Located right by the Cinemark in Redwood City is a bustling Peruvian-Asian fusion restaurant that serves traditional Peruvian classics with a twist. Limón is packed even on a rainy afternoon, drawing in customers from throughout the Peninsula. Latin music plays in the background, similar to a nightclub, and flowers decorate the roof as your dishes come right out.
Yuca Fries ($8): 8/10
The Yuca fries are an excellent combination of fluffy starchy yuka on the inside and crispy wafer-like texture on the outside. The fries serve as an excellent vessel for other flavors in the following dishes throughout the dinner. The hint of garlic sauce that garnishes the bottom also goes hand-in-hand with the yuka, giving it another layer of complexity. For an $8 price, this side is a must-get with any order at Limón.
Camarones Crocantes ($20): 7/10
The camarones crocantes are a great example of the Asian fusion the restaurant offers. This dish is essentially a complex version of popcorn shrimp, but the spice blend on the shrimp pulls it to the next level. The shrimp is perfectly cooked and has a nice crunch. The Rocto-Siracha aioli provides a great spice to the dish, complementing the green onions and sesame seeds that garnish the dish.
Anticuchos de Pollo ($22): 6/10
The antichuchos de pollo are perfectly cooked grilled tenders. The chicken is marinated in a spice blend and is anything but dry. The dish is solid, but it’s definitely chicken-heavy. The roasted chimichurri potatoes are a perfect addition, and the hot sauce that they’re doused in provides a nice complexity to the flavor palette. Given how good everything else is, this dish is not a must-order.
Ceviche Limón with Taro Chips ($40): 9/10
The ceviche limón is an experience and a great combination of three ceviches. The fried calamari portion is great, and the calamari is perfectly cooked. The tangy shrimp and red snapper ceviche provide a hint of citrus, and the leche de tigre marinade offer an umami flavor. Finally, the crisp hominy provides a needed crunch to the citrus. Although the price is steep, the Ceviche Limon is a must-order.
Lomo Saltado ($34): 8/10
The Lomo Saltado is a great and complex steak dish. The pepper-marinated steak tenderloin is perfectly tender, and the ginger-infused soy sauce provides a great flavor. The fries on the bottom soak up a lot of the flavor, so don’t wait too long to eat them since they will get soggy. The tomatoes and onions break up the salty marinade, and besides the lack of steak, there is nothing to complain about.
Arroz con Mariscos ($36): 10/10
The arroz con mariscos is superb. This large panned dish is essentially a Peruvian paella, complete with perfectly cooked shrimp as the star of the show. The crispy, saffron-flavored rice on the bottom also helps pull the dish together. The mussels and clams are, just like the shrimp, perfectly cooked and provide that delicious Peruvian flavor in every bite. With the lime on the side, it becomes truly a necessity for any seafood lover.
