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Lonzo's Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Lonzo's Restaurant
8.4
This Peruvian restaurant and bakery serves exceptional seafood-forward dishes including pristine ceviches, grilled whole branzino, and honey bay oysters with rocoto pepper sauce. The combination concept means you can finish with house-baked pastries after feasting on fresh arroz con mariscos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche Mixto, Grilled Whole Branzino, Honey Bay Oysters
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Authentic Peruvian seafood with an in-house bakery under one roof
Who should go: Seafood lovers craving authentic South American flavors
When to visit: Lunch for patio dining or Friday dinner for live music
What to order: Start with oysters, share ceviche mixto, get the branzino
Insider tip: Make reservations - the intimate space fills up quickly on weekends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot in back with 8-10 spaces.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - locals come in everything from sundresses to nice jeans. No need to overdress.
Noise level: Conversational - intimate space with good acoustics. Friday live music gets livelier but still date-appropriate.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Book ahead or arrive by 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes. Patio fills up 12-1pm on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable - ask for vegetable ceviche (not on menu), side dishes, and bakery items
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead. Can accommodate with modified sides and salads.
Gluten-free options: Good options - fresh ceviches, grilled fish, and rice dishes are naturally GF. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate without being stuffy, exceptional food shows thoughtfulness, and the bakery concept is a natural conversation starter. Patio seating is romantic; indoor feels cozy. Budget $80-100 for two with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend dinners book solid - reserve 3-5 days ahead or try the bar for parties of 2. They occasionally hold a few tables for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, surprisingly family-friendly for a date spot. Kids love the mild fish dishes and fresh-baked pastries for dessert. Patio is ideal for families. Best for ages 6+ who can handle sitting through a meal. No kids menu but servers will accommodate.
What's the damage for two people? $80-120 depending on drinks. Figure $35-45 per person for food (app to share, entrees), plus $25-40 for cocktails/wine. The bakery desserts are $6-9 and worth it.
How's the service? Attentive and knowledgeable without hovering. Staff genuinely knows the menu and can guide you through Peruvian specialties. Expect proper pacing - this isn't a rush-you-out spot.
Best For
Better for: Choose Lonzo's over chain seafood spots for authentic Peruvian preparation, fresher fish, and the unique bakery bonus. Better than Providence or Water Grill if you want excellent seafood without the $200+ price tag and formality.
Skip if: Skip if you need extensive vegetarian options, want classic American seafood (think lobster rolls and clam chowder), or prefer large restaurant energy. Also skip if your group hates sharing - ceviches are meant for the table.