We hosted our non-profit's annual board meeting in Ayawaska's private dining room. The attention provided by the waitstaff was warm but prompt and professional, and the food and drinks were delicious. We strongly recommend this taste of Peru hidden away on a Novato hilltop! read more

Everyone goes for the view, but the food is amazing too! Like what else can you ask for? Main events, parties, birthdays you name it can happen here. I absolutely enjoyed my experience here and would recommend. read more

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I had no idea Novato had such a beautiful gem. Nothing against the city but I live in Benicia. The only time I come to Novato is to go through Novato. Theres hiking trails or places where we go to get to the Ocean. In order to go to them, we have to drive through Novato to get there. But whenever we are out in Marin, we usually just defeat to eating a Sol Food(If you know you know...). Recently we wanted to try something different. Ayawaska is about the experience. A very bold name but from the moment you walk in, to the moment you start eating your food you will quickly understand why they chose that name. All the workers are professional but also very friendly. Their cocktails are all delicious. Theres something about taking a sip and peering out the windows and seeing the view. For a minute it really feels like we are in another world. They really chose such a cool location for a restaurant. For food, I saw the Paella adjacent dish on the menu and I immediately knew what I was ordering. Arroz con Mariscos. We did order some Empanadas. I hate mushrooms but I had a bite of the Empanada Veggie. It's all mushrooms dude...alllll mushrooms...but it was good. My favorite was the Empanada de Lomo. But both Empanadas were delicious. They had a nice flaky crust but had really generous fillings. The flavors were so dang good. But with the Arroz con Mariscos I loved all the fixings it came with and how it was decorated. All kinds of onions and bell peppers everywhere. The rice itself wasn't overcooked or undercooked. And most of all there were giant shrimps along with calamari and clams. Altogether this was a symphony of Seafood and rice. This probably could be shared between two people. Unless you are just really hungry. So long story short, I highly recommend this place. Sometimes you go to fancy places like this and they got the nice decor. Sure. They got a nice view. Cool. But at the end of the day, the meal and the overall experience is what matters right? Ayawaska is the full package. If you live in the area and haven't tried this place yet, you are definitely missing out. read more

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We had a lovely dinner here. The restaurant is situated on top of a hill near downtown Novato. Indoor seating bar seating and an outdoor patio. You can see the beautiful hilly landscape from the restaurant. Cute colorful and chic decor inside. Food was excellent service was fine. They also provide free valet service Really fun, Pisco and cocktail menu, but we had a beer and wine, which were both good . My husband enjoyed his draft beer and I thought my Tempranillo wine was good . We started with the chicken empanadas, which came with three crispy empanadas filled with creamy chicken. I'm pretty sure they used the same chicken from our main course but that's fine. we also had the octopus appetizer. I'm glad the server clarified which octopus appetizer was cold in, which was grilled since we wanted the latter (pulpo antichichero) . The corn purée that it came on top of delicious octopus was very smooth . For the entrées we had in an arroz con mariscos - it had a slight spice kick with some Parmesan flavor and had a generous amount of shrimp and calamari. I feel like I almost always get Aji de Gallina at a Peruvian restaurant, and what's not to like about creamy shredded chicken. Overall fun dinner spot with lovely views ! read more

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LOVED the Novato Ayawaska delicious impressively-gorgeous cuisine, expansive classic Novato rolling hills view, perfect service thanks to personable Ava, fun-personality culturally-influenced decor, lovely airy atmosphere. I felt like I was on vacation in a special international locale, getting exclusive gracious VIP treatment. I LOVED Ava's recommended grilled octopus, which was AMAZING (flavor, presentation, innovation); I have Hawaiian ancestry, taken cooking classes, and eaten at several Michelin-starred restaurants. I usually shy away from eating intelligent creatures, but glad I made an exception while at Ayawaska. My two grad-school friends here for our UCSF reunion had a magnificently beautiful steak fresh colorful salad and perfect-looking empanadas (i took empanada class in Buenos Aires); they were raving about old times vs paying attn to their food, so idk what they thought. New-looking, modern, clean, style with appealing flair. Was not busy on a Wednesday for lunch. Plenty of parking. Hidden away in a residential neighborhood. Ava said weekends are much busier, especially on outside view decks. (Also said squid/calamari was second choice. Some other seafood, maybe shrimp, was third.) I live in Mill Valley; Ayawaska would be a top hit, here. It's a schlep for me, but I plan to return (probably with a Costco shopping pit stop added)! Friendly people answer the phone. Definitely a large full bar available. Could be quite lively when crowded. I thought the prices were competitive and reasonable (most good food costs a lot, nowadays--even at the grocery stores). read more

