This is the first time I didn't really like the food at a Peruvian restaurant in Chile & was really surprised because I have *loved* the food at every "Aji Seco" Restaurant in Santiago. This chain of restaurants is slightly more expensive than others but usually I'm happy to pay for it because of the high quality. However this location is by far the worst I have tried so I would not return.
The rocoto sauce that came with the bread was thick and pasty with tiny little chunks in it -- not appetizing. The bread also wasn't like at other Aji Seco restaurants. The chaufa de pollo that I ordered was bland and I couldn't taste any ginger.
There are hardly any tables on the first floor with most of the seating on the basement floor of the restaurant. I tried to pay with my credit card but the machine would not work downstairs so the waiter told me I had to pay cash. Well I needed to save my cash that day so I suggested we try the machine on the first floor. Of course it worked, and he really should have known that given that he works there everyday.
Furthermore, the restaurant does not have a nice ambiance and is badly in need of renovation, especially given the price point. This location is in an inexpensive neighborhood of Santiago with lots of competition so this is unacceptable. The other locations are in more expensive (and nicer) neighborhoods with free parking and have the exact same prices as this location (which does not have parking).
The only reason I am giving them 2 stars is because the service was very attentive (as in all Aji Seco locations). read more