent choices. Both showcase the richness of Peruvian cuisine.

But the real star of the show? Their Pisco Sour. It's hands down the best I've ever had! The perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a creamy froth that's simply irresistible.

What truly sets this place apart is the personalized experience. As frequent visitors, we've come to appreciate how the staff recognizes us and remembers our favorite dishes. This attention to detail not only helps with excellent recommendations but also creates a warm and trusting atmosphere. It's like dining with friends!

Overall, this Peruvian restaurant offers a top-notch dining experience. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and that incredible Pisco Sour makes it a place I'll definitely be returning to. If you're looking for an authentic taste of Peru and want to feel right at home, this is the...