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My friend found Ayawaska via social media and we decided to come by to check it out. A winding road bought us up to this Hilltop restaurant and we wondered if we were underdressed (it's casual). We stepped into an oasis of plants, greenery (Costa Rica vibes) with modern touches. Unfortunately, they were short staff with only 1 server for the whole restaurant and they had a private party that night. So service was slow and they closed down early to prepare. The wait for the food was also slow. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how good the food so despite slow service and kitchen, Ayawaska ended with 5 stars. We ordered the calamari, fried shrimp won ton, Ahi Tuna Nikkei, beef and chicken empanadas, Lomo Saltado, Arroz Con Mariscos, Pato A La Nortena (duck dish). For dessert, we had the chocolate cake and churros. All dishes are sharable, huge portions, flavorful and fresh especially the seafood! So to make up for the slow service, we had the bartender? (guy with glasses, from Peru) come by to clear our dishes and poured us a glass of Chicha morada (purple corn)..oh so delicious! The food is amazing here, great hilltop views. I hope they ramp us their service especially on the weekends and get more servers here! Otherwise, we enjoyed it so much..we will check out their Petaluma location next time! read more

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We love this place! Had a big party here. Drinks are fabulous. We love the brunch here. They give you a good amount of food. Authentic peruvian food. The cocktails are amazing. Pisco sour, so good. read more

Everything is amazing on this restaurant- food, ambience, and service. It's my second time this time with fam. They all loved the place and the food. Will definitely go back again. Highly recommended! read more

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The service the food atmosphere and views... went here for a 2nd time and to celebrate my birthday--such a fun evening great service and the food delicious--especially my tuna ceviche! read more

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Delicious food with beautiful views. Nice clean restaurant with quick and friendly service. Arrived 30 mins before our reservation and we were promptly seated. 10/10 will definitely return. read more

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2/9/25 While visiting my cousins in Northern Cali, they took me to one of their favorite Peruvian restaurants for lunch. Having never had Peruvian food, I didn't know what to expect but was blown away by the flavorful items we ordered. Located on a hill, the view was incredible and gave Burbank's "Castaway" vibes! Katrina was our server and recommended a few dishes and cocktails. We shared the chicken empanadas which were out of this world! For my main dish I went with the lentils served with rice. The lentils were incredibly flavorful and absolutely delicious! It was a pretty big serving so I took what I couldn't finish home. The drinks were presented like a stage performance! We oohed & awed! *The have an outdoor patio perfect for warmer days & nights *Huge bar area with TV's *Plenty of parking in the lot read more

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Came across this gem with beautiful scenery and great ambiance and don't forget the service and food cannot fault it in any way a must and a romantic place highly recommended but got to book in advance don't be sitting on this one book early n read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

