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Surfish Bistro
Master Critic Review
Surfish Bistro
8.5
Chef Miguel Aguilar’s Peruvian bistro leans seafood-heavy, with ceviches, lomo saltado, and chaufa that appeal to diners craving bright, Spanish-speaking Latin flavors in a more polished setting. It’s the most chef-driven option in the area for paella-adjacent rice dishes and ceviche-focused meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche Mixto, Arroz Chaufa, Lomo Saltado
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A chef-led Peruvian bistro where ceviche, chaufa, and composed seafood plates bring a more refined Latin experience to 3rd Avenue.
Who should go: Ceviche lovers and date-night diners seeking polished Latin plates.
When to visit: Prime-time weekends require reservations; late weeknights are calmer.
What to order: Ceviche Mixto, Arroz Chaufa, Lomo Saltado with fries and rice.
Insider tip: Build your meal around one ceviche to share, then split a couple of hot entrées—the kitchen cooks seafood best when the table isn’t over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 3rd Avenue; expect to circle during peak dinner hours. No valet. Best luck on nearby side streets after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean polished. Jeans are fine if paired with nicer tops or jackets.
Noise level: Moderate, with an energetic dining room; you can hold a conversation but it’s not quiet.
Weekend wait: Plan for a 30–60 minute wait without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options—select ceviches can be swapped for veggie bases, and there are vegetable-forward entrées, but choices are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—Peruvian seafood focus means only a couple of adaptable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free ceviches and rice dishes; alert the server for guidance since cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished plating, a lively-but-not-overwhelming room, and seafood-driven dishes create an elevated atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights and earlier dinner hours. On Fridays and Saturdays, walk-ins often face long waits, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—it's geared toward adults with a date-night or girls’-night energy. Older teens are fine, but there are no dedicated children’s options.
Best For
Better for: Refined, chef-led Peruvian and ceviche-focused dining that outshines nearby Latin spots in technique and seafood execution.
Skip if: You want traditional Spanish paella, extremely quiet dining, or a family-oriented environment—other neighborhood restaurants suit those needs better.