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Tanta
Master Critic Review
Tanta
8.8
Tanta is a high-volume Peruvian restaurant where ceviches, tiraditos, and seafood-forward share plates headline alongside a deep pisco cocktail list. It’s loud, colorful, and consistently busy, making it a go-to when you want seafood with more spice, acidity, and nightlife energy than a traditional raw bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cebiche Trio, Pulpo Acebichado, Arroz con Mariscos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Peruvian ceviches and seafood plates matched with pisco cocktails in a clubby, colorful room.
Who should go: Seafood lovers who like bold flavors and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full energy without losing pacing.
What to order: Cebiche Trio, Pulpo Acebichado, Arroz con Mariscos.
Insider tip: Book upstairs or patio when available and build the table around ceviches plus one or two larger seafood mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages within a 1–3 block walk. Valet availability can vary by night — confirm when booking.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean dressy for evenings and weekend visits.
Noise level: Loud and high-energy during peak hours — you can hold a conversation, but expect to speak up over music and crowd noise.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, except on busy convention or office-rush days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, mainly salads, sides, and a few vegetable plates — better for mixed groups than strict vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; ask staff about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several ceviches and seafood plates are naturally gluten-free; staff can flag items, but cross-contact may be possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, high-energy setting with cocktails and share plates; less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation or a low-key atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up, but on weekends waits can be long. Arrive early or join the wait list to improve your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens are fine early in the evening, but the room skews adult, loud, and cocktail-focused later at night. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Seafood with bold acidity and spice, ceviche variety, and a social, nightlife-leaning atmosphere compared with quieter raw bars or traditional seafood houses.
Skip if: You want a hushed dining room, very mild flavors, or a menu with extensive non-seafood and vegan choices.