Located in Callao, Peru, GARDEN Restaurant appears to be a distinctive dining establishment, primarily reviewed for its Japanese and Okinawan cuisine, despite its listed primary type being a casino. This review synthesizes various diner experiences to provide a comprehensive look at what to expect from this unique spot.
GARDEN Restaurant stands out for its focus on Japanese and Okinawan dishes, offering a unique culinary niche in Callao. Many reviewers appreciate the presence of authentic Okinawan specialties like Goya Champuru and Soki Soba, which are noted as rare finds outside of Japan. Traditional Japanese dishes such as Gyoza, fried rice, and deep-fried Katsu have also received praise for their deliciousness. Interestingly, the menu also features a Peruvian fusion element, with a "juicy Lomo Saltado" being highlighted by one satisfied customer.
A consistent positive feedback point is the generous serving portions. Diners frequently mention that the dishes are substantial, making it easy to have leftovers or even request a "doggy bag" to take food home.
While some diners, particularly those familiar with Okinawan cuisine, laud the authenticity and great taste of the food, there are mixed opinions regarding overall flavor. One reviewer specifically noted that the Japanese food "lacks flavor" and speculated that the establishment might be Chinese-owned, selling Japanese dishes, suggesting an inconsistency in culinary execution.
The experience at GARDEN Restaurant isn't uniformly positive, with several significant concerns highlighted by diners, impacting overall satisfaction.
Service quality appears to be inconsistent. One reviewer described their first visit as having "underwhelming service," though they noted a slight improvement on a subsequent occasion. A major point of contention was the perceived lack of appropriate response from staff when a significant issue arose, suggesting a need for better customer relations and problem resolution.
Perhaps the most serious concerns raised by diners relate to hygiene and food safety. One customer reported the disturbing discovery of a hair in their dish and experiencing "stomach pain the day after eating their Tonkatsu." Furthermore, despite bringing the issue of the hair to the staff's attention, no compensation or adjustment was made to the bill, leaving a very negative impression and leading to a vow not to return.
The selection of desserts (postres) was noted as "minimal," with the available ice cream described as "mediocre," suggesting a lack of variety or quality in this department.
On a more positive note, the restaurant's ambiance generally receives good remarks. It's described as spacious and having a very cozy atmosphere, making it a comfortable setting for larger groups or families dining together.
GARDEN Restaurant presents itself as a fascinating culinary stop in Callao, particularly for those seeking a taste of authentic Japanese and Okinawan cuisine. Its strengths lie in its diverse menu, generous portions, and a comfortable, spacious environment suitable for families. However, potential diners should be aware of reported inconsistencies in service quality, and critically, significant concerns regarding food hygiene and the establishment's handling of customer complaints related to such issues. While some reviews highly recommend it for its unique and authentic flavors, others suggest that the place might be "coasting on their reputation" due to declining standards and quality control.
Recommendation: If you are specifically craving Okinawan dishes and are willing to overlook potential service and hygiene hiccups, GARDEN Restaurant might be worth a visit for its unique culinary offerings. However, it is advisable to proceed with caution, especially concerning food safety, given the experiences shared by some patrons.
I found a good review on this restaurant by a Japanese so I tried it myself. Okinawan foods are here and there and the serving portion was really big. You can do the doggy bag afterwards if you can't finish them all.
I wasn’t going to leave a review based on my first visit, it was underwhelming service with a minimal selection of postres available from their menu & mediocre ice cream. But the fact that I’m dealing with stomach pain the day after eating their Tonkatsu & my girlfriend found a hair in her dish, we won’t be returning. She tells me they used to be very good, but it seems they’re just coasting on their reputation.If I find a hair in my food, something should be free, or the meal should be discounted, or a free dessert to say “sorry about that.” We had better service this time around, but the fact that someone came out to talk to us about the hair we found & didn’t adjust our check should tell you everything you need to know about this place.
The restaurant was spacious and had a very cozy atmosphere for two big families sitting together.My kids were badly missing some authentic Japanese food after leaving Japan last month. Therefore, they were both very happy eating delicious Gyoza, fried rice, deep fried Katsu as well as juicy lomo saltado here. As adults, my husband and I also enjoyed Goya champuru, Soki soba and some other dishes. Each portion was big, but we couldn’t stop ordering food because they’re all great!If we come back to Lima, we would love to visit this restaurant again.
Their japanese food was not what I expected. It lacks flavor. I believe this is a Chinese owned restaurant selling japanese dishes.
Authentic foods. I was so happy to eat Goya champuru which is from my island Okinawa. I am living in Okinawa and came here to sightseeing. Who could expect that you can eat those delicious Japanese and okinawan food in Lima.