El Chaman Peruvian Cuisine — Restaurant in Doral

The place was thankfully very pretty with calming music to set a mood. Unfortunately, the food quality was subpar and one of the servers decided to give some tone when asked a regular question.

I had asked them if they had a certain dish (anticuchos) since it's a very common dish (like a ceviche is expected in most Peruvian places unless it's a hybrid with another place). It took about three times for the server to come over to ask me what I wanted as I struggled to pick a dish and I went, "Sorry. Some of the stuff I like isn't on here, so I'll stick to what I ordered" and instead of just nodding to go "kk," he had the audacity to go "Well, not all Peruvian places will serve the same stuff." Nice response rather than going "Sorry to hear" or again - just nodding it off. And he said it twice while I was struggling to pick something.

Call it pickiness, but some people tend to expect "well-known stuff there" and for the record, I at least managed to find ONE thing to give it a shot, but with that sort of response, who would remain in the mood of ordering anything else? (Also, they only have bottled chicha morada. Most places actually make it, so in case if anyone's wondering about that.)

I went with just an appetizer that was barely seasoned (which is a shocker) - papa a la huancaina. It wasn't terrible, but it missed a lot of the usual seasonings. It wasn't even spicy (which - fine, I get it. People can complain about it), but not even having the cream salted? Jesus -

We proceeded to at least give their dessert a shot and while waiting after picking something, I noticed that the soda I had was very dirty, like a bit of soil was on it which was bizarre (and the soda was given way before any snarky comment was made). I only checked much later due having the water first.

Once the dessert arrived, my mom was the first to sample it (picarones) and it tasted undercooked (underbaked would be the exact word, but it's not really a word) and that was at least ridden of in the order/receipt. I made sure to sample it, too, just to make sure, and the inside content of the picarones tasted like the consistency of mixed batter of baking a fruit bread :|

I have never been this massively disappointed with some sass given throughout the whole thing. Restaurants are supposed to be pleasant and patient. I know that when a place gets super busy, some things can slide, but there was literally only 3 tables / 3 parties (super far away from each other) and maybe a minimum of 7 or 8 workers within sight. (And I haven't even gone in depth of a worker trying to open a locked bathroom door as I had to use the restroom and I had to say "busy" twice since they kept fumbling with the doorknob and she gave me a weird glare as I came out of the restroom.)

If you're going to be sassy because of someone expressing their struggle rather than doing something less offensive, swap with someone else to manage a party/group of people. Most people as far as I know wants to have a good time at a restaurant.

I don't really have much advice for the food quality due to the guy server going "Not all Peruvian places serve it the same way," but put some care into it.

Also, muttering "sorry" at the end while returning the check means nothing. The moment was ruined already for everyone...

This is an edit from my recent visit, Four stars gratuitous 10.21.22. This place became extremely expensive! Also, be aware of the price of items in the menu. For example, mixed seafood for two has no price. I usually paid $75.00, this time it was $120.00. Also Conchita gratinados used to be $30.00 for the dozen, now it was $60.00! It is certainly my fault for not asking before, but, I was a repeat customer and while some increase in pricing would be OK, I guess, this is highway robbery... Of course the waitress should have said something, but, they tag the 17% tip so it's best if they keep quiet... I usually tip more, but, the service was lousy on top of that. They never brought the food on time, and it appeared that they forgot one meal. 3 out of 5 served first. Then the other came. When I asked for the 5th, oh yes, let me check. 10 minutes later it showed up. They also screwed the dessert. They did not bring what we asked... On the flip side, it looks like they changed the chef again. This one for the better. The food were better cooked than the previous time, and the risotto was simply amazing. However, the owner must understand the difference on willingness to give your money vs taking by... deception... Great food can be reasonably priced and if there is something dramaticly different, either they have to tell the client or place the price on the menu! That was my take.... I will soon be reviewing other Peruvian Restaurants...

Now, you can read my original review, prior to my disappointment. I sincerely hope that they adjust and don't go away...

This is one of my TOP Restaurants in Miami. I am updating this review on 8.29.17. The food and their presentation continues to amaze me. The flavor has always met my expectations and the overall experience is well above of some very expensive restaurants! There is a live DJ at times, that can be a bit loud, and I personally find it a bit annoying, although others seem to enjoy it very much. I dine out often, mostly in NY, and I am not easily amazed when it comes to food & flavor. However, this place would have gotten 6 stars if the scale permitted (on food and presentation). They all closed Monday & Tuesday and I do recommend a reservation especially on Friday...

I LOVED IT! Friends and family have been talking about this place, and we finally decided to give it a try.

Service: It was a rainy Friday evening so it wasn't too busy and were sat right away. Alejandro was our waiter and was so attentive to our needs. He was excellent in suggesting all the items we ordered. We truly enjoyed his humor, professionalism, and knowledge of the menu. Very professional!

Ambiance: Very nice decor, not too dark and pleasant live music.

Food: We started with the ceviche sampler. It was really good! One of them were really spicy, but overall, super fresh. It had great flavor and not too citric (acid) compared to other places. We also had the Fried Roco Shrimp en Huancaina and they were truly amazing! Great taste, texture and sauce. For dinner we had the chef special. It was risotto, salmon and lobster plate. To die for! My wife and I split this meal, and it didn't disappoint! At this point, Alejandro was 3/3! Then the desert came out. We didn't even ask for menus because Alejandro just said, "I have something for you, don't worry." I don't even recall what it's called, but it was the most balanced and most enjoyable dessert I remember having in a long time. It was un merengue cake with caramel, fudge and whip cream but it was so light.

The presentation on all the items was phenomenal. I can say that this little gem of a restaurant has easily become a favorite of mine and I can't wait to be back!

I will say, It's not the cheapest, but what Peruvian restaurant is? lol! Plus, it's expected to pay more...