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ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Mario's Peruvian & Seafood
7.9
This no-frills Peruvian spot in a small strip mall has served exceptional ceviche and seafood for over two decades. The bright, casual space fills with neighborhood regulars seeking fresh lemon-cured fish and Peruvian-Chinese fusion dishes at reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche Mixto, Chaufa de Mariscos, Lomo Saltado
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Peruvian seafood with over 20 years serving the neighborhood
Who should go: Ceviche lovers, budget-conscious diners, Peruvian cuisine seekers
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner, expect crowds on weekends
What to order: Ceviche mixto, chaufa de mariscos, saltado de camarones, chicha morada
Insider tip: Fresh ceviche is consistently clean-tasting and among LA's best
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot, usually spaces available, street parking as backup
Dress code: Casual - t-shirts and jeans perfectly fine, zero pretense
Noise level: Moderate - bright casual space, can easily chat but not romantic quiet
Weekend wait: 15-30 min possible without reservation, popular with regulars
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, good for quick business lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - mostly seafood-focused, ask about vegetable saltado options
Vegan options: Very limited - Peruvian seafood spot, call ahead for special preparation
Gluten-free options: Good options - ceviches naturally gluten-free, communicate with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ date when you're past impressing - it's authentic and delicious but strip mall casual. Great if you both appreciate no-frills quality over scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch, weekday dinner fine. Weekend evenings can get busy with regulars - call ahead or arrive early (5-6pm) to be safe.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere, no judgment, reasonable prices. Good for adventurous kids who'll try ceviche or those who'll eat fried rice (chaufa). Not a kids menu spot.
How fresh is the seafood really? Exceptionally fresh - they've maintained quality for 20+ years. Ceviche is consistently clean-tasting with no fishy smell, which is the real test.
Is it actually Peruvian or Americanized? Genuinely authentic - family-run for decades, full Peruvian-Chinese fusion menu (chifa), dishes match what you'd find in Lima. Not dumbed down for tourists.
Best For
Better for: Best for authentic Peruvian seafood without Beverly Hills prices - the ceviche quality rivals spots charging $30+ elsewhere. Perfect when you want real flavor over Instagram ambiance. Ideal for neighborhood regulars who value consistency.
Skip if: You need romantic ambiance or impressive décor for a special occasion. Skip if your date judges books by covers. Choose elsewhere if you want craft cocktails or wine selection - this is about the food, not the scene.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 8pm
Tuesday11:30am - 8pm
Wednesday11:30am - 8pm
Thursday11:30am - 8pm
Friday11:30am - 9pm
Saturday11:30am - 9pm
Sunday11:30am - 8pm