How this place doesn't have five stars is beyond me! First time dining here last night, love the area and have been to some of the other places nearby but never this one. I guess better late than never! The gentleman that greeted us was so friendly and welcoming which honestly, first impressions exist! He was talking with the other diners and just a pleasant person. Same with our server, she was so nice and personable . Kind of makes you feel like you're at someone's home. Atmosphere is beautiful, I love the open and airy historic building, had good vibes. The FOOD WAS FANTASTIC! we got bread and dipping sauce, some garlic jalapeño green sauce, wow, why was that so darn addicting! The meals we ordered were so flavorful, many choices to accommodate a variety of needs. My dish was vegetarian and gluten free. They had no problem making it gluten free and our server even brought me some cucumbers since I couldn't eat the bread with the sauce. That was a nice gesture and definitely appreciated. 10/10 here, think it's a must try! read more

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We came to Inka Mama's on a Saturday night and were happy to be seated right away. The service was good and our server was knowledgeable about the menu and helpful with recommendations. The food was absolutely delicious! - Ribeye Saltado (5/5): tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The entire dish was so good! - Ceviche (5/5): our server described it as similar to sashimi and even encouraged us to drink the juice afterward. It was delicious and so flavorful! Our only issue was the temperature inside. It was in the 80s outside and all the windows were open, so it was quite warm and we were definitely sweating throughout the meal. Overall, though, we really enjoyed the food and would come back! read more

Inka Mama's - Ribeye Saltado (Lomo Saltado) - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Hidden gem in San Clemente. Family owned business. Ceviche, Seafood, steaks, chicken with Peruvian twist. Amazing! Walking distance from main drag of asan Clemente and well worth it. With plenty of parking. Try the Mama's pisco sour. To die for read more

Inka Mama's - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Outstanding customer service, pheomial food, and a chill vibe. Peruvian pictures, artwork and colors fill this lovely restaurant. From the warm wood acxents, and Carmel leather chairs, to the crisp white walls, this place is unbelievably welcoming to anyone who seeks this delicous peruian food. With a table of 4 people, we opted to try several appetizers and three main dishes. Everything...yes, everything was absolutely delicious. Any friends or family visiting this area? I'm sending them here. Where else can you get beautifully created food, loaded with flavor, and easy on the eyes? Here... That's where. read more

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Amazing food, service and located in the San Clemente Ole town . Cute place with open air setting so you can enjoy the outdoors . Everything I ate was on point - very reasonably priced menu. My favorite was the empanadas. read more

Inka Mama's - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Inka Mamas offers an authentic taste of Peru with generous portions and genuine hospitality. We ordered the Verde Pollo and Chaufa, along with yucca fries that were perfectly crispy and well-seasoned. The Chaufa was particularly fascinating - this dish showcases Peru's unique culinary history, blending Chinese influences from Cantonese migrants with local flavors. It was interesting having "Chow Fan" Peruvian style. The Verde Pollo was equally satisfying, and both entrees came in very large portions that offered great value. Our server was genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, sharing stories about how some of the recipes came from his Peruvian grandmother. The ambiance was modern and chill with a cozy fireplace, and quiet enough for conversation. There was a large parking lot so parking should be easy. Overall, Inka Mamas delivers on food, service, and atmosphere, making it a great spot for anyone wanting to explore Peruvian cuisine. read more

Appetizers - Ceviche - Anticuchos - Empanada (Chicken, Spinach, Beef) Entrées - Paellas (Chicken) - Tallarin Saltado (Ribeye) Sides - Fried Yucca 6.5/10 read more

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Quaint restaurant, beautiful interior with high wood beam ceilings, skylights and a fireplace. Small menu but worthy. Lomo Saltado was perfect and the right portion, the rib eye steak was so tender and full of flavor from the seasoning they use, would definitely order again. Hubby ordered chicken with spinach and basil sauce, tasty but not amazing. Wish I had bread to soak up the juices on my plate. We also had the empanadas, steak was perfectly cooked and tender, shrimp was in a creamy sauce. Plastic plates did not impress. Customer service was very good, even though there was only 1 waiter for a few busy tables; mught ha e been the owner or manager. I was hoping for Peruvian icecream or some type of dessert, nada. We will be back! read more

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Excellent local Peruvian food restaurant. Their Rib Eye Saltado is my favorite, but the Pollo Verde is a close second. Stavros the owner, manager has done a great job bringing his restaurant to the Old Town Plaza. We would like to see a remodel of the old bar, which is not what it needs to be....but other than that, this is a real good dinner place that is unique for Our little seaside town....Food is delicious, service is good and decor is original old Spanish style, and nice! read more

Inka Mama's - Local T-Street sunset photo - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Disappointed in the fact I was charged an 18% in house dinning fee. That is a lot of money to charge customers on top of the 3% credit card fee and the state taxes. I don't recall seeing this posted anywhere prior to eating but it's possible it may have been in small letters and I just missed it. When I asked the server she said it includes gratuity but the receipt to sign also had the tipping line so?! This needs to be disclosed in a better manner to ensure the customers know what they are getting themselves into simply for dining in. With that being said, the food was good and the location inside is beautiful. I really enjoyed my Lomo saltado. I love Peruvian food, just bummed at the total cost and fees of everything. Service was decent. The waitress seemed to be serving the whole restaurant by herself and was very busy. read more

Inka Mama's - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

So many positives make for a 5 Star Peruvian restaurant experience. Perfect for a date night! Thoughtful, well designed interior is prepared for small and large group seating. Love the working fireplace, high ceilings, and exposed beams!! Knowledgeable and attentive wait staff. Arrived for lunch New Year's Day and enjoyed Chicken Empanadas and split an order of Tallarin Verde con Pollo. Missing from previous Peruvian restaurants: bread with Aji sauce and Alfajores (dessert). Can't wait to return for dinner! read more

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this small restaurant chain has got me addicted and has the best and most accessible lomo saltado in town! my friend and i came here on a saturday morning and were actually early before opening! the person opening the shop literally just came up from surfing and greeted us and returned to welcome us in after he quickly changed. it was such a great experience and i would highly recommend anyone to come in and try any of their dishes! its delicious! THE FOOD: -ceviche (AQ) - smaller in portion size but very flavorful. i think the red onions, halibut, and corn nuts paired really well together and i would order again. just wish there was more! -ribeye saltado (AQ) - compared to other locations this one is a bit higher end and serves ribeye and it was very good along with their bomb aji verde sauce!!! spread that everywhere and you're golden. this is my go to dish and recommend to anyone! PROS: -beautiful interior -they open the windows up really wide so it also feels indoor/outdoor if you are sitting in that part of the restaurant -friendly staff! -very large space; would be great to host an event here -cant go wrong with their dishes CONS: -smaller parking lot but doable or street OVERALL: highly recommend, but note it seems each location has a different ish menu and caters to that area (ex. this one is a bit higher end) so keep that in mind! read more

Inka Mama's - ceviche - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Easily some of the best food San Clemente has to offer. The chicken empanadas are elite--honestly the best I've had in years. It's so refreshing to have something authentic and cultural here that isn't just a derivative of every other restaurant in town. Great service, good vibes, and truly unique flavors. Check it out and support something different! read more

Fantastic place. Everything we've had is delicious. Staff is friendly and prices aren't too crazy. Ambience is exceptional

Yes we love Inka Mama's, get to go orders regularly and they never disappoint. Be careful with green sauce as it's spicy and addicting!!! Recommend you try different menu items as they all will impress!!! read more

Amazing Peruvian experience for you foodies! PROs: The staff was amazing, the manager was our waiter and he was top notch. The decor is very cool with a South American Native vibe. Very large full bar - the West Coast IPA on tap was delicious. We had the halibut ceviche, plantains, and ribeye saltado. All it was flavorful, balanced, and well portioned. I highly recommend this place. Also, the bathrooms are spacious, well stocked, and clean. CONs: Parking is a little tight due to all the shops in the plaza but there is an overflow lot across the street for free. read more

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Love Inka Mama's. One thing that stands out is their exceptional customer service. I've been there a few times and I want to make it a point about the employees that work here. They are very efficient, nice, and are always making sure their customers are taken care of. ( I wish I could remember the young ladies name who helped us. She was amazing). Thank you Inka Mama's, I will definitely be back. read more

My wife and I have previously been this location and we love this spot . The owner was welcoming, very down to earth and the food was amazing . We've been to a few Inca mamas but I'd say this one has more of a modern vibe to it. We decided to go back for my wife's bday with a couple of friends and we had an amazing time . Our waitress was awesome and service was on point as usual . We will definitely be back ! read more

Great food and service! We got the ceviche and arroz con pollo with pisco sours--some of the staple items you'd expect when eating Peruvian, and they did not disappoint. read more

Came here on my birthday on a beautiful Saturday Met Stavros, incredible vibes. My wife chose this place and i keep kissing her for doing so -- vibes are immaculate, the decor is on point, and it's the best ceviche I've ever had. Tons of lime, spice, freshness , blew me away Still haven't had my entree -- told Stavros to choose whatever he wants. Will be RUNNING back to this place. Also, great lighting for photos - my wife looks stunning here (and everywhere) read more

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Hidden gem alert! Inka Mama's is one of my main go-to spots in SC mainly for the shrimp scampi, which I come back for again and again. The yuca with the green sauce is unreal. The owner + staff are always warm, welcoming, and accommodating. HIGHLY recommend. read more

Inka Mama's - Shrimp Scampi - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I always forget how spicy the food is here even though I tell them to make it mild. I don't think they understand what "not spicy" means nor do they get no red onions or gluten-free. Maybe I should learn my lesson since I always have heartburn after I order from Inka mamas. I guess I'm just a wimp. Anyway, where's my crunchy corn? That's the best thing on the menu!! I will give three stars to how nice Jordan is on the phone. read more

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Delicious! Great bar! Phenomenal service! Beautiful interior! The location is a little funky and exterior isn't great but it is a little sanctuary inside! All the apps are great. Most things in the menu are to share. I suggest getting every appetizer and calling it a great meal. The ceviche is some of the best I've ever had. The sauce - insane! They will make the leftover ceviche sauce into a cocktail shot. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!! read more

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Good food, nice peruvian option in San Clemente, friendly service. Arroz con pollo is fantastic. read more

Inka Mama's - Arroz Con Pollo , so good - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Great food, amazing ambiance, with great service! Worth your dollars if you're traveling through. We're told to make reservations for dinner and ask for anchovies. I think you'll be delighted! read more

Inka Mama's - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Amazing option in the small town of SC if you want Peruvian food. The space is absolutely stunning and very artistic. The service was great, we were seated right away and they also have high chairs. The food was also amazing. read more

Inka Mama's - Pasta - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Food was good, service was atrocious. Rude from the beginning. Asked if we could sit outside, replied "if you really want to". The restaurant was empty for lunch, and beautiful outside...uncalled for. Tried my best to kill this gentleman with kindness, was met with rude, sarcastic remarks. I'm sure buddy was having bad day and needed an outlet, hope he finds peace. read more

Fantastic, each element was fresh and flavorful. Pooped in on a weekend afternoon. Service was quick and kind. Design feels upscale but vibes are laidback in the best way. As everyone says the ribeye saltado is a no brainer. Other highlights include the Chicha morada which was refreshing and not too heavy, - and the alfajor cookie was one of the best I have ever had , - crispy caramelly tender and buttery - don't leave without trying one (or three) ! read more

The best Peruvian food with great ambiance and service! Love the Tallarin Saltado. A must eat at place!

Peruvian ceviche at Nobu prices. We got a halibut ceviche for takeout and were shocked by the portion size when we got home. We paid $23 for 11 pieces of halibut, some lime juice, and a side of corn nuts. Such a shame, Inka Mama's used to be my favorite Peruvian restaurant but it seems in recent years the prices have skyrocketed and quality has not kept up. Next time, we'll just go somewhere like Nobu where we'll still be overcharged for generic white fish but at least I'll have a waterfront harbor view. read more

Inka Mama's - Halibut ceviche - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

If it was socially acceptable to lick my plate in public, I would every time here. If you eat here and don't review everything, from the food to the drinks to the amazing staff, with all the stars and exclamation points possible, get your head examined. Amazing for family dinners, private parties, and date nights. read more

I came here on a solo date after searching on Yelp for restaurants in San Clemente. My first impression was that it was a simple and perfect spot to enjoy a meal whether alone or with friends/ family. SERVICE: 5/5 The servers were friendly! They came by a few times to make sure I was enjoying the food. FOOD: 4/5 The lunch special was a great deal which comes with an entree and a choice of soup or salad (I decided to get the soup). It was a nice easy meal that filled up my tummy. Although it was a bit salty for my liking, I still ate everything and was satisfied. AMBIANCE: 5/5 The interior decorations was calming from the plants and had beautiful details of modern Peruvian art. PARKING: 3.5/5 The parking lot is a bit tight but there are a few spots that were open when I came for lunch on a weekday. read more

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Ceviche was delicious with just a bit of spice to it, and we enjoyed both the arroz con pollo and Inka Special with chicken. Really delicious and authentic pisco sours as well! Nice environment offering the often hard-to-find restaurant interior where a conversation with your dining companions can actually take place. I really liked it and will be back! read more

Inka Mama's - From our table along the wall in the back corner facing the entry. - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Wow! I love me a good lomo Saltado but what really helps is the green sauce that comes with it. Ordered to go, & there's neither any bread (which is usually complimentary with the dish) NOR ANY SAUCE! Service was fast and quick but.. what the?? Unreal. All of their other locations provide the sauce and 2-3x the portion of what they served up. For $28.25 with tax, what the everloving heck is this place? So disappointed. read more

SO good! Truly one of the better and flavorful meals I've had in a while. We got the ceviche, chicharon, empanadas to start and all were delicious. The Ribeye Saltido and the chicken pollo were our mains and absolutely divine. Our server was also the sweetest guy and the vibes in the restaurant are so cute. Definitely worth a visit! read more

I absolutely loved this place. Came here on a date, and it was such a lovely spot to have a conversation. I love the detail of the dining area. They have a great menu with many healthy options. The food tasted flavorful and fresh. No complaints at all. We came during a slow time, so service was fast and the food came fast. Definitely recommend a try! read more

We enjoyed a great dinner here. Service was outstanding. The waiter offered excellent recommendations. We especially enjoyed the ceviche and ribeye saltado. The food was sooo good and prices were reasonable. The ambiance was really nice. Our adult kids said this is now their favorite restaurant in San Clemente. read more

I really wanted to like this place. There was a very strong cleaning smell upon entering the building. Most of the food was ok but barely got any meat and mostly onions and veggies on meat dishes. The ceviche was really good, the empanadas were just ok. The soupy seafood dish was flavorless. The green sauce and margaritas were good. Overall cute ambiance and good service. Solid 3.5 stars. read more

Inka Mama's - Ambiance - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

I had a really nice experience here to celebrate my birthday! I ordered the vegetarian rice, which was perfectly seasoned (my friend and I both initially decided to eat half and take half away but ended up eating the whole thing). My friend asked the staff for a dessert with a candle, explaining it was my birthday. They were really kind to prepare a Peruvian ice cream with a candle. They treated us to it - That was so sweet! read more

Inka Mama's - Peruvian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I loved Inka Mama's for years, and this location is no exception. In fact, we really appreciate it the beautiful ambience here and the subtle changes to the menu that highlight specific dishes, such as the Ajiaco! This dish was delicious. We also got the Inka Special and empanadas (which are always amazing)! The drink choices are super fun and satisfying. Stavros, the owner, is a wonderful man who really made us feel welcome. If you haven't checked this place out yet, do so! You will not be disappointed. I saw that had a couple bad reviews, but I think it's just that those reviewers don't know Peruvian food. This place is top-notch. read more

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