Bodegón No.69 - Pasadena (CA)

5 /5 Kimberly Puente: Bodegon No 69 may have been a hidden gem until now, but after our recent experience, it deserves to be on everyones radar! From the moment we approached the entrance, we could feel the warmth and welcoming ambiance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The dim lighting, rustic décor, and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect setting for a relaxing family dinner. I dined with a group of eight family members, and despite our large party size, we were greeted with genuine hospitality by the staff as soon as we walked in. The service was seamless from start to finish. Our waiter, Joseph, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and vibrant personality elevated our dining experience. He was patient in answering all of our questions about the dishes and made thoughtful recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes. Its rare to find such dedicated service these days, and Joseph really set the standard high. As for the food, we decided to sample a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes to get a true taste of what Bodegon No 69 had to offer. We ordered the Ceviche B69, Lomo Saltado, Tallarin Saltado, Anticucho, Bisteck a lo Pobre, and Chancho al Palo. Each dish was not only beautifully plated but also packed with layers of authentic flavor. The Ceviche B69, a highlight of the meal, was refreshing and expertly balanced with citrus, spice, and the perfect texture of fresh fish. The Lomo Saltado was incredibly flavorful, with tender pieces of beef stir-fried to perfection alongside onions, tomatoes, and crispy fries. The Tallarin Saltado, a noodle dish, had a delightful mix of stir-fried vegetables and savory chicken, bursting with umami flavors. The Anticucho, grilled skewers of marinated beef heart, was a bold and delightful choice--perfectly tender with just the right amount of smokiness. The Bisteck a lo Pobre, a hearty plate of steak served with fried eggs, plantains, rice, and fries, was comfort food at its finest. The Chancho al Palo, a roasted pork dish, was succulent and tender, with crispy skin that made it impossible to stop eating. What really impressed us was the attention to detail in every dish. You could taste the care that went into each plate, the freshness of the ingredients, the precision of the cooking, and the authenticity of the flavors. Every bite transported us to Peru, making it more than just a meal but an experience in itself. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. This is Peruvian cuisine done right, and we are so glad we found this place. Bodegon No 69 has now earned a permanent spot on my list of favorite restaurants, and we will undoubtedly be back to explore even more of the menu. A special shoutout to Joseph for making our night so memorable, his outstanding service truly added to the overall magic of the evening. Whether youre familiar with Peruvian food or trying it for the first time, Bodegon No 69 is an absolute must-visit. If youre lucky enough to have Joseph as your waiter, your experience will be even better. We cant wait to return for another round of amazing food!

4 /5 Joe Gunawan: With every new Peruvian restaurant that I go to, I just have to try their Lomo Saltado since thats my barometer for Peruvian cuisines, and Bodegon No 69 very much delivers! The Lomo Saltado is a classic, must-try staple in Peruvian cuisine. Cooked in a wok with soy sauce (there is a lot of Chinese influence in Peruvian cuisine due to the historical Silver trade between China and Spain within Peru), the best kinds of Lomo Saltado is bursting with flavor. The Beef here is thick and hearty, and the sauce is so delicious. The fries are also nice and crisp, too. Theres a reason its one of my favorite dishes and Bodegon serves it well! To be fair, Bodegon is a bit pricier than majority of Peruvian restaurants that Ive gone to, but it also offers a few items I have not seen elsewhere. Most notably, the Anticuchos or beef heart skewers. Heart is one of those meat choices that can be polarizing because of its tougher chewy texture (it is a muscle after all), but this Anticuchos grilled meat is just tender enough and the flavor is so good, especially with their Rocoto Sauce and Patata Brava (Peruvian-style fries potatoes). Only the corn feels forgettable. Its an adventurous dish that is rewarding to your taste buds! On the other hand, the Tiradito a La Crema Ceviches is a bit underwhelming. Its thin-sliced Hamachi and the mild Aji Amarillo sauce is just a bit polite and mild-mannered. Maybe the other Ceviches are better here. Lastly, you cant really have Peruvian cuisine without the proper Peruvian drinks, and I highly suggest the Inka Cola and if you fancy an alcoholic drink, the delicious Pisco Sour,which is the national cocktail consisting of pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, syrup, and egg white, with bitter sprinkled up top. It may be similar to a margarita, but it is just so much tastier! All in all, Bodegon No 69 has some delicious, albeit pricier, but delicious Peruvian cuisine. Just skip the Traditional Ceviches. The staff is wonderful and so friendly and the interior is very cozy and warm.

5 /5 Christine Galvan: Stopped by for a quick drink while walking past it. Had just eaten or would have loved to have tried something. Everything coming out smelled and looked amazing. Love that they have outside dining and being off of Colorado makes it even better, as its much quieter. Server was very nice. Would definitely be back.

4 /5 Mayi Barov: Bodegón No. 69 serves delicious Peruvian food in Pasadena. We tried the fried calamari, ceviche, and arroz con mariscos, all very good, with the arroz con mariscos being my favorite. Their pisco sours were also excellent. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating with a pleasant ambiance, and parking in the area is easy. Service was attentive and friendly throughout our visit. Even though I don’t live nearby, I’ll definitely stop by again whenever I’m in Pasadena.

5 /5 Fabiana Clemente: The best peruvian food I’ve eaten so far in the US! We have ordered ceviche and lomo saltado, and I highly recommend both. Carlos was our server and we really enjoyed his service!