Surfish Reviews

Found out about the restaurant from the TV show Knife Fight where chef Miguel Aguilar beat his competition. That lead me to the restaurant for Father's Day! Had some amazing ceviches & tapas for lunch! Everything was good, but the pineapple tuna ceviche & zapatillos were my favorites. I'll certainly be back again to try much more off of the extensive menu!

I live walking distance from Surfish and have been a fan since it opened. The meals are full of flavor and I love that they specialize in smaller plates so I can order several things and get a variety of my own choosing. Service is always friendly and good. This is one of my favorite spots to take guests. The space is small so you should get reservations if you have a group or are going on a weekend night. They don't have a bar (limited space), so it's a few wines and some decent sangrias for drinks.

My husband and I were in Brooklyn Oct. 8-11, 2015 for the inaugural Brooklyn Half Marathon. On our first night, we walked down 5th Ave. looking for a good restaurant and decided to eat at Surfish since we had visited Peru in March. It was early, around 5:30 pm and we had our choice of seating; we chose the outdoor patio. We started with the octopus ceviche - it was beyond delicious. From there the meal just got better. We were so impressed that we decided to return before we returned to the DC area. We told another couple about it and they joined us for dinner. Their experience was the same as ours and they thanked us for recommending Surfish. Congratulations to chef Miguel Aguilar for an outstanding restaurant. Charlene and Walter Mitchellville, MD

This restaurant was highly recommended and has had stellar reviews so we figured why not - let's try it on a Saturday evening. We ate in a very cramped outdoor "garden" - really a narrow cement patio surrounded by a high wooden fence, tightly packed w/ small, flimsy bistro tables and chairs. The service was attentive BUT the food took forever to arrive - 45 minutes for our tapas. The food was good - not great, the servings (for the tapas and side dishes - not entrees) exceedingly small. Prices a bit high for the quantity of food. Would probably not try again.

I have been to Peru 2x so I am somewhat of a food snob about this cuisine. After my first bite of ceviche in Lima I exclaimed, "why is this food not known internationally as a great cuisine…because it is!! That said, it is not easy to find great Peruvian food outside of Peru. Sure there are roasted chickens, but the ceviche and fish are what you want to eat. I have been to sunfish on 3 occasions and never been disappointed. I was there for a light lunch and had a big bowl of cauliflower soup. It was warm and hearty but not heavy at all. Have had the salmon entree which comes with the most delicious shrimp mashed potatoes. My friend had the chicken and said it was lovely. Had a tuna ceviche with avocado that was so creamy and delicious that it melted in your mouth. We also had a side of brussel sprouts. We could have feasted on those all day long. Divine. Wished it was a huge bowl! All the meals start off with purple corn chips, plantain chips and toasted corn nuts accompanied by 2 salsas. Really a nice touch. Can't wait to return there are so many other things I am lusting for on that menu. The service is very nice and friendly…not to be missed!

OMG, it started with an amazing mango salad, then proceeded on to the best paella I've ever had, then finished the meal with churros(tiny donuts,off the charts) with chocolate sauce and ice cream. I was absolutely buzzing from the absolute culinary delight and the wonderful warm service. Wicked good!!!

The ceviche took me right back to Lima. It was delicious. In my eyes it's the most authentic Peruvian restaurant in Park Slope.

Our group of 4 enjoy a trio of tasty, refreshing ceviches, which I recommend. I had the cordero, which is something I try any chance I get. It was super fall-off-the bone tender, served over a yummy saucy bean puree. The sangria was just ok.

Wow, this restaurant is certainly worth the trip, a relaxing atmosphere with an outstanding menu and something for everyone, especially those looking for something you cannot find anywhere else. The Chef won an episode of "Chopped" and you will not be disappointed in the variety of items, mostly influenced from his Peruvian background. The cerviche variety is great as an appetizer (especially the oysters and tuna), my wife had the "Seafood Special", which was perfectly made with a wide variety of fresh seafood and I had the Risotto de Camarones which was full of shrimp. I also had a side of Papa A La Huancaina (potatoes with a slighly spicy sauce), which is one of my favorites. Make sure you stop in, you will not be disappointed.

It can get pricey with the small portions; but if you are not on a tight budget, this place is amazing. Their ceviches are great, as are the taquitos. Muscles are nice too. I have been there many times and always go for different tapas. Not sure about the dishes from the main entrée list. On tuesdays and thursdays there is live music playing, which adds to the nice atmosphere. The rear "garden" is simplistic and unattractive, so try to stay in the main room.

