Surfish Peruvian Bistro

This is my absolute favorite Peruvian restaurant in Brooklyn. The food is fresh and tasteful. The location is beautiful and decorated very well. I tried their quinoa rice, soups and ceviches. It’s worth the time and travel to visit this hot spot.

I have come to this location 3x in the last few weeks for various celebratory occasions. Every time I introduce this food to another individual, they walk away saying «that food was amazing». Today my coworkers and I indulges in the fish tacos, the Ceviche known as crispy oysters, and zapalliot. In addition we savored three of their Piso drinks.
If you are up for trying new food with a beautiful twist to the traditional Peruvian selection, go to this location.

They had a bit of a mix-​up with our orders at first and brought us the wrong stuff but comped the mistake.
The toro appetizer was awesome and so was the skirt steak tacu tacu; my friend had the quinoa risotto which was really good too. Really delicious food.

My family and I went to Surfish about 2 weeks ago on a Saturday night. The place was packed. Food: we ordered the mussels to start, the most amazing mussels I have ever had, I wanted to bathe in the sauce that came with them. I wish they served some warm bread to dip inside the sauce it was that good. We also had carinita tacos which were yummy, Octopus ceviche which was ok and mango salad which was huge! For dinner I hate the fried quinoa (it was made with tofu but we got chicken instead) it was extremely tasty and flavorful. The shrimp risotto is also very delicious and creamy. We were too stuffed for dessert but I would def go back.
Service was good, I don’t like when I am enjoying my appetizer and the entrée comes out; I wish there was a break in between. There was no room on the table between 4 apps and drinks.
Ambience was great

We were craving ceviche and while doing a Unilocal search this place pops up.
We were pleasantly surprised. They have the most delicious ceviches combo. Thanks goodness for their ceviche sampler because we couldn’t decide which one to have. Now I know I really enjoyed the ceviche mixto which had fish, shrimp and squid. It was so full of flavor.
For our entrees we had their BLACK paella which has all different types of seafood with squid ink. Boy was it black lol. It got all over our lips, teeth and even fingers. It was delicious as well just don’t order this if you planning to go out after. It’s a bit messy. It’s also big enough for two to share.
My only complaint was the parking. It’s located near the warehouse industry and there was hardly any parking. After 15 min or so we finally found parking. Guess that’s Brooklyn.

Came here today as an early Father’s Day dinner celebration… My brother and I arrived early. About 10 minutes or less before our reservation. The tables weren’t even set yet. There was no one in the dining area. Since we were a table of 7, we asked to have an extra table so there was enough room for food. The waiter refused saying that they have to keep the area clear. We said fine whatever. Then we sat down.
Our waiter kept running around doing nothing and just kept telling us he will be with us soon. That was pretty much how he was the rest of the meal. We finally flagged him down and ordered drinks. We asked for a description of the different pisco sours (there were 4 different ones) and he just said I recommend the traditional. Great thanks for the recommendation but we wanted the description anyway. There were no other tables besides us so I don’t understand what his problem was. After we ordered our 4 cocktails. We waited for the rest of the party to arrive. 20 minutes later we finally received our cocktails. And the waiter was no where in sight. The busboy on the other hand was super friendly and helpful. Even the bartender was super friendly and helpful. She was the one who helped us order more drinks and poured us water. The waiter just kept running around the tables acting very busy while doing nothing. There were maybe 3 tables besides us. During our order, we realized the waiter knew nothing about the menu. We asked for very specific items and he still had to look at the menu to take our orders. There was only one risotto offered and he didn’t know what it was. They really need to better train the staff. We were given an extra appetizer we didn’t order so they took it away. And then as a side we had ordered the yams and what came out was not yams but the waiter kept insisting it was. Even the busboy said it was yucca. Wtf. If you make a mistake then apologize and move on. Don’t tell us something is yam when it clearly isn’t. Worst server ever…
The food itself was not bad. The grilled oysters were good and the squid ink paella was tasty and a great portion. The ribeye wasn’t bad either (depending on the cut you get). Overall this place just needs a better server. The extra star is for the awesome and friendly busboy and the bartender. Based on this experience I will not return.

