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El Q'ero

564 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760)753-9050
Menu
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Ranked #10 of 155 restaurants in Encinitas
Price range: S$13 - S$19
Cuisines: Peruvian, Wine Bar
Good for: Romantic, Outdoor seating
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Outdoor seating
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
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62 reviews from our community

81% Recommend
    38
    13
    4
    1
    6
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
santa barbara
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

We had a most amazing dining experience in every aspect imaginable---no exaggeration! The Peruvian/South American food is perfectly prepared and spiced--and each and every every dish was unique and delicious. Monica, the owner and creator of this extraordinary cuisine, matches her food with a wide selection of excellent wines from the best of South America. The cozy ambiance is enhanced... More

San Diego
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
81 helpful votes 81 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This restaurant is small and cozy, but you MUST have a reservation in order to eat here. The best way to get a reservation is through OPENTABLE.COM. Beware, that this restaurant books about 1 to 2 weeks out so you most likely won't get a table the night of.*** However, the wait is worth is because the food is fantastic.... More

Canada
Top Contributor
148 reviews 148 reviews
76 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 55 cities Reviews in 55 cities
177 helpful votes 177 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013 via mobile

Real Peruvian food and so delicious and tasty. I can't stop coming back here! Friendly staff and lovely decor. True cozy and romantic place.

Carlsbad, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

I read in the newspaper that this restaurant had great shrimp empanadas. They sure do! We tried four appetizers here last week & enjoyed every bite. I especially loved the calamari! Don't miss this place.

Vancouver, Canada
Top Contributor
138 reviews 138 reviews
73 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

Let me preface this by saying, the menu looks awesome as reviews will attest, but we didn't get to try it...because booking reservations is a test. You call, you leave a message and you hear nothing back. So you do it again. Same thing, so you either (a) give up; or (b) swing by to see if they can fit... More

See 3 more reviews by SusieQpacific for Encinitas
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

This place is quite quaint in size so make a rezzie! But you are gonna love your meal. The wine like is not over barring and the waitstaff is super knowledgable and can guide you to your perfect meal match. And they always have a special that your taste buds can bank on!

Rancho Santa fe
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

I found this gem of a restaurant while looking for a small quick lunch. They served me immediately a delicious unusual salad. I was so impressed I returned with my huysband for dinner for our anniversary. We had delicous Peruvian and South American dishes. The restaurant is small and buzy so dinner reservations are a must. The decor is colorful... More

San Diego, California
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2013

Be careful about making reservations. I left a message and called backed twice (no one picked up the phone) for 6pm reservations on a Weds night. Per the recorded message someone was supposed to call me back to confirm, but no call. When we arrived -- sorry no reservation for you!!! The place looked great and the food interesting, unfortunately... More

Grand Junction, Colorado
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013 via mobile

Absolutely no complaints about service, very responsive and attentive. Pork shank was rightly so an outstanding house signature dish. Saltenas empanadas was exceptional. Wife's beef short ribs were a bit too fatty though flavor was very good.

Upland, ca
Top Contributor
95 reviews 95 reviews
46 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2013

Delicious food, wonderful decor and great environment. I had the Lomo Saltado which is the best I have had in the United States.My friend also tried Aji Gallina, which she said was wonderful. This little place is in downtown Encinitas with easy parking, you won't be disappointed.

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