Peruvian Comfort on a Novato Hilltop Ayawaska Hilltop is a Peruvian restaurant in Novato, California, located in a historic building that has been a local landmark since 1892. We had been curious to try their food for over two years. Finally, we had a chance to stop by and have a late lunch/early dinner there on a gorgeous afternoon. We sat outside to peek over a short wall beside our table and enjoy the fantastic view. As the name indicates, the building is on top of a hill. Over the years, it has housed various restaurants and businesses, and Ayawaska opened its doors at this location in mid-June 2021. The restaurant is the second for the owners, who found success with their first location in Petaluma. They continue to offer authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist. The food at Ayawaska Hilltop shows Peru's rich culinary history. It mixes indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and French cooking flavors. The menu features a variety of popular dishes. Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish where fresh fish is cured in a citrus-based marinade called "leche de tigre. " It's typically served with sweet potato and Peruvian corn. We started with a ceviche clasico, and I had a Pisco Sour to help me relax and enjoy the food and the view. For those who may not be familiar with it, pisco sour is a famous cocktail made with pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, egg white, and bitters. This particular version was just a bit sweeter than I prefer, but I addressed that problem with a few ice cubes! I should add that the table service was flawless. We enjoyed all our interactions with the crew, who promptly answered our questions and delivered everything we asked for throughout our stay. The space is very large and beautiful. The bar section is designed really well and would make an ideal space for large groups having drinks and a good meal. For a heartier meal, we ordered their Lomo Saltado, a traditional stir-fry with marinated beef tenderloin, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro served alongside French fries and rice. The meat was high quality and cooked just right. Everything else on the plate was fresh and masterfully prepared. We closed the deal with a Tres Leches, which means "three milks," and is a classic Latin American sponge cake. The cake is soaked in three different milks: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, making it incredibly moist and rich. It is traditionally topped with a layer of whipped cream or meringue. The Ayawaska version was excellent. It was not too sweet or too soft and spongy. In short, Ayawaska Hilltop is absolutely worth the detour. It offers excellent food, gracious service, and a view that does half the relaxing. If you go, aim for patio seating around golden hour, start with the ceviche, share the Lomo Saltado, or another heartier plate, but save room for the Tres Leches. We'll be back. read more

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One of the best places I've been. The location, ambience, food, drinks, dessert and service are consistently fabulous . I've eaten there so many times and I have never been disappointed! Can you say empanadas????? OMG ! Shout out to Raquel- she's the best! read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - La Duquesa salad - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

A hidden gem as you drive thru a residential neighborhood. As you enter the restaurant it has a beautiful interior with a relaxing atmosphere that has a hilltop view pretty much like being in Peru. We got seated right away since it wasn't busy during the time we got in. We Ordered the pulpo anticuchero a grilled octopus, it was tender and smoky just cooked perfectly. The classic ceviche comes with ceviche halibut that was drizzled in lime cream sauce, the calamari had a crispy and soft texture, and the fried yuka fries is definitely one of my favorite. Another dish was the baked duck with the risotto rice in an iron cast plate. The duck was tender and went well with the risotto rice that had a full flavor. The Doha and Rio cocktails were refreshing especially on a hot day. Gotta have the homemade churros with the chocolate dip, a slightly crispy and moist as you bite into it, almost like a donut with a crisp. A Great experience. Will definitely come back again. read more

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Lovely view and it's so great to have this place in Novato. The staff were all super kind and attentive, the restaurant decor is super cool/hip and colorful, and the restrooms and entire place was clean. Parking is plenty and there's lovely views all around. The outdoor seating is great, beware of bugs on a muggy day. The indoor seating is lovely and plentiful too. Drinks are good, and pack a punch. Food options I feel like are not the best in variety for different appetite levels. I wouldn't bring my kid or family of diff ages for example, as it can come out very expensive for everyone to find something they like and can eat. I think for a happy hour with friends / family, where the goal is drinks and a bite to hold off until dinner is a great thing. read more

The food was delicious, well seasoned. We ordered the classic ceviche, empanadas de logo, the Tacu Tacu, and the Arroz con Mariscos. The service was friendly and efficient. We arrived around 1.30pm on Sunday. Not too busy. The ambience of the location is beautiful. The weather was sunny and warm. We tried to sit outside, but there were other very loud guests out there, so we found another spot inside by the windows with a good view. The price is an average of $35 per person. It's a beautiful place to celebrate special occasions. read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Tacu Tacu - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

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Ayawaska is a Marin County Gem . From the anazing people that work there tio the Delicious Puruvian menue , and let's not fgorget the Amazing bar with all the specialty drinks . I highly recomend stopping in for Sunday brunch , a week day Lunch or a amaing dinner read more

Wonderful view, friendly service and didn't feel rushed during lunch. Food & drinks came out quite quickly after we ordered as well. Our group of three were playing catch up since it had been awhile & they did not rush us. Quiet location to have a good conversation. read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Aji de gallina - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

