Friday
Apr152011
Surfish Peruvian Bistro: Park Slope's Most Unique Restaurant in Ages
Friday, April 15, 2025 at 11:27AM 
I had the opportunity last night to preview Surfish, the little "Peruvian bistro" opening up in the old Willie's Dawgs space, on Fifth Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets, and I'll be damned if this isn't the most exotic, exciting restaurant to open up in this neighborhood in a while.
Lima-born chef/owner Miguel Aguilar, who trained under Bobby Flay, has assembled a menu of authentic Peruvian favorites with a Spanish and Asian twist. He's been called a master of ceviche, and it comes in varieties like pineapple tuna with ginger, lime, and scallions, mussels with red onion, tomato, choclo, and aji limo (don't worry, a glossary is included), and ceviche mixto (above), with shrimp, white tuna, and thin-sliced octopus ($10).
The crema de coliflor pairs cauliflower with tofu, miso broth, and crispy shiitake mushrooms. The tofu lends it a creamy consistency and the miso an umami kick, and it tastes better than I thought any cauliflower-based soup could ($5).
The entrana tacu-tacu, a grilled skirt steak topped with a garlicky chimichurri, came with a rice-plantain cone topped with a fried quail egg, and was perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful ($17). Other entrees include paella, roast pork, tilapia, and lamb shank.
Also on the menu is a wide selection of tapas, including carnitas taquitos, chicharron sliders, Chino-Latino spare ribs, and grilled whole prawns. There are also some sandwiches, like blood sausage with sweet potato and salsa, roasted pork with aji amarillo, and grilled skirt steak with cheddar, peppers, and onions. A tamale of the day will also be offered.
Brunch will also be served on Saturdays and Sundays, and the menu includes poached eggs with pork belly, skirt steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, french toast, and pancakes (the $11 prix fixe includes coffee and OJ).
The space is cozy, with a small bar up front and a pretty garden in the back, and it's simply decorated with a few abstract paintings.
Chef Aguilar runs the restaurant along with his wife Magda and assorted friends and family. You can tell that it's a true labor of love, and it's the restaurant he's always dreamed of opening. The prices are also surprisingly low; entrees average about 15 bucks. Their first official day open is scheduled for Tuesday, and they'll be open every day except Monday from 4-11.
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| Chef Miguel Aguilar and wife Magda |
And don't forget to check out Chef Miguel on Food Network's Chopped, airing July 19th.
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| Click menu to enlarge |
Surfish Peruvian Bistro, 351 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn NY 11215. 718-832-8200.
tagged Coming Soon, Foodporn, Restaurants, What to Expect in Food, Storefronts
Coming Soon, Foodporn, Restaurants, What to Expect in Food, Storefronts
Reader Comments (3)
The food looks delicious! and love that the place is unpretentious, with reasonable prices and authentic Peruvian food. Can't wait to go!!
Park Slope is the new Williamsburg. Restaurants opening everywhere this spring.
Satisfy all Five Senses with Surfish Peruvian Bistro!>>>>>
I had a chance to be at the opening night of the Surfish Peruvian Bistro and let me tell you I was amazed by the food. I have tried few dishes, including saviche mixto and white tuna saviche, which simply melt in your mouth, colorful seafood paella, shrimp soup called "Chupe de Camarones" and the rib dish (I can't remember what it's called but definitly try it!). The food is incredibly flavorfull and dazzles your taste buds with every bite. It also looks beautiful and is artfully presented, which always adds to the overall experience of dining. With the music in the background and great ambience the place feels incredibly cozy and welcoming. I am definitly coming back to try other dishes & brunch - the menu is so diverse and unique that you kind of want to try it all.
Thumbs up!!