Chef Miguel Aguilar you never disappoint.
New and much larger location. His previous location is now closed and understandably so because it was too small for the demand. The new location has 2 floors.
Came here for Saturday Brunch which is served from 12−3pm. It’s a Pre Fixe for $ 18 which also includes a chice of Sangria or Mimosa with coffee.
I ordered a ceviche Mixto to start. It was exquisite. I held onto my plate even after my entrée came because we drizzled the leche de tigre from the Ceviche onto our food. It was that good.
As an entrée we ordered the huevos a la huancaina. It’s 2 poached eggs with tacu tacu, and toast. I also ordered the skirt steak with eggs. The skirt steak seasoning was flavorful and the portions were big. Both dishes included home fries.
Despite the big portions. we didn’t end here. don’t judge me. For dessert ordered a flan which was a sweet but not overbearing.
I inquired about possibly having a party here and was told by Jana that the 2^nd floor could be used for private events. There is also a bar upstairs.
I assume they get very busy for dinner so a reservation may be helpful.

New location:
Came here on Mother’s Day for dinner. The new venue is about a million times bigger. It wasn’t overly packed but the acoustic made it seem very loud. They were working on building a rooftop bar/​dining area, hopefully it will be ready for summertime happy hour!
The food is just as good as before. Quality hasn’t gone down despite the increase in size. Check out below for more food details
Review from the old location:
Went here for dinner last week. We started with the sangria which was pretty good, not very strong. We decided to stick to the small plates/​tapas to try more stuff. First they brought out plantain chip strips with a mayo-​y sauce and pico. I must say the pico was probably the best I’ve ever had, couldn’t stop eating it. We then got the tuna ceviche which was good but a bit too salty for me. Then we had the mussels, they had the perfect amount of bacon without being overpowering. I just wish they gave us bread so we could soak up the delicious broth! Next came the zapallitos and entraa (grilled skirt steak). Both were delicious. The zapallitos had a great amount of sauce and the shrimp to cheese/​zucchini ratio was great. The steak came with chimmichuri sauce but it was brown, which I’ve never seem before but still good. Great little neighborhood restaurant

I appreciate that the menu has a glossary explaining what the different items such as cerviche and tacu-​tacu are. I was going to order the entrana tacu-​tacu but realized it was not what I wanted. I ended up ordering the lomo saltado. It was really good. My friend got the lamb shank and it was huge. It made me think of something out of «The Flintstones.» She said it was delicious.
The restaurant, even when busy, was quiet enough to have a conversation. The staff was friendly and helpful. I want to return!

Yes. Yes. Yes. Zapallitos. Yes yaaaas. Grilled shrimp. Yes. Piscos, all the ceviches. Y E A S.
There is zero chance you will be disappointed. Unless you just do not appreciate food.

Food is a 3 but the ambiance and décor is a 1.
The ceviche and shrimp paella were great. The squid ink paella clams has sand so it was crunchy and I had to send it back. The flan was very good. The coffee was awful.
Service was very good they accommodated the fact that the paella had sand and did not charge us. They also gave us coffee and flan on the house.
Décor — this place needs a make over its unfortunate the food is really good but it isn’t pleasant to be inside. The music is too loud, it old, and ugly. For this reason I wouldn’t come back especially at the price.

Love Peruvian food!
I was looking for a place to eat dinner near the Verrazano-​Narrows Bridge and this place came up on my Unilocal search. Never been to Brooklyn, didn’t know what to expect. I appreciate other Unilocalers posting pictures here, helped me figured out if I was dressed appropriately or not. (I was in my jeans, a little dusty from being in a warehouse all day).
Turned out it was nice neighborhood café, seemed popular among locals. Service seemed a bit slow but could be they were just busy.
Never been to Peru myself so how do I know anything about Peruvian food? Not really, I just loved Peruvian food from the first time I tried in Florida. Influenced by both European and Asian immigrants, using locally available ingredients, if you like Spanish food and Asian food, you will like it here.
I started my meal with a glass of Rioja red, my standard Spanish wine. Can’t go wrong with Rioja.
We shared four different appetizers. Appetizer portion is about a half of main dish (is what I was told).
Toro Con Palta was amazing. Toro and avocado mouse nicely mixed together, when I put it in my mouth, both soft texture, I felt like it was melted in my mouth.
Both grilled steak and grilled oysters were very good was well. Nicely flavored, just right amount of portion size as flavor could get too heavy if I ate large portions of it. Side of Brussels spouts was seasoned very good, I ended up ordering the second glass of wine. Tapas and wine goes really well together.
If you want chocolate fudge cake for desert, be sure to order early as it takes 15 mins for them to cook. Chocolate inside is so warm and yummy, it worth the wait. Goes well with espresso.
Parking is street only. We were able to find one just a block away. Slow service but they were very friendly. I recommend this restaurant for good food.

