Our family is trying to make a concerted effort to try different restaurants in Brevard County that are independently owned, in order to support businesses in our local community and when i saw La Estancia de Lusia here on Yelp, I thought this might be a good one to try. Mind you, I have NEVER tried Colombian food before, had no idea what to expect but I am SOOOO glad we stopped in.
This place is awesome. Super friendly staff, clean restaurant and really good food. Like REALLY good!
My 14 year old daughter had the Carne Asada, marinated grilled steak with rice and plantains. It was served with a small dinner with a house dressing similar to an italian. At first I was antsy about there being cilantro on it, because sometimes it tastes like soap to me, but the dressing actually worked well with it. She thought it was fabulous.
I had the Bandeja La Estancia which was a mixed plate which allowed me to sample grilled pork, beef and chicken (all of it very flavorful), along with the Chicharron (fried pork) which was like eating fried bacon. Yum! the beans were delicious, the plantains, white rice and corn cake rounded out the meal. I would order it again in a heartbeat. it too came with a salad.
My husband had the Bandeja Paisa which is grilled skirt steak, fried egg, beans, fried pork, grilled sausage, plantains and rice...we also spit a Colombian beef empanada and an Argentinian chicken empanada, and both were good, although the sauce that came with the Colombian one was SPICY!!
If you're looking for a fancy place, this isn't it...but it is obviously well loved by people in the community. It was a full house when we went on a recent Saturday night. Can Sodas are served with a glass of ice and the Sangria is homemade (I didn't partake since I don't do red wine) and although we wanted to try the desserts, we just didn't have the room. Next time...trust me we will indulge!
We were assisted by a very nice gentleman, presumably the owner who treated us like we were old friends. He went out of his way to explain the menu and answer any questions we had. It was obvious that many customers knew him well, as his interactions with them was one of an open and friendly demeanor, even on a busy Saturday night. We felt very welcome as customers and were treated well even as Colombian food newbies!
We like food. We really liked this place. I know sometimes people are hesitant about going to an "ethnic" restaurant that may be out of their comfort zone. You don't have to speak or read Spanish to go here, as the staff spoke perfect English and the menu is detailed in English. Seriously, if you are looking for something new and super yummy delicious in the Melbourne/Palm Bay area, swing by La Estancia de Luisa. It is tucked back in the shopping center at Babcock Street and Port Malabar Rd, located in between Winn Dixie and the Health First Physical Rehab center... read more