Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar introduces another tempting dining option to Reston Town Center. The recently opened Peruvian restaurant is bright and cosmopolitan, featuring a gigantic, vibrant bar.
On a weekday evening, every bar seat is full, with the crowd drawn to the 4-7 p.m. happy hour prices. As diners sit, someone delivers a small but tasty bowl of Peru Maiz Chulpe, warm, toasted, and salted corn.
We order from the Happy Hour drink menu and enjoy a traditional pisco sour and a costa verde chilcano, both refreshing and served promptly. Each drink has pisco and Angostura bitters, but the pisco sour has lime juice, simple syrup, and egg whites, while the costa verde features cucumber, lemon, mint, and ginger ale.
Ceviche options abound, and we opt for the generously portioned traditional ceviche. Its mélange of flavors performs well; the tangy citrus blend complements the freshness of its ocean delicacies.
Choose from a variety of innovative starters. The bold Plancha Pulpo turned out to be a hit with our party. Grilled octopus, choclo, potato cakes, chimichurri, anticuchera sauce, and aji amarillo sauce deliver a treat for the adventurous palate.
Entrées include Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of tenderloin, onions, and tomatoes. The dish falls flat, with overly cooked beef and two carbs —jasmine rice and fries — on one plate. More vegetables would improve the dish. Arroz Con Pollo, however, does not disappoint, with tender chicken and vegetables mixed in verde rice and topped with red onions and traditional Peruvian huancaina sauce.
Servers are friendly and helpful, guiding diners on Latin American fare. Overall, Pisco y Nazca opens the door to fun, creative dining in a stylish setting, bringing a welcome destination for inventive Peruvian cuisine. 1871 Explorer St., Reston
See This: Hip, cool see-and-be-seen bar
Eat This: Plancha Pulpo, Arroz Con Pollo, Arroz Con Leche Cheesecake
Entrées: $17.50–$50
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