What an incredible date night experience at Lucuma; food, drinks and ambiance all get A+. It's honestly been a while since I've dined at a place where every single dish was really good.
The place is beautifully decorated plus the lighting and music level are just right. The staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about the dishes. We sat at the crudo bar with views of the kitchen (we loved watching their great cooks prepare all the goodies coming out) and decided to get a bunch of stuff to share.
For drinks, we had the Brisa Andina (refreshing cucumber lemony pisco drink), Flor de Maiz (purple corn gin sour) and the Elixir de Chaman (Mezcal and Tequila pineapple drink). They were all perfection and beautifully balanced.
To start we got the ceviche cremoso which was 10/10. We also shared the Conchitas a la Parmesana (broiled parmigiano scallops), Empanadas (both beef and mushroom), Papa a la Huancaina (fried scalloped potatoes covered in a cheesy Peruvian yellow sauce), the Cauliflower with a chickpea puree and chimichurri, and the Tallarines Verdes with Ribeye steak. Everything was top tier and was served in a beautiful and vibrant presentation.
The ceviche was so fresh and flavored so well. The scallops were perfectly cooked and contrasted nicely with the crispy broiled parmigiano. Empanada dough was perfectly flaky and both fillings were to die for. The perfectly crispy scalloped potatoes on the Papa a la Huancaina were incredible and contrasted beautifully with the cheesy yellow sauce. The cauliflower was seasoned perfectly and went so well with the chickpea puree and the herbaceous chimichurri. The tallarines (bucatini) were perfectly al dente and steak was cooked at the perfect temperature. May really be some of the best steak I've had.
For dessert, we had the alfajores (soft butter cookies filled with dulce de leche) and the Chocolucuma Dream (tres leches cake with chocolate and lucuma). I grew up eating different types of alfajores and I can tell you that these ones are the best I’ve ever had, hands down. The Chocolucuma cake was served in a beautifully covered bowl and was filled with dreamy layers of milky lucuma and chocolate flavors.
Thank you Lucuma for bringing your beautiful concept to the heart of Oakland. We’ll be back to enjoy more of...
Read moreMe and my family had the pleasure of dining at Lucuma Restaurant recently to celebrate, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I walked in, the warm ambiance and inviting decor set the tone for a delightful evening.
Lomo Saltado: The star of the show was undoubtedly the lomo saltado. The beef was cooked to perfection—tender and flavorful—complemented by a perfect balance of onions, tomatoes, and the signature sauce. Each bite was a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy flavors that transported me straight to Peru. The presentation was stunning, with vibrant colors and garnishes that made the dish a feast for the eyes as well.
Signature Drinks: The bar at Lucuma is a true gem. I tried their signature cocktail, and it was crafted with such care. The mixologist clearly knows their craft; the drink was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, with intricate garnishes that added an extra touch of elegance. Each sip was refreshing, making it the ideal pairing for the lomo saltado.
Personal Touch: What truly set Lucuma apart was the personal touch from the staff. Our server was attentive and genuinely passionate about the menu, recommending dishes and drinks that perfectly complemented each other. Their enthusiasm added to the overall experience, making us feel welcomed and valued.
In summary, Lucuma Restaurant offers a perfect blend of exquisite food, stunning drinks, and exceptional service. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, I highly recommend visiting...
Read moreWe went to dinner for their grand opening, and it was amazing! I've been waiting for them to open since the restaurant is a block away from us (super close to BART as well), and they did not disappoint.
We ordered the mixto ceviche, conchitas a la Parmesana, carne empanada, pulpo al olivo, papa rellena and anticuchos de corazon. The beef hearts were standout. Super delicious and perfectly cooked. I really loved the octopus which was sliced thinly and perfectly tender, and the ceviche had several types of seafood with big chunks.
For dessert we had the manjar with Chantilly and the chocolate tres leches. My husband especially loved the manjar dessert because he loves caramel and there was a lot of manjar. It also had a nice fall spice flavor to it.
The cocktails were tasty and well balanced with too many interesting options to choose! Lots of pisco options of course, and I also had a basil gin cocktail that was super fresh and not too sweet. Several mocktail options as well.
Our server Vanda was perfect and friendly. They were super busy and she was still very attentive to us and made some great recommendations. Ambiance and decor are also great. Every detail is thoughtful and it feels warm and colorful, not pretentious and too fancy or stuff.
All in all a lovely addition to the neighborhood and super...
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