Came here for a friend’s birthday dinner on a Sunday night. The atmosphere in the restaurant was nice and chill. To see if this is a legit peruvian restaurant, it’s important to order the cerviche. We had the octopus and tuna cerviche which I would definitely recommend. My entrée, entrana tacu tacu, was average. Nothing to rave about but good. My wife had the black paella which, fair warning, makes your mouth all black. So I wouldn’t suggest ordering this on a date lol. But, it was filled with a good helping of seafood. The issues I had with this place was the water. For some reason, it tasted like bleach. Also, my wife’s soda had some candle wax on it, which was strange to say the least.
Would I come back here? I would but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

I don’t remember the exact names but I ordered the squid ink paella, skirt steak with tacu tacu and the ceviche sampler (tuna, toro, mixto). The atmosphere is relaxing, the food is decently priced and the portions are very large. They also throw in complimentary plantain chips and the service is great. I will definitely be coming back.

Now they relocated to this location is bigger and better.
Love this Peruvian place, really good spot, good atmosphere, great food, great prices, good sangria
Must try if you’re in the area, there’s some street parking but best to be there early to get tables.
Every dishes GREAT!!!
Servers are great with big smiles always
Love this place, definitely will come back again and again.

We tried this little gem late night and it was fantastic!
The décor was quaint and romantic.
The staff was helpful and attentive.
The food is, if course the highlight!
Deliciously prepared and presented on the plate!
We had the ceviche sampler, crispy oyster, octopus and fish! Yum!
For the main course I had the Peruvian staple: Lomo saltado, great flavor but I wish they asked how would I like the steak (medium, well, ect) as some pieces were a little over done.
But this is a very small thing for me to indicate and it did not tarnish our experience what so ever.
I will be coming back and recommend to friends!

We came a little late so they were closing up everything and getting ready to go home while we were finishing our meal, but overall the food was good, and the sangria was delicious although I wish it had more fruits in it!!! I ordered the Paella without the ink sauce and it was AMAZING. The Ceviche Mixto was good, but the Paella was simply amazing! Friendly staff, the atmosphere has a romantic feel to it because of the candles and dimmed lights. I will be returning :)
I recommend the Paella! Reminded me of the way my dad makes it!

Great Peruvian spot! We came shortly after a snowstorm, and the were still open, so we were happy about that. Service was fast and everyone there seemed really sweet.
I got the Peruvian fish n chips, but I wish I’d gotten the ceviche! Will have to come back again.

I came to Surfish on a Monday night. We were sat right away at a table near the window. It was pretty crowded when we arrived. Let me begin by saying that the service was great. The servers were very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. We ordered a bottle of Rioja and the server brought us a sample to try, to make sure we liked it.
This restaurant has many kinds of ceviche. They have one option where you can sample any three. We did that and tried the ceviche mixto, the octopus one, and the tuna with pineapple. All of them were delicious. They also went very well together because the mixto was lemony and acidic and the tuna pineapple was sweet. We also had zucchini stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp. The sauce it was in was very good.
For entrees, I had the black paella, which was made with squid ink. It was delicious. The shellfish was cooked well and was fresh. My boyfriend had the lamb shank and it was also great. It was very tender, the meat came right off the bone. Lastly, we ordered the apple crisp for dessert. I loved this place! I can’t wait to return!
I’m updating my review to 5 stars because surfish has become one of my favorite restaurants. Every time I go, it’s more and more delicious. I love all of their ceviches. I’ve tried the skirt steak and rib eye cuts, as well as the tilapia and I loved them all. The food here is awesome.

Are you a fan of Peruvian food? Good keep reading. Have you been to Chimu in East Williamsburg? If you haven’t, drop this review and go there right NAOW. Order the Skirt Steak with Pesto Pasta.
Ok so now that you’ve been to Chimu and tried the skirt steak, you’ll have a barometer for what good tasty Peruvian food is (not so much the Pasta, but the steak). Now go to Surfish and order the Ribeye — trust me on this it’s $ 6 more but you get a better piece of meat that’s twice the size.
Eat as much as you can, go home and bask in the steak flavored burp for the rest of your night. Maybe watch something on Netflix. Surfish is an upscale Chimu, without being too stuffy or much more expensive really. For anyone that knows Chimu, you’ll know thats a very, very good thing.
Come here — yes its in the middle of nowhere and if you park on the street a block down you might run into a Motorcycle Club, but uh… yea not for the faint of heart. Maybe take an Über if you ain’t from the area. Still, come here. RIGHT NAOW.
One last tip for this place that I forgot to mention: order your meat EXACTLY the way you want it. At most restaurants (including Chimu), the chefs have a tendency to overcook your meat which forces you to order one notch below the way you want it. Here, rare means rare. Not medium rare and not medium (like some places). Trust me, if they can cook a skirt steak to medium rare (difficulty: 9 out of 10) then they can cook anything to your liking. Enjoy!