0 Followers
Limón
Master Critic Review
Limón
8.4
Family-owned since 2002, the Castillo brothers bring modern Peruvian cuisine fusing Incan staples with Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish influences. The open-flame rotisserie chicken is legendary, and the ceviche trio showcases Peru's coastal traditions with contemporary flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotisserie Chicken, Ceviche Trio, Lomo Saltado
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Authentic Peruvian by family who pioneered the cuisine in Bay Area
Who should go: Families, ceviche lovers, rotisserie chicken fans
When to visit: Weekend dinner for full experience, happy hour for deals
What to order: Whole rotisserie chicken, ceviche mixto, pisco sour
Insider tip: Share the whole chicken with yuca fries for best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Locust St and Bonanza St, public garages nearby - parking can be challenging on weekends, arrive early or use Locust St garage
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly, families in everyday attire fit right in
Noise level: Moderate to loud on weekends - lively family atmosphere with energy, weeknight dining allows easier conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, popular spot so booking recommended for groups
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typically, often seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate - salads, yuca fries, rice dishes, and some appetizers work, but menu centers on proteins
Vegan options: Limited - sides and salads available, but note everything is fried in same oil including meats
Gluten-free options: Yes - many naturally gluten-free Peruvian dishes, rotisserie chicken, ceviches, and rice plates all safe, yellow sauce contains gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual dates - sharing ceviche and rotisserie chicken creates natural conversation, the lively atmosphere keeps energy up without being too loud on weeknights. Pisco sours add a fun cocktail element. Not white-tablecloth romantic, but warm and approachable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually seats walk-ins quickly. Weekend dinners get busy - expect 30-45 minute waits during prime hours. For groups of 4+, definitely book ahead. The bar area sometimes has faster seating for smaller parties willing to perch.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - this is a family-owned restaurant that welcomes families warmly. Kids love the rotisserie chicken, portions are shareable, and the casual atmosphere means no one minds kid energy. High chairs available, and the quarter chicken portion works perfectly for smaller appetites.
What's the ceviche situation? Outstanding - the trio lets you sample three styles showcasing Peru's coastal traditions. Fresh, bright, and citrus-forward. The mixto with mixed seafood is the crowd favorite. Comes with sweet potato and cancha corn for textural contrast. One of the best ceviche experiences in the East Bay.
How much chicken should we order? The whole chicken feeds 3-4 people generously, half chicken works for 2 hungry diners or a couple with lighter appetites. Quarter portions are perfect for one. Add yuca fries and a side to round out the meal - the chicken comes with two sides included.
Best For
Better for: Best Peruvian in the East Bay - the rotisserie chicken rivals any in the Bay Area, and the family's 20+ year legacy shows in consistent execution. Better value than most downtown spots with generous portions meant for sharing. The ceviche program is unmatched locally.
Skip if: You need strict vegan or allergy accommodations - everything fries in shared oil. For dedicated vegetarian options try Babalou's Mediterranean, for upscale date atmosphere choose ELIA or Rooftop, for quick casual bites go to Slice House.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 10:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 10:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm