Fina Estampa — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I liked the food before. But lately it's gotten really expensive to eat here. I would still order often until an incident with who I think is an owner or related to an owner and the staff. I called to place an order and was "put on hold" I could actually hear what was going on and no one seemed to care a customer was on hold on the phone. I could hear their conversation and laughter.. Well anyway , since i live nearby I decided to place the order in person. While I was waiting in my car to pick up the order, a nice little tesla pulled up next to me. The driver got out and went to the back seat of the tesla, I assumed another customer waiting for their order. When they got out of the backseat the lady threw open her door and hit my car. So I got out to check and see if there was any damage. The lady said "nothing happened but you could check". I didn't reply i just went about checking the car. The lady then shrugged and said "oh well, sorry..." in a very insincere, whatever kind of attitude. I didn't want to argue so I just went back to wait inside my car. I then noticed the lady go inside with supplies for the restaurant. She was obviously talking about me cause as I went in she stopped talking and nudged some of her coworkers/employees and took them behind the wall where I couldn't see them. On top of being rude, they forgot the drinks to my order and I had to go back to pick them up. Idk if anyone else has had any bad experiences with the staff, but that is my reason for the 1 star and why I won't be going back. Plus they're...

I could use superlatives like Wow! Incredible! or Awesome! to describe Fina Estampa and they would all fit nicely. However, I am not given to use those terms as they seem to have lost their uniqueness in today's lazy use of superlatives. Instead, I'll say that, if my Guatemalan grandma were still alive, I would bring her here and she would say that the Chicken estofado tasted like hers. And that is, in my book, a sign of excellence. It would seal in my mind that Fina Estampa is one of the best hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley. (Why isn't the new L.A. Times food critic writing about places like this!?)

It is unpretentious, and unremarkable in its cozy location in a strip mall nestled between Subway and The Habit. But this belies the wonderful flavors and service you will find. It is not fast food, although it does a good job in camouflaging itself among the fast food joints.

Believe me it is light years away from that mentality and sensibility. The flavors of the simplest dish is a well orchestrated symphony of Umami and delectable notes of the Peruvian spice mix known for its bouquet and mouthfeel (my mouth is salivating as I am writing this). My selfish side says not to post this as I am afraid I won't be able to get a table next time I go there but their hard work and reasonable prices deserve full tables all the time. Don't you deserve a...

Was trying to find a new Peruvian food spot near me instead of going all the way to North Hollywood for a place that is always guaranteed to be good with nice service. I gave this place a chance, and like most of the lowest reviews mentioned, The service is not very warm, or welcoming by that one moody young lady at the front. It was very much fake polite and rushed feeling. As others stated as well, the food took quite a while to get ready, compared to other restaurants. It was edible, but it was very salty, and the potatoes given on side was very dry and a waste of calories to even eat that. Overall, it was decent enough if you’re hungry enough, but I will not give those people my money ever again, they are way too expensive for below mediocrity in service and food. May want to get new staff if you want to save your restaurant, especially a quicker cook and the person that takes your order for pick up, she wasn’t rude but her energy is not very pleasant to the point it is uncomfortable to even want to communicate with her. I advise y’all to find somewhere else if u care about...