While visiting a friend this spot was a must visit I was told, so after a hike we stopped in. Their ambience is friendly and colorful but also reserved and casual. It was immediately welcoming! On a warmer day I would suggest sitting outside, but this was a bit chilly so we sat at a long table which still had excellent views. We he menu is varied and has a lot of amazing options to try. My favorite was the empanadas and pesto pasta. The drinks are also delicious! It was a delightful and delicious meal and I would go back to try some of their other options. Can highly recommend this venue for those in the area. read more

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We love the unique Peruvian dishes coupled with exotic cocktails at Ayawaska Hilltop restaurant. We had dinner again last night with cocktails and desert. We almost always order their Empanadas - you get 3 freshly cooked Empanadas, veggie, chicken or beef. Our favorite is the beef with tender cubes of beef tenderloin in a delicious sauce. We've ordered several different cocktails here over several visits - tonight I went with the Ayawaska Blood, a take on Sangria which was full of fruity flavors (and not too sweet). My wife had the Picso Sour, apparently a popular Peruvian cocktail. We both enjoyed our drinks. For our entrees we ordered two to share - the Lomo Saltado Clasico, tender chunks of Filet Mignon with red onion, tomato and herbs in a rich sauce and the Aji de Gallina, shredded chicken in creamy sauce that is so flavorful! Actually both dishes were full of flavor and served with white rice (the Lomo Saltado also comes with potato fries. We were full but the desert menu was calling and we gave in to the Chocolate Volcan - a small cake covered in "molten" chocolate. But the twist here is that instead of "just" chocolate inside it was melty caramel, served with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream and a sampling of fresh fruit. Another great meal - we'll definitely be back! read more

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Date: Saturday, February 8th, 2025 Time: 11:30am Party of: 2 Meal: Breakfast / Brunch / Lunch Reservation Made: via Yelp the day prior *SPECIAL PERUVIAN BREAKFAST ($42) - pan con chicharron, tamal, scramble egg with huachano sausage huachano *MINI BAKERY BASKET ($12) *PISCO SOUR ($15) *BLOODY MARY ($18) *HARMONY ($16) *BULLEIT RYE - CALIFORNIA SOUR ($16) A friend and I were heading up to wine country (Sonoma) from SF. On the way there, we decided to stop here for brunch. It was pretty easy to make a rezzie and the restaurant wasn't super busy when we got here. We were seated right away by a window with a view. The peruvian breakfast was a great way to sample a few items. I'm a meat and eggs type of breakfast girl, so the platter was up my alley. The bakery basket was filled with cute little pastries such as croissants, muffins, etc. I didn't try any of these, but would be great for any baked good lover. We did sample a few cocktails while here. The pisco sour was tasty - tart, not too sweet. I followed it up with the harmony since I wanted to keep it light and refreshing. Tho I did find myself missing that tart element. This cocktail is made with pear vodka, pineapple, blue curacao and soda, so it's fruity and bubbly. View are nice as it's on a hilltop. Tho it can get pretty hot and sunny as the light moves. They do have shades you can pull down if you find yourself getting a lil toasty just sitting at your table. A fun spot for brunch. I'm a sucker for a place with a view. REVIEW #3689 read more

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I would like to say that we were pleasantly surprised since we visit multiple Peruvian restaurants regularly. The atmosphere is great. The help is top notch, and the food was very tasty. The view from this restaurant is amazing, we will definitely come back again next time we are in the area. read more

What a lovely restaurant with tasty plates! We arrived early for our reservation and they were able to accommodate us. The space is bright and adorned by plenty of plants. The restaurant is located at the top of a hill, so the views are beautiful. The food was fresh and so flavorful. The Loma Saltado was cooked perfectly. The staff are very friendly and the wait time for everything was quick. This is a wonderful restaurant all the way around! read more

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Since the last review we've been here a few times and each was great! I stay away from the pricey drinks, however the food is always wonderful and the service has really picked up. Less waiting and much more attentive. The Bomba, and other desserts are always great too read more

What a great spot for food, drinks and a view! I recommend sitting in their patio area is has a beautiful view on Marin. The food was great, I highly recommend the sea food paella and the lupita drink if you like a sweeter cocktail. The waiters were super nice and gave us lots of recommendations since it was our first time. The restaurant is beautiful and decorated very cute. I will definitely be back! read more

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Food & drinks were amazing. The service was great very nice staff and were able to recommend the best dishes. read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Salmon con crema de poro - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

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We sat outside because I brought my dog. The view was beautiful and the service was great. Clean well kept restaurant. The drinks were so fun and the staff was so attentive and friendly. I ordered the braised short rib which I forgot to take a pic of, but the meat was so tender and flavorful. The rice was cooked perfect and the beans were delicious, I've never had that type of bean. Everyone at the table was extremely happy with their food and experience overall. I ordered a pisco sour I also didn't picture but it was very good. read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Calamari and beef/chicken empanadas - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

Great ambience. Best service ever - so knowledgeable, so helpful, so responsive, such fun! Most of our dishes were great. A few were just good. A special restaurant - will definitely return. read more

We really liked the food here. We thought the appetizers and the main dishes we ordered were very flavorful. What really sat wrong with me is the idea that you order the ceviche clasico and then you have to pay extra for the tortilla chips. I have never been to a location where you pay for both individually . The chips are always included with the ceviche and this is a sly way for them to price gouge their customers. There is no way I find this ceviche and chips worth as much or more than an actual entree. This is not the way to treat your customers and sadly a reason I will not support or recommend this restaurant in the future. read more

Recently went to Ayawaska for the first time to celebrate my husband's birthday dinner. All of the food was fabulous, generous portions, and the cocktail menu is quite unique (I want to go back and try more!) The only downside was that the service was slow. It took over 45 minutes to get our appetizers. They were super busy, but it seems like it could have been faster since one of our apps was raw tuna ceviche. The ambiance was cool and tropical, something you don't see in Novato or in Marin in general. It looks like something you'd see in the city or on a tropical vacation, and is pretty upscale for downtown Novato. It was dark outside but the views looked cool - I'd love to go back in the summer before the sun sets! read more

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Great service and setting, but food was only so-so. It is not a cheap place, so we expected better food. Drinks good, though.

Came here for the first time for a work lunch in November, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The ambience is just perfect -- a cozy yet upscale vibe with a nice view that makes it feel like a hidden gem in Novato. The restaurant is located on a hill, and the uphill drive can be a little challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the area. I decided to try the Lomo Saltado Clasico and was not disappointed. The dish was a perfect balance of flavors -- tender, marinated steak stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and fries, serviced with a side of rice. Each bite was packed with flavor, like comfort food. The drinks were also fantastic. It's clear they put a lot of thought into the presentation which I really enjoyed and always pay attention to whenever I try new restaurants. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy great food, drinks, and atmosphere. I can't wait to come back and try more food. read more

Ayawaska Hilltop - Lomo saltado - Peruvian Near Me - Novato, California

The food was excellent. I came here for a work outing. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their dishes. The menu may seem short but there are a lot of good options. I went with the limo saltado. I was pleased with the dish. I had never had that dish in the past, but it was very good and flavorful. The calamari was also very good. As for service our server was very nice, but he did not come around to refill the water very often and it is small cups so it goes quickly. The location is stunnningggg!! It's on a hilltop, and the view are very nice. The inside is modern and beautifully designed. read more

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Always such a pleasure to dine here ! Beautiful views, great food. It's not too loud read more

Such a cute restaurant atop a hill with a cool ambiance. My family and I really enjoyed our visit here! We ordered the El Clasico, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina and the Risotto de Aji Amarillo. When I say we enjoyed all of these ... WE ENJOYED ALL OF THESE! The filet mignon was perfectly cooked and tender, the Aji de Gallina sauce was delicious, and the risotto was perfectly creamy! They have an extensive cocktail menu as well and we decided to try the traditional pisco sour and the maracuya sour (pisco sour + passion fruit). The pours are generous and perfectly crafted. There is a private room and during our brunch, there was a celebration that was perfectly intimate. On the table was a light cube, whereby you could signal your server or the check. The light would change color and that's how your server would know if you needed anything - thought that was a cool concept! The decor is fun, cool and hip. They had a sign for late night music Fri-Sat 10pm ish to 145AM! I want to come back and check that out. Ayawaska Hilltop is an amazing place for a romantic dinner, a girls brunch, or a family celebration. Highly recommend! read more

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My friend & I ordered the vege frittata at brunch on Sunday- So Boring! Had an assortment of veges which was good but no flavor?! Some cheese might of helped & or herbs Was pretty Service was good tho - otherwise I woulda given it 1-2 stars read more

After making a reservation through Yelp, we came here as a group of kids and adults for a birthday lunch. The place is much larger than expected, and although a reservation wasn't needed indoors, the patio was bustling! We were quickly seated, and drink orders were taken. It was a good start, and we tried the Pisco Sour, Pisco Punch, and Ayawasca Sour. But, after perusing a rather expensive menu, we settled in the food orders. For the appetizers, we ordered a Cevi-Fresh (vegan ceviche), a pastel choclo con champignons (polenta cakes with mushrooms), empanadas de pollo, and mixed fried calamari. The main dishes sound just as tasty, with a lomo saltado, arroz con mariscos, a vegan Tallarin saltado, and a chicken tender with fries meal. Kids will be kids! The drink came quickly, and we had to moderate ourselves on an empty stomach. They were different, tasty, and had a punch. The two favorites were the Pisco punch (for sweet tooths) and the Pisco Sour (for a traditional Peruvian meal). The appetizers arrived all at once and were fresh and hot. The calamari was good, deep fried but not greasy at all. The empanadas were good sized and had a great filling of chicken. The Cevi-fresh was different and popular in spite of its vegan base. The sauce was yummy , with fruits and vegetables coming together for a great sweet and - mmmm - slightly vinegary flavor. It worked well together. The polenta cake was my favorite, with a layer of mushrooms and sauce in the middle like a pastry cake. Very earthy and delicious. For the entrees, the lomo saltados, a kind of Peruvian surf and turf dish, were well-liked. The vegan saltado was also good. It was a bit different, but lots of flavors came together again, so it was not bland at all. The arroz con mariscos also disappeared quickly, a good sign. After all this, we still had room for desserts! We ordered the churros and the Tres Leches cake. By far, the Tres Leches was the favorite and winner. It was light, moist, and surrounded by a lake of sauce that by itself would have been a great dessert. Had we known, the churros would have been a second order of the cake instead. Now, the churros were very good--light and hot inside, crispy outside, with dipping sauces--but that Tres Leches! Oh myy. Overall, the food was above expectations, as was the service. Our server, Harumi, was excellent on all fronts. The only downside to the meal was that we were in the west side enclosed dining area. Lots of windows, and great views, but it got warm very quickly; we did ask for the fan above us, but it wasn't working, and the one at the far end did work but did not help. In fact, it didn't feel very airconditioned in the main dining room as well. Maybe that's why the patio was packed. We did close the blinds eventually, and that helped out at the sacrifice of the view. So just be aware. One cool thing was the "cube," which allows one to call the server (turns it green), request the bill (turns it blue), or download a website for the restaurant (blinks) by holding your phone next to it. We only tried the iPhone, but it worked well (see photos). Just be warned - we were told, very nicely, after the fact, that each time you press the button for a function it does alert the staff. So, keep it away from the kids! And some of us adults. Sorry, staff. ‍ Overall, it was a really great experience, with good food, reasonable prices, and a beautiful ambiance inside (see photos). This was our first time here - in this building at all, and with the current business as well - but we have already promised to return. Tres Leches, here we come! read more

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Delicious food, great service, and a classy, party atmosphere! Went here with my two relatives to enjoy some amazing food. The octopus appetizer was amazing. And their service was timely and attentive. Also - it's on a hill, and the views are amazing. Come to ayawaska if you want to impress your party while also having amazing food! read more

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Location is nice. Staff not that attentive. Ordered the Lomo Saltado it was kinda dry. Drink was definitely strong ordered the Pisco Sour. Also tried the Risotto de aji amarillo y Medallones that was pretty good. Would definitely recommend if you like Peruvian Food but they also don't serve the Roasted Chicken read more