MORENO — Restaurant in Union City

Update on another update:

Yea it’s the 4th update as the owner doesn’t understand an honest review: using words like horrible, bitter, disgusting and any other adjective that actually describes the food is nth but the truth as a honest review your food is not quality. Using real words to describe a real food experience at your locations is not emotional (again showing lack of accountability) feel free to dismiss the truth.

Had to update the update: Since owner has zero accountability.

I’m sorry… could you elaborate on what you mean by “the kind of guest” I am? The kind that pays, didn’t complain, and didn’t make your staff uncomfortable? Just left an honest review because I don’t think it’s right that, due to the false and overly advertised quality of your food, people like myself who loves all types of Ecuadorian food go there to try it.

Sir, you’re showing everyone exactly what kind of person YOU are as a business owner—zero accountability and a thousand excuses for poor-quality food. You’re not the only Ecuadorian restaurant in town or state, but you are definitely the worst in terms of quality. Hundreds of customers go because of your advertising about “quality food and atmosphere”—and the only honest part of that is the atmosphere. Nice try, though.

Update (had to address response and make it a one star) The only good thing about this place is the atmosphere. Food was horrible, juice was disgustingly disappointing, the curtido for the cangrejada was so bitter — the most simplest thing was made wrong. How one messes up a curtido — lemon, tomato, cilantro, salt — that’s it. But noooo, onion was not pickled, they added freaking cucumber. Like, are you for real? ( No jodas ñaño que cresi en Guayaquil y lo que mas buscaba era un plato típico como lo recordaba ese curtido no vale) I love me my Ecuadorian food and I don’t play. The ceviche was outrageously bitter and tasted horrible. Spent $110 on poor food and horrible customer service. The waiter is everyone but no one at the same time, no check-ins on if you need anything. They always had an attitude if one asked for something. On top of that, for two people, they automatically put 18% gratuity. I’ve been in the hospitality business for years — that’s only for six or more — yet they automatically put 18% for two and don’t even have the proper service. It’s outrageous. Would never recommend this place I’ll stick to good ol Cejas (now Garcias) or Conchys. Ya can kick rocks with your nasty outrageously price food.

You say the menu “clearly indicates” the gratuity—but that doesn’t justify adding 18% after a poor dining experience. There was no dedicated server, just random staff in uniform walking by that we had to flag down for basic service. That’s not an “authentic dining experience,” that’s disorganized and impersonal. If you truly want to ensure fair compensation for your team, start by paying them a fair wage instead of passing the burden onto customers—especially when the service doesn’t match the charge. A mandatory 18% for minimal service isn’t fairness; it’s disrespectful to the guest and feels like plain robbery.

I understand the importance of authenticity, but flying in ingredients doesn’t automatically justify high prices—especially when the end result tastes bitter and poorly prepared. Quality isn’t just about sourcing; it’s about execution. If the food doesn’t reflect the flavor or care you claim, then the pricing feels inflated, not justified. Authenticity should enhance the experience, not become an excuse for subpar taste and service.

Flying in ingredients sounds impressive, but it doesn’t excuse bitter food or poor execution. Authenticity isn’t about where the ingredients come from—it’s about how the dish actually tastes. This just feels like a dressed-up excuse to charge more, not a reflection of real quality. If the food doesn’t deliver, the high price tag means nothing. Ps don’t hit me with we do “Authentic Way” you are highly disrespecting the culinary arts of Ecuadorian Food. From La Costa to La Sierra this food...

UPDATE: Went back and tried the encebollado (fish stew or otherwise known as the national hangover soup), the salchicha seca (blood sausage), lunch special of caldo de bola (beef, plantain and peanut soup) accompanied by grilled chicken breast with rice and red beans. The encebollado in this case lacked flavor and onions and cilantro, possibly aji peruano. It tasted like a basic fish stew with yucca. It was loaded with fish, this is a plus. I took it home and added a fresh handful of cilantro and red onions and it was better. I would give it a 3.5, I have def had better! The blood sausage was delicious and the portion was huge, a bit pricey coming in at almost 20 bucks! I would give it 4 stars. Caldo de bola was delicious not to thick and not too much peanut sauce, could have used a bit more meat but overall I give it 4.5 stars. The grilled chicken was soo tender very well cooked and flavorful, rice was good and red beans though a tad salty again, delicious. For the lunch special of 15 bucks I would give it 4.5 stars. Service was decent this time, have several staff standing around and you have to catch their attention for assistance

Overall I give them a 4.5, place is a bit inconsistent with flavors and service, but worth trying for the first time and/or to open your possibility up to the Ecuadorian cuisine.

Food was really good, but a bit salty, still edible so deserves the 5 stars. We arrived past 830pm and service was still great. Atmosphere is nice and suits the pricing of each plate. (more expensive than other Ecuadorian spots, but worth it). Tried the Desayuno Montubio (steak, peppers, onions tomato in red sauce, two eggs and a plantain cheese and pork meat/rind ball) , bolon was mixto with both sweet and regular plantain. The flavor was very different, more buttery, but very good! They did not skimp on chicharrón or cheese. The meat was tender, sauce a bit salty. Also had Seco de Gallina (Hen Stew, usually in a beer sauce). It was very good, great portion of meat, 3 big slices of sweet plantains, and a few slices of avocado. However, sauce again a bit salty. The hot sauce is amazing and the Naranjilla shake in water, was SPOT ON! For appetizer had the Maduro con Queso (sweet plantains with cheese) good portion, well cooked. It did not bring ecuadorian cheese, but available upon request. (also sell it by the pound) Def recommend trying this place out, and will def come back to try...

Update: thank you Moreno for the reply to my review; just to clarify I don’t take reviews lightly. Just To Clarify; explaining dishes as if patrons are not aware of that they are is disrespectful and further shows a lack of accountability. Im aware of the ingredients in the dishes we ordered and they spoiled. I don’t need to disclose my history and/or experience with the Ecuadorian culture and cuisine in order to Justify my experience and your areas of opportunity. I applaud the marketing team; they did a great job getting people in; as for my experience; I won’t be going back. We were highly disappointed and from what I observed and we were not the only table. No one ever explained to use the process of the beverages at the beginning. Your policies are your policies from a customers perspective; we deserve better. I can further explain different techniques of proper customer service or ways to ensure consistency in your process and procedures but im sure you can figure it out. Ultimately we wanted to have a great experience and it was very underwhelming and disappointing. My girlfriend and I were really excited to visit this place. The atmosphere was enjoyable with nice décor and warm lighting. The saxophone player truly carried the vibe—he was excellent.

I ordered the Naranjilla (Lulu) juice, but unfortunately, it had a sour aftertaste, almost like the fruit had spoiled. The corviche appetizer was good, but the shrimp ceviche, which I had as my main course, had a similarly bitter, off flavor—just like the juice. The white rice, however, was solid.

It was difficult to get the attention of the staff, but once we did, they took care of us. The guests seated next to us shared similar concerns—the disappointment was definitely in the air. Looking back, I should’ve noticed the red flag when we weren’t even offered water upon being seated.

There’s another Ecuadorian restaurant I frequent that never disappoints. I’ll be sticking with them.

If you made it this far in the review, a few things to know: take cash for the valet. The gratuity of 18% is included in your...