Now, I don't usually review restaurants but I felt that it was necessary to put in my two cents when it comes to TANTA. First of all, the restaurant itself has only been open for about a week now and already it is FULL of people. The energy itself of this place the second you walk in is vibrant and full. The decor is bright and festive. The staff greets you warmly. We grabbed a drink (me and some coworkers) at the bar and a lovely bartender assisted us and she prepared us a phenomenal pisco sour. We were shortly sat at a nice booth and brought water. Our server was a warm young lady who explained some very interesting things about the concept of the menu/restaurant. We've had peruvian before but were interested in her description so we said we had not (sorry Nicole). She offered to plan us a tasting menu of some of the things that she said really represented the different flavors and influences that make up Peruvian cuisine. We started off with a fantastic "tigers milk", we asked why it was known to be a hangover cure and when we tried it we saw why! It wakes you up! Next, we had an awesome ceviche tasting followed by these octopus skewers that were to die for. For our main we were brought a fried fish dish with a fantastic presentation of a whole fish with some chinese brocolli, amaaaaazing! We were told that the steak stir fry (i cannot remember the name for the life of me) was not to be missed so she brought us that next and that steak was tender and the sauce was perfection!! Finally our dessert were these awesome donuts topped with a honey type syrup and sugar... Anyway, ORDER THEM. Overall, this restaurant has blown me away! I think its great how the food is authentic but also has a lot of twists to it. It's cool how the servers are peruvian, I feel like they know what they're talking about, ours definitely knew what to send us and we felt lucky to be in her hands! Thank you Tanta! We will be back many many times!! read more

I honestly don't have a single bad thing to say about this place. From the moment we walked in, everything was just right. We were welcomed by Camila, and she was hands down the best host I've ever had at any restaurant. She was genuinely warm, friendly, and made us feel welcome from the second we arrived. Once we were seated, Luis took care of us, and he was just as amazing. He gave great recommendations, checked on us throughout the meal without being overbearing, and you could tell he really cared about making sure we had a great experience. The restaurant itself has such a great vibe. The music was perfect, everything was spotless, and every single person we interacted with had such a positive attitude. Luis recommended the passion fruit pisco sour, and I'm so glad he did because it was incredible. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share, and every single one was outstanding. The salmon ceviche completely surprised me since I'd never had salmon ceviche before, but it ended up being one of my favorite dishes. The classic ceviche with the crispy calamari was just as good, and the seafood rice, almost like a risotto, was easily one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. We also had the pork belly baos and the beef empanadas, and honestly, everything that came to the table was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. This is one of those restaurants that already has me thinking about my next visit before I even left. The food, the service, the atmosphere, and the attention to detail were all 10/10. I'd come back again and again without thinking twice. read more

I recently had ceviche and found a parasite in my dish at this restaurant and, unfortunately, ended up diagnosing anisakiasis. I've been suffering from severe abdominal pain and constant nausea for weeks. To address this health issue, my doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist and prescribed anti-worm medication. The cost of the medication is estimated to exceed $2400. Additionally, my doctor mentioned that I might need an endoscopy or even surgery to remove the parasite from my stomach. When I reached out to the manager, they refused to take full responsibility or cover the cost of the medication. It's deeply distressing to think about enduring these debilitating symptoms for the entire 21-day course of the prescribed medication. Furthermore, the potential need for surgical intervention if the medication fails is incredibly worrisome. I am sharing my experience to raise awareness about the health risks associated with eating food from this restaurant. It's crucial for the restaurant to take responsibility for the consequences of serving contaminated food and to prioritize the well-being of their customers. read more

My husband and I had a reservation at 5:45 PM and were seated right away. We tried a pisco sour and La Guapa cocktails; the pisco sour was normal, perhaps a little less sweet than the typical version which is fine by me, but the star was La Guapa. It was a creative, tasty blend. Of all the Peruvian restaurants in Chicago, Tanta is unique in its commitment to a fusion theme, mixing Asian and Peruvian flavors. So, for someone wanting classic dishes this may not be the best option. We had crab causa, leche de tigre, lobster parihuela, and adobo de res. The causa was great, but the leche de tigre had soy sauce mixed in and the taste was a little odd. As for the entrees, the parihuela was excellent and the adobo was fine, but the meat was a little bland. The puree beneath the meat was much more flavorful. We liked Tanta and we will go back, but when we're in the mood for good Peruvian we will be more likely to go to 4Suyos as the prices are more economical and the plates are in-line with traditional Peruvian cuisine. read more

