#1 restaurant i think honestly. Got the lomo soltado shit was so gas. Service was awesome. Had a Pacifico and ate outside. Started with the ceviche and split it wit my bro (not gay) Anthony Bourdain ur life. You'll thank yourself someday. Their hot sauce was good too lmao. read more

The food at Q'ero is just delicious. We had tamales, empanadas, steak, lamb, ceviche. Every thing was great. The service was excellent as well. read more

I'm not sure if Patrick was a server or manager, either way, he was very rude to us. Seems like he picks which tables to be nice to or to treat poorly. We will never go back because of Patrick. Food was ok, but not worth a trip back. read more

Incredible food and a lovely cozy environment to enjoy it. I'll be coming back! Etc etc minimum characters

The service was great. My salmon dish and my girlfriend's chicken dish were both delicious. Small, quaint neighborly restaurant. read more

Amazing food! We tried a variety of food options. The chicken empanada was big and had a good flavor but was even better with the pickled onions and sauce on top. The papa rellena had a similar taste to the empanada since it was the same toppings, just potato rather than fried dough, I still enjoyed it. The maduros (fried plantains) were my favorite, they were cooked amazingly and packed a lot of flavor! The Lomo Saltado was cooked to perfection, the meat was very tender and flavorful and it paired so well with the rice. The pollo saltado was also good, the chicken was very moist and had a lot of flavor, just the meal was a bit too salty. Service was great, it did take a while to come take our order initially, but afterwards the waiter was very attentive and overall a nice person. The other staff who cleaned the tables, collected the plates and brought water were also very nice. We sat outside and it felt like being in Europe, I liked the intimacy of the seating. Peaking inside the decor was also beautiful! My only true negative about this restaurant is that the cups of water were very distasteful. It was water with no ice, which I know is a common thing in Europe and South America, but the water itself overall tasted like unfiltered tap water, and who knows, maybe it was, but it just was very nasty unfortunately even after adding ice. I like to drink water as it's something that won't interfere with the flavors of the foods I eat. Since I didn't see water bottles on the menu, I ordered an iced tea to quench my thirst which was great! Overall I liked this restaurant and would definitely recommend it to friends and family to check out. read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Pollo Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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My husband and I came here for lunch on a weekday while visiting Encinitas. It was a bit late for lunch, around 2 pm, when we came in, so they had largely done with the lunch rush. There were only two tables of diners but the waitress seemed very harried. When she seated us a few moments later, she seemed more relaxed and friendly. My husband wasn't very hungry so he just had an empanada, which he said was good. I had the aji de gallina, which consisted of chicken in a creamy walnut sauce. I'd never had anything like it before and really enjoyed it. It was served with roast potatoes on the side. They had both indoor and outdoor dining available when we came, but it was pleasant enough to sit outdoors without a heater because of the southern California weather. Would recommend if you're looking for a great meal in Encinitas. read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Aji de Gallina - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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The restaurant was ok. The tables outside are basically next to the sidewalk and you will have people walking past you the entire visit. Thank you Covid. It doesn't create an intimate dining experience. It feels more like being in a fishbowl. We are on display for anyone walking or driving by. The service was good. We went there after a Encinitas Classic Car Cruise night and they were 2/3 full. Nice waiter, attentive and guided our selections. The bottled bubbly water we ordered is actually sourced from South America and it has a funny taste. Not recommended. We ordered Calamari a La Diablo. It was ok. It was not delicious. Not flavorful, kind of bland. Nothing special. We also ordered the Salmon dish, Sudado De Pescado. It has good flavor. The fish is swimming in a bowl of flavorful broth with onions and tomatoes. It had a little kick to it, some spice, that was unexpected. I don't remember seeing a spice rating on the menu. But I did enjoy it. We should have ordered the empanadas. Apparently they are amazing. read more

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This is a must try place!!! Food is amazing!! The empanadas are so flavorful and the pastry is perfect. The natural drinks are a perfect add to any meal!! read more

My most favorite Peruvian food restaurant in Southern Cali. Their Papa Rellena is delicious and you can purchase a bottle of the Peruvian (hot) sauce that's made in-house!! read more