This is a wonderful restaurant, that would be worth the trip (combined with other BK treasures) for tourists to make the trip across the bridge from NYC. The food and service is great! We ordered paella, which is generous enough for two to share with an appetizer or some tapas. We also had steak, which was also delicious. As a Brooklynite, I would definitely return to try the entire menu! P.S. The place is really tiny so there may be a wait or plan to dine outside the busy hours. See if you can make a reservation, and be there on time.

The tuna pineapple ceviche was amazing...so fresh, it melts in your mouth. The tapas are great for sharing. I'll be back to try the whole menu.

Surfish is a realtively tiny place in Park Slope, not with a top-restaurant kinda image at first sight. Boy, can you be more wrong: the bistro-look with it's garden furniture like setting and very easy going atmosphere is a hiding place of some seriously delicious meals - of enormous portions. When visited the place with a group of friends, based on our previous experiences with "tapas" we naively ordered two courses to make sure we won't leave hungry: a salad and second course. The salad, - delicious on its own right - alone would have been enough for a dinner, possibly some taken with home for another meal. When the second course or tilapia arrived, I struggled to get to it, but once I convinced myself, there was no turning back: mamma mia,I could not believe the silky, amazing taste this dish had. Oh, and the wine was great too. So, please go there if you are in the neighborhood. If you don't, you'll miss out on an meal of a lifetime.

Went to Surfish last week with my husband and a few friends - it's a great restaurant with some delicious food and very friendly staff. Food is freshly cooked, beautiful looking and very good value for money.

Me and my group ordered 3 dishes, all were superb. All of us have had Peruvian food in Peru, and this place did all these dishes justice and then some.

The best way to experience this gastronomical find is to go with 4 or 5 friends and order the entire tapas menu. On a cold winters night the chupe and the seafood soup warm your body and leave your taste buds happy. The service is warm, attentive without pretense. Entrees are enormous and shareable. Clearly the seafood dishes rule, they are hearty and stuffed with ample, fresh fish. The taste is mouth watering, never need to add salt or pepper. To add to the evenings enjoyment is a terrific guitar duo that plays on wed eves 7:30 to 10pm. without a doubt, the best eats in park slope

I truly enjoy their cebiches, so much that I drive from Staten Island to dine here. The salads, cooked dishes, and apple cobbler dessert all rule too. Tamales with a panca, shrimp sauce, tuna tartar, fish taquitos, and paella, are a few of their delightful dishes. It's a small dining room, so be ready for a wait on weekends or try on a weekday.

We lived in Park Slope for 2 years and would walk past this restaurant without trying it - it is quite small and doesn't look much from the outside. After trying it once? We go back frequently! The ceviche is out of this world. We do the sampler, choosing the 3 different tuna ceviche, and it is amazing. Then order a selection of 3 or 4 tapas, dessert, wine and beer. Love this place for dinner! Gets busy at weekends evenings though so book early or go early!

This is more of a fusion style. I can't quite grasp the reason. Peruvian food can be so fantastic, why try to make it into something else? It's not like you find it on every corner.

this tiny restaurant serves wonderful Peruvian food, ceviche and tapas. Excellent for sharing. I have dined here several times and NEVER been disappointed! A wonderful experience.

Delicious food, nice wine selection at reasonable prices, attentive staff and decent size portions! We had the paella, some mahi mahi tapas and baby bok choy. Next time we'll order the cerviche. Everyone around us kept ordering it. We had the apple cobbler and churros for dessert - DEELICIOUS! Our new fav restaurant in the Slope!! They have outside dining too boot!

was my college freshman daughter's review, as we shared ceviches, soup and entrees with family friends. The servers quickly helped our group share, made awesome recommendations. The ceviches were awesome, even for those who didn't think they'd want to try "raw" fish. Everything was fantastic!

Favorite was the Zapallitos, squash stuffed with shrimp. The pork tamale was excellent. Least favorite was the ceviche because the toppings/sauces were too spicy hot for my palate. The tables are mini and jammed close together so if you go at a busy time you'll be very close to your neighbor.

Who knew that coming here on a first date would have such a significant and profound impact on our lives. We met for a first date, not having even come to the restaurant before and magic happened. Could the food have had anything to do with it? Um, yeah! Really, it's a wonderful place with a cute and quaint backyard that is perfect. Crevices are amazing and they really worked around my now wife's gluten allergy since she has celiac disease. Thank you Surfish for the first of many wonderful meals here and most importantly a great first meal that led to us getting married!

I've had dinner at Surfish 3 times, and my last visit confirms the consistently high quality of this shoebox-size restaurant. It focuses on seafood prepared Peruvian style but with a creative twist, so expect lots of ceviches. Most dishes are listed but as tapas but servