Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

I visited Kantu today with my service animal. After sitting at a table, the waitress asked me if my dog was a service animal , to which I replied to “yes.” She then proceeded to ask me for her identification card, which is illegal per the ADA. I told her this was illegal, but she proceeded to tell me I could not stay unless I provide identification. I then said okay, can I order the food to go as I had other people with me and did not want to make them go without lunch on our accord, to which she told me I would have to do so from outside the restaurant. This is very clear discrimination, and very illegal. I’m very disappointed in the actions by this restaurant and will no longer be visiting this establishment. Please learn the ADA laws before throwing people and their service animals out of your establishment. Please see below what can and cannot be legally asked per ADA and NYC.

Service animals are: • allowed in restaurants and other locations that serve food per the Board of Health. • allowed to go anywhere their owner/handler goes – a store owner’s or customer’s claim that he is allergic to dogs is not an acceptable reason to exclude that person and their animal from the store.

Service animals are not: • pets. Do not play with or pet a service animal unless its owner has previously given you permission. • required to wear jackets or vests identifying them as such. • required to have an identification card or other documentation. You may only ask: • Is the service animal required because of a disability? • What work or task does the service animal perform? You may ask the handler to remove the service animal only when: • The service animal is out of control and the handler does not or cannot take effective action to control it. • The service animal is not housebroken. • In all circumstances, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the...

A Flavorful Journey Through Peru – Right in the Heart of Forest Hills

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine is one of those rare finds that manages to feel both like a hidden gem and a local staple all at once. Tucked away on Metropolitan Avenue, this cozy-yet-elegant spot delivers a dining experience that’s equal parts comforting and exciting.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm lighting, thoughtfully curated Peruvian décor, and a staff that treats you like family—not in a kitschy way, but in the kind of way that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

Now let’s talk about the food—because this is where Kantu truly shines. The ceviche is vibrant and fresh, with just the right citrusy zing to wake up your taste buds. The lomo saltado is the kind of dish that reminds you why classics become classics—tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned. If you’ve got room, don’t skip the jalea (a Peruvian-style seafood fry-up)—crispy, golden, and absolutely satisfying.

As for drinks, the Pisco Sour is everything it should be: bold, bright, and balanced. The chicha morada cocktail is another favorite—fruity, fragrant, and refreshingly different. You’ll want more than one, and frankly, you deserve it.

What really sets Kantu apart, though, is the overall atmosphere. It’s casual enough for a weeknight dinner, yet polished enough for a date night or family celebration. There’s often live music on weekends, giving it that extra touch of soul that so many restaurants lack.

In short, Kantu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. A flavorful, heartfelt, proudly Peruvian experience. Whether you’re new to the cuisine or a lifelong fan, this is a place that’ll keep you coming back.

Highly recommended. Five stars,...

Unacceptable Service—Disappointing Experience in NYC

We’ve visited this restaurant several times before, but after our most recent experience, we won’t be returning.

Shortly after being seated, our server brought water—but one of the glasses was visibly dirty, with clear lip marks still on it. When we pointed this out, she shrugged it off and said they “forgot to wash it,” with no apology. She later returned with water served in old-fashioned liquor glasses, which felt careless and inappropriate for a proper sit-down meal.

The service didn’t improve. Our server never checked in during the meal—not once asked how we were doing. Then, out of nowhere, she rushed over and asked if we were “done?” She took my friend’s plate and, without asking, grabbed my water glass and table knife—even though I was still eating steak. When I told her I wasn’t finished, she dropped the knife back—onto the plate I was actively using. It was rude, dismissive, and completely unprofessional.

Whether this came from poor training, a lack of interest, or a cultural mismatch, the root issue is clear: a failure of management. In NYC—especially when customers are spending $60 on lunch—there should be a basic standard of cleanliness, attentiveness, and respect. This was far below that bar.

We still left a 20% tip out of courtesy, but it was clear this would be our last visit. This kind of service has no place in New...