I had heard about Tanta & wanted t/try something new/different. Not disappointed that I tried it, but I'm not rushing to return. The service was competent and friendly (shout out to Daniel, our server for the night). The el piscolero was delish. I don't normally order "sweet" libations, but since I was trying something different, I gave it a shot and it was good, just wish there had been a tad bit more in the glass ;) Besides the drink I had the pulpo (octopus, chimichurri, fried garlic, olive sauce (very good)), arroz criollo (wok-sautéed peruvian rice with seafood mixto, aji amarillo, white wine and criolla salad) & the pie de limon (lime cream, lime mousse, quinoa & cancha crunch, lime-mint sorbet). My dinner partner's entree was a vegetarian dish w/quinoa that I would order if I were to go back & it was available (accdg to Daniel, it was only a special for Chicago Chef week's menu). read more

Wow! This place is soo good. I went with 3 people on a Friday night without a reservation. There was a 2 hour wait so we had drinks and appetizers at the bar. Drinks are really good by the way - you're in for a treat if you order a specialty one. We sampled many things from the top half of the menu: cebiche tasting, nikei causita, nikei tiraditos, criollo niguiris nikei, and pobre niguiris nikei. SO GOOD. The funny thing is I'm not a huge seafood lover but everything we had was fantastic. The cebiches, octopus, and ahi tuna dishes were delicious. My friends are big seafood people and they were blown away. Since we had so many appetizers we went easy on the dinner part we had pork fried rice and amish chicken. I really liked the fried rice and the chicken was equally tasty. The atmosphere is really cool in here - vibrant and lively. I would definitely go back. read more

I recently visited Tanta for the second time, and it didn't disappoint. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Peruvian dishes. We tried the Empanada de Tamalito, Quinoa Chaufa a lo Pobre, Yuca Fries, and Broccolini Chifero. The empanadas and quinoa chaufa were the highlights for me--full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The drinks were also a hit. My friend and I started with Peruvian beers, Cusqueña and Pilsen Callao, which were both very good. We also tried the Staying Alive and Chicha Punch cocktails, and they were equally impressive. Overall, it was a great experience. I definitely recommend Tanta for anyone looking for genuine Peruvian cuisine. They have both indoor seating and a rooftop outdoor space, which is nice. However, on the day we went, it was extremely hot, so I'd suggest they add some fans to the rooftop area for those warmer days. read more

We visited Tanta during our trip to Chicago and had a good overall experience. We tried several different dishes so we could get a good feel for the menu, and everything was well prepared, flavorful, and nicely presented. The drinks were also enjoyable and paired well with the food. While I can appreciate the quality of the dishes and the flavors, I realized that Peruvian cuisine may just not be my personal preference. Nothing was bad in fact, everything we tried was good but there wasn't a particular dish that stood out enough for me to rave about or crave later. That said, if you're a fan of Peruvian food or looking to try something different, Tanta is definitely worth a visit. The food is thoughtfully prepared, the atmosphere is nice, and the overall experience was enjoyable. read more

Our greeting wasn't the best by the young blonde hostess as she asked how she can help us, no good evening, welcome or do you have a reservation, not even a smile, I get your young but should be trained better. The ceviche was mediocre, and our Lomo saltado was very salty! We told our waiter who said to mix the rice in with sauce to see if that cut the salt and of course that didn't, then he suggested bringing us more rice and it was still salty then he suggested bringing us some lime to which we said no and by that time I was just irritated and ate what I could. From the very moment we said it was salty he should've apologized and taken our dishes back. 3rd and last time at Tanta. Dessert was disappointing as well. Go to Via Lima for a better peruvian experience! read more

DISAPPOINTING. Low quality raw fish soaked under plenty of sugar, lemon, some spices called Cabiche Nikei for $22. 1/5. In fact when the server asked me how it was I told her in a low voice, the fish was not fresh. Chicken Empanada. 2/5 Pulpo 1/5 Choclo 4/5 Salmon 2/5 Cookies 2/5 Cheese cake served as a gift for my son's birthday. Thank you. Sincerely appreciate your kind gesture. Service good. Thank you. I feel overly disappointed as I wanted to spend a good quality couple of hours with my son and celebrate his birthday in one of the many events we have planned for him. I tried to shut up and not criticize the food in front of him but he has good taste. He knows what's going on. When we got back home, he told his mom the food was nothing. read more

I visited Tanta twice in one week, and both experiences were fantastic! The food is absolutely delicious, and the lively ambiance adds to the overall experience. We ordered the chicken empanadas, which were easily some of the best I've ever had, and the chicken skewers--an absolute must-try. Their causa was also something very unique; it had a slight resemblance to deviled eggs in flavor but was unlike anything I've ever tasted before. However, during brunch, the service for drinks was quite slow. We waited so long that by the time they arrived, our food had gone cold, which was disappointing. That said, Tanta offers a unique menu with something for everyone, making it a great spot for any occasion. I'll definitely be back read more

Such a fantastic restaurant. The lighting could be better but I actually don't notice it too much because the food is that good which really, really says something. Waiters are great too! Love. LOVE this place. P.S. to the people who think it's not enough food: If you think you are not getting enough cebiche for your money you can't be serious. You do know that its fresh raw fish right? I mean you want them to get cheaper fish from the fox river? Pretty sure we Americans have plenty of food going around. In fact I prefer smaller portions everywhere I go because I kinda don't want to be fat like the herd of cows that line up in front of every chain restaurant come summertime. read more

We came here with the Gilt City deal (which included one entree and one drink per person) and everything was delicious! Get the Lomo Saltado, the flavor is incredible! I didn't give it 5 stars because of two reasons: - when I called to make a reservation, I left a message and they didn't call me back - when I presented the Gilt city deal, they treated it like I had given them a gift card instead of something that had already paid for what we had ordered. It took two revisions of the bill and asking to speak to the manager to get it resolved. I just feel like that should have been smoother. Everything else was awesome! read more

Tanta is an absolute gem in Chicago! From start to finish, the experience was phenomenal. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and every dish felt thoughtfully prepared. Their cocktails, especially the lychee pisco sour, were a standout--perfectly balanced and uniquely refreshing. Our server was fantastic--extremely knowledgeable and attentive, guiding me to the best options to match my palate. It was clear they truly cared about ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. I can't wait to return next time I'm in Chicago. Tanta is a must-visit for anyone who loves vibrant flavors, fresh seafood, and exceptional service! read more

After living in Miami for 5 years I can say that I've had my fair share of Peruvian food. Since I haven't tried it in such a long time after moving to Chicago I thought it would be great to come here and remind myself of my old days in Miami. Overall the food here is great, these guys make actual Peruvian food and not Americanized copies, which I love because I always stand for authenticity when eating ethnic food. The ceviche is off the hook here, and so is everything else. It's not as good as what I remember it being it Miami but it's still by all means top notch. read more

Tanta is a culinary haven where Peruvian delights flourish. Their ponja is a triumph of flavors, complemented by an incredible sauce that leaves taste buds dancing with joy. The arroz chuefa is a revelation, with each grain buttery and rich, creating a symphony of indulgence. The playful assortment of empanadas adds a delightful twist, showcasing the chef's creativity. Tanta is a must-visit for a vibrant, unforgettable Peruvian dining experience. I'll definitely return with a larger group to try their ceviches. read more

I feel like the chef here was conceived from 3 people: A Peruvian mom, A Japanese dad, and Jesus. I know for a fact Pedro Castillo (the ex president of Peru who was jailed in Lima for being an authoritarian dictator for abolishing the Peruvian government/congress) is sad he's in jail because he cannot have this meal. The veal Corazon (I know Spanish because of pitbull) was made from the heart. Tanta should be a Chicago institution just like Deep Dish, Mallort, and alcoholism. Love this place. read more

Tanta offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Peru in Chicago's River North. The menu, crafted by acclaimed chef Gastón Acurio, delivers bold, complex flavors that beautifully showcase Peruvian tradition. The lively atmosphere and stunning rooftop with skyline views create a memorable dining experience, perfectly complemented by knowledgeable service. While some may find the experience slightly on the trendier side, it's an excellent choice for an exciting and high-quality culinary journey. read more

Took a date here. Decent Joint. Service was pretty solid. The prices for what you get that are a bit River Northish.. meaning that they obviously have to make rent. Pervuian cuisine usually doesn't cost anywhere close to what they charge (this is coming from someone who's been to that area of the world). Overall I had a good experience. The flavors here are bold and pack a punch. The leche de tigre was bomb. That's a must sample when visiting this place for sure! read more