Who knew that Peruvian Food could be so good, besides Peruvians? Now anyone smart enough to dine at Q'ero in Encinitas. Since it was nice out (and it pretty much is most of the time in Southern California in summer), I opted to sit outside. There was ample area with many tables to accommodate lots of patrons. I had the Pollo Empanada on my first visit. On my second, I opted for the Papa Rellena. Both dishes were tasty, with just the right amount of spices. It was filling, and after I was done, I feel like I'd eaten something healthy, too. I chased it down with a hot Chica Morada (and took the rest to go when I couldn't finish the drink). The atmosphere was pleasant, the food great, the service very good, decent prices, and people watching was good, too. Can't ask for much more than that. read more

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A nice little Peruvian restaurant in Encinitas. They try to keep things as authentic as possible. We were seated outside with heaters, which was good but still cold. The servers were sort of friendly but not too friendly. We ordered a bunch of different appetizers to share and then the main entrees. Our absolute favorites were the yucca fritters, the ceviche and the maduros. The crispy plantains were good, but not as good as the maduros. Among the empanadas, we ordered the veggie, chicken and beef ones. The veggie ones were a hit among the vegetarians in our group. Between the beef and chicken, the beef empanadas won hands down. These empanadas are gigantic and definitely meant to be shared. My friend enjoyed her lam shank a lot but again, it was too big. The lomo Saltado was good but I would've liked the meat to be more well-done than it was. I also ordered a tres leches to go and it was fantastic. I got a pisco Sour to drink and it was excellent! All in all, this was a great culinary experience and definitely similar to another great Peruvian restaurant I like. I would recommend giving this a try! P.S. parking is a problem so start hunting for one as soon as you are about half a mile away! read more

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I met some co-workers here for lunch, it's located downtown and parking can be a challenge but there is a paid garage just up the street. They have great outdoor seating and a small interior restaurant as well. I can't remember the name of the dish that I ordered, our server recommended it and I'm glad I ordered it... It was delicious. read more

Q'ero Restaurant - This is delicious! - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Had a wonderful girls night with some drinks and great food here. We had so many good items like the ceviches, empanadas, beet salad with flank steak, aji de gallina...but my favorite was the Calamari a la Diablada (calamari, mushrooms, chilis and green onions) paired with the Maduros (carmelized plaintains topped with sour cream & onions). That pairing blew my mind! Thanks to the owner for that suggestion. Overall, had a great experience here will definitely be back for some more. read more

The staff is very friendly and knows their food options. We went the Monday after Valentine's Day and were provided a special menu as the Restuarant was opening. The food came quickly and was vey tasty with a genuine "Home made" flair. read more

Delicious food, delicious sangrias, and pleasant service! Martin was very nice and made us feel welcomed! read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Chicken empanada - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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First, this used to be one of our favorite restaurants, but the last few experiences have been sub par to say the least. For our last experience we were sat and didn't see a waiter for at least 10 minutes. We ordered appetizers which then came out with the main dishes and we had to remind that we were missing one of the appetizers. The main dishes were cold. To come full circle, I had to go find our waiter to pay. You may want to take note of the small font on the menu that notifies guests of the automatic 5% surcharge that, "goes directly to kitchen staff." It's important to consider when they hand you the card reader which defaults tips to options of 20% to 25%. We don't mind TIPS (To Insure Proper Service), but don't expect 20% in addition to another 5% that is forced on you. read more

Found this restaurant while visiting Encinitas. Said Peruvian food and so I had to try it of course. Ambiance was okay. You know that is something very important for me. Food was good. I had Lomo Saltado and here, they make it their way. The food was good although it could have been better. In lomo saltado every ingredient is equally in quantity so that is important to keep in mind. Amount of lomo (meat), was good amount of potatoes and onions not good. You guys need to put more. Always consider that if you are charging $$ you got to offer quality and amount. I hope that if you (reader), are in Encinitas, you consider to stop by and try the food at Q'ero. Happy meals! read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Lomo saltado. Where are the potatoes? - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Amazing find! We have lived here for 5 years but for some reason only recently found our way here! We have been missing out. Great server, family owners, amazing food and it makes you feel like you are in a different country. We tried a little of everything and EVERYTHING was amazing! read more

