Restaurant Review: Señor Ceviche

Like many that has come before it, Señor Ceviche proved so popular as a pop-up that it has (much to everyones joy) become a permanent feature in the lively Kingly Court, Soho. We defy you to enter this Peruvian ‘Casa’ and not enjoy yourself – unless, of course, you don’t like music, cocktails and good food, if so – we suggest you stop reading now – also…what’s wrong with you?

THE CUSINE, Peruvian

THE ATMOSPHERE, For lack of a better cliche Señor Ceviche truly is a feast for the senses. Arriving at 8pm on Thursday it was, as expected, full to the rafters. Loud toe-tapping music surrounds you on entry, lively mixologists blend behind a bar on one side and an open kitchen to the back shows merry chefs who genuinely look like they love their jobs; everyone greets you with the same genuine gusto. Resembling a South American beach bar, the wooden walls are smothered in Neon chicha signs, tables are laid out in snug rows and flanked by painted metal chairs above the patterned floor tiles, based on the colonial and bohemian district of lima, barranco, fun is the name of the game.

THE FOOD, Operating on a ‘sharing is caring’ system of ordering – after our waiters advice we picked 2 dishes per section (starters, meat dishes, fish dishes, sides) for the 2 of us which was the perfect amount, but left no room for the indulgent puddings on offer. A stand-out dish for us was the Chifa chicharonnes; slow cooked, crispy pork belly with sweet soy sauce, which was perfectly succulent and deliciously decadent. Sea bream & king prawn ceviche with tomato tiger’s milk and crispy chorizo was a lighter addition to the table and as refreshing as it was moorish. Even the humble chicken packs a punch here, delicately marinated and chargrilled to perfection and served with a creamy aji rocotto sauce. Dishes came out staggered and swiftly filled up our rustic table, each one as delicious as the next, there really is something for everyone – street food nibbles, fresh ceviches, fiery barbecue dishes and even healthy super salads for those watching their waist-line.

THE DRINKS, Famous for their Pisco Sours, the cocktail menu isn’t (as so many seem to be) too overwhelming, the problem lies however in the fact that they all sound and look so delicious that it’s hard to pick just one (read as: try 2 or 3 instead).

THE DAMAGE , Good value for money, especially in Soho. Starters and sides average £4 – £5, mains sit nicely at about £8.50 and cocktails around £8.50, so depending on how much you drink you’ll be looking at about £80 – £100 for 2 people.

THE CONCLUSION , As they say themselves, Señor Ceviche has, “brought a little slice of downtown Lima back to busy Soho” and a much needed slice it was too. We can’t recommend this place highly enough for a fun, buzzing evening any day of the week – the perfect antidote to the Soho-by-numbers establishments that are over-crowding our fair neighbourhood of late and the perfect place to get you in the mood for a night out in Soho afterwards.

BEST FOR, Nights out with a friend or a group of close friends. NB: We wouldn’t recommend it as a date venue in the early throws of a relationship as there is little romance to be found in breathing garlic breath over your date whilst shouting over cocktails to hear each other.

For more information visit: senor-ceviche.com

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more