Costanera Peruvian Cuisine — Restaurant in Citrus Park

Costanera Tampa is a hidden gem located in the Carrollwood area. We came in for date night to experience authentic Peruvian Cuisine, which, in my opinion, will knock your socks off.

I had the Lomo Saltado ( beef filet) cooked in Peruvian spices, and soy sauce (gluten-free soy sauce is available) was absolutely delicious. This is traditionally made with regular soy sauce, so if you have Celiacs Disease, it is best to inform them so they can make it with the gluten-free soy sauce instead. Although I did have the cilantro rice, I learned that it is not gluten-free after having eaten some (it says on the menu there is beer in it). Steer clear of that rice if you have a gluten allergy and opt for the white rice that is traditionally served with it. It is one of the best dishes I have ever tasted and I highly recommend it. I also skipped the French fries because of this FYI. My husband had the seafood dish Pescado lo Macho, which was a spicy gravy covering fish, shrimp, calamari, and mussels. This also was an amazing dish, I would say 5/5 for both.

They also have great cocktails and non alcoholic beverages. Their pricing is really good and you get a lot of food. The restaurant is pretty big and spaced out. They have live music many nights. We actually came in on one of the nights. There was live music, and it was fantastic. Everyone was super nice at Costanera, especially the owner and his wife. The food is truly authentic Peruvian Cuisine in every sense of the word right down to the ingredients. I would highly recommend this restaurant for date nights, girls' nights, or any kind of fun night or lunch.

The restaurant is located in a strip mall almost right across from the Whole Foods (you can't miss it), and there is ample parking. Below is what we had.

🌼 Peruvian Ceviche 🌼Lomo Saltado (mine was made with gluten-free soy sauce)

🌼Pescado a lo Macho 🌼these came with a side of rice. We both got cilantro rice. I just found out this is not gluten-free

🌼Sea scallops prepared tableside 🌼Inca Kola 🌼...

I have attended 2 parties at this place. The first time the food was just ok but we had a great time dancing and enjoying each other. This last time the food was great!!! Our waitress was great! We seemed to be off to a great party to celebrate our friends birthday. We had a nice size party 16 people all spending big money ordering food and drinks. I went to my car to put my food away it was the third time I went to my car uas I was getting birthday cake out my car and gathering supplies for the party such as party hats and putting my food in the car to get ready to dance. My friends went to there vehicles as well. The manager came to the door and said they had never seen people going in out there car so much. He said he had video taped us going in and out our cars. He said they didn’t have weird behavior like that before. Several of us are dark completed people and we feel that’s why we were being watched because so many of us are dark. We where being targeted and profiled. He asked we not go in and out anymore. We said ok we won’t do that again if it makes you uncomfortable. We had friends from out of town who didn’t know that indoor vaping was not allowed, so they were vaping at the table. Instead of them asking our friend stop they awkwardly decided to not bring on the band. We had no idea what was going on because no one talked to us. We where sitting there talking. To each other laughing and patiently waiting for the party to start. They didn’t ask our friend to stop the vape, they didn’t give us a warning they just went straight to mistreatment and embarrassment.When we realized the tall bald guy watching only us and the place was at a stand still. We approached there manager to ask what’s going on. They said we are going to call the cops and you guys need to leave. We were shocked because we are professional people we would have politely adjusted such a minor infraction. We where not treated fairly and my friends party was ruined we didn’t even get to...

Amazing, amazing service. From the host who sat me down, to the young lady who waited on me, were both great throughout. I can't say enough about the service. I drove over 40 minutes to get here.

Drink: I had the Pisco Sour, way way too expensive. 2 of them almost equaled the price of the entree. It took a long time to get, but it tasted good. Too bad the second one, which I asked to make sweeter, was more sour then the first instead. Disappointed, and dank only half.

Food: This was not the fault of the young lady serving me, but the kitchens. I asked for the salad to come first, and not bring the food before I am done, but not only 3 minutes before my first bites, the food came. The kitchen took forever, but couldn't wait to get it out? Unfortunately or fortunately, whichever way you look at it, the dish was the wrong order. When it finally arrived, the steak was cold. So I guess I was served the same piece of meat, from the original mistake. The rice was awesome. Full of flavor, aroma, and at least it was hot. I'd order a big bowl of rice, before I order cold steak again. I appreciated all the shrimp, but a larger or thicker cut of steak would have been better. Way too thin, and small.

Atmosphere: Parking is ok. The restaurant is clean, nicely dim lit to give it that nightly look, and vibe. The place inside is really nice. The music playing in the background is not loud, which adds to the feel.

Music: The live music: Sadly, was scheduled to begin playing at 8PM, but they didn't start until past 9:30PM. I love live music, but I left about 15 minute's after they began, which was one of the reason's why I went. Really a bad way to handle their professionalism in the business.

*Gave the restaurant 2 stars to average out the...