It was pre-COVID the last time we ate at Q'ero. We returned today for a Peruvian lunch. Indoors the restaurant has four tables, but the expanded outdoor seating (where we sat) adds another eight. For lunch we had: * Empanadas -- I ordered three Empanadas (beef, chicken, and frijoles) which were very good overall, although I prefer a thinner crust -- the chicken empanada was best (4/5) * Sudado De Pescado -- Peruvian steamed fish stew made today with salmon that was overcooked and dry (2/5) Service was good. Parking in Encinitas at lunchtime is a challenge at best. After almost 10 minutes of looking, I finally found a space on E Street a block away from Q'ero. Food . . . . .  3/5 Service . . .  4/5 Ambiance . 3/5 Wine List . . 2/5 read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Empanadas -- Beef, Chicken, Frioles - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I walked in alone and requested to get seated and busboy had to check first before letting me sit at an empty table. I was dressed in the comfortable clothes and a backpack that I've used to walk some trails/beaches. So I can understand the slight hesitation. Then it seemed as though I was almost forgotten about before they finally took my order. Perhaps I'm overthinking it so I'm not going to deduct my one-off experience a star. The food was delicious! The decor was beautiful. I had ordered chicha morada to drink, yucca frita as an appetizer and a plate of lomo saltado. The guy brought me their homemade panqa sauce to go with the lomo saltado. The flavor was there with and without the extra sauce. I did enjoy the sauce so much that I even bought a bottle to take home for my wife to try. read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Menu - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Great ambiance, very hearty food, not my first time trying Peruvian so I know how Lomo should taste and this was just right. Very nice staff read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Calamari - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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My wife and I were looking for a different type of place to eat in Encinitas and found Q'ero...and, we're glad we did! Here is what we liked: - Great outdoor seating...although it looks like the city of Encinitas may again limit restaurants from taking up parking spots - Amazing food! We decided to sample several items and really liked them all. The Queso Empanada was probably our favorite...great sauce too. The Calamari Diablada was a pretty good sized portion (even though it looked like a small bowl) and was so tasty. The Arepas were delicious, as was the special Ceviche. - Very attentive service too! Bottom line: We'll be going back to Q'ero again...great food, great service, great new option! read more

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I've been coming here for many years and have never been disappointed. The food here is incredibly delicious and perfectly prepared. They have plenty of outdoor seating. I always order the aji de gallina with a side of panca sauce. This dish is so yummy. IRS like the perfect chicken stew. I get it with white rice. Their panca sauce is yummy on everything. You could put this sauce on dirt and it would taste great. Hubby got the pan seared fish which was salmon. He almost licked the plate . The fish was perfectly cooked and the sauce was to die for. We also enjoyed the amici salad though I could do without the candied pepitas. Qero is not cheap but given how fantastic the food tastes it is worth every penny. By the way they do sell their aji panca sauce to go. Get it!!! read more

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What a fantastic restaurant. Very authentic vibe and the food is consistently amazing. Waiters Patrick and Marcus are outstanding. Highly recommend. read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Yums - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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One of my two favorite Peruvian food spots! The majority of what I've had there has been delicious. The fried yukas are so good with the sauce!! The chicken empanadas were filled to the brim and so flavorful! The tress leches french toast is so unique! The ceviche is a good portion. And while the aji de gallina tastes good, I don't love the texture of the shredded chicken, personally. For drinks, absolutely get the Pisco Sour and the Chicha Morada, both Peruvian classics and so so good! Or get their sangrias which are homemade! The service is super friendly but a bit kinda slow sometimes, they're super apologetic for the delays though I know it's not their fault. The ambiance is rustic and feels like an authentic family owned restaurant. I recommend it! read more

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Food was amazing! So yummy empanadas were fire!!! Great service wonderful experience will definitely be back

Such good food! Stopped by here on a Tuesday evening about 5. We were seated right away and Patrick was amazing. Very friendly and knew so much. I felt like he was the owner, I need to research that. LOL Anyways, parking wasn't great but that's normal. The menu is nice and small and you can tell they make each dish perfectly. I had the special of mixed Ceviche with Octopus, shrimp and fish. It was so good! Not too limey or salty and the seafood was so fresh. I also ordered the pollo empanada. The empanada was huge and stuffed with chicken and came with an amazing sauce! I forgot the name but I was told it is their signature sauce, get extra. Overall a great place. Customer service, price and taste made it a very wonderful dinner. read more

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Q'ero is a family owned Peruvian Restaurant that has been proudly serving the Encinitas area and beyond since 2000. The food is so authentic and even has its sauce recipe made from their great grandmother and passed on through the generations! It was delicious, and good on everything we tried! I Could really tell that everything was made with love. We ordered: *Chicha Morada drink * vegetarian empanada *carne empanada *Maduros *Arepas *Papa Rellena *Ail de Gallina *Nana's Tres Leches *apple empanada We had an amazing server and he was very attentive. We sat outside but the inside is very cute and decorated in Peruvian paintings. They also have blankets and things for sale inside read more

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Ordered a salmon plate and only got a real small piece of salmon, 1 ounce. What kind of crap is that. That was not a salmon dinner.

Simply delicious. Their special (non alcoholic drink): 10/10 The Yuka Fries: 10/10 Salmon: 10/10 Ceviche: 9/10 Will definitely come back and try more dishes! read more

Good tres leches cake. Bad presentation for the price compared to other bakeries but super moist and fresh

I enjoy Peruvian cuisine especially after having been to Peru. For the appetizer, I ordered the pollo empanada and for my entree, sudado de pescado. The orange sauce from the panqa bottle had a nice tang which paired well with the empanada. The pollo filling was flavorful. The pescado dish came after and I liked the salmon and broth with white rice. The salmon was not overcooked. The inside is cozy and there were many outdoor seating as well. Overall, I'd come back and would like to try their ceviche which is what they are known for. read more

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All three courses were excellent. So tasty. Really cool space, staff were so friendly. And the water was delicious! Might need to come back tomorrow it was so good. Thanks for an amazing meal. read more

The ambiance was so cute and very authentic. The service was fast and friendly. We had the sangria without the alcohol and it was refreshing flavour. Also got a fijoles empanada..Yucca fritas..and chicken and quinoa. I loved it. It was also authentic and.so good. The food was not oily at all. Plenty od food. read more

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We went here after a day at the beach just to try something new and it was pretty good. The Ceviche was good and it was interesting to have the plantain chips to eat it with. There was a lot of new stuff to me in all the food that I'm not sure what it was but it was all good. I had the Seco de Cordero which was a big lamb chop with some rice and beans and it was sooo good. The meat just fell off the bone. My friends had empanadas that they really liked and one of my friends got the Papa Rellena which was meat surround with potato which was just kind of alright. Their signature Aji Amarillo sauce is really tasty and not too spicy at all. We sat out on the street which was really nice and our server did an excellent job of introducing us all to Peruvian food. read more

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Amazing homemade empanadas! All your Thanksgiving favorites in one empanada: Turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberries. SO GOOD!!!! read more

Q'ero Restaurant - Nana's Thanksgiving empanadas are SO GOOD. A holiday must to share with your family :) - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Well... you secure an amazing location, and then blow it. Service and ambiance good. Food.. bland.. and weird. I've never been to Peru but now I don't want to go. The food in Ecuador is great and this should not be too different. read more

Food is delicious, service was fast and thoughtful. We sat outside because the weather was lovely but we didn't get the cool ambience of the indoor seated area. I had the veggie empanada and yucca fries. My friends shared the ceviche and special and they raved about it. We picked it because they have clearly marked vegan as well as gluten free choices and so it meant there was something for everyone. read more

I had the worst experience at this sidewalk restaurant when I went there last Saturday with a friend visiting me from New York for happy hour. According to the restaurant's sign prominently displayed on the outside wall of the restaurant Happy Hour was from 2pm to 5pm and included a glass of sangria and an empanada of your choice for $10. We sat down at a table outside and the waiter/assistant manager, Patrick came out with the menus. When we told him we wanted the happy hour special of sangria and empanada as stated on their sign, he told us emphatically that the owner , Monica, who was not present to speak to, had changed the menu and the Happy Hour was not on Saturday or Sunday. I pointed out to him that the sign did not say Happy Hour only M-F. His response was, "It doesn't say Saturday and Sunday." With that he abruptly snatched the menus from the table and waving his hand at us said, "You can leave now". His actions attracted the attention of some bystanders. As my friend and I left, one of the bystanders, who saw and heard everything, commented to us how rudely we were treated by the waiter. We called the restaurant later that evening and asked to speak to the owner, Monica, and were told she had gone home but he would give her my number and ask her to call me. She never did. As a result of this experience I will not return to this restaurant ever again! Janice P. 4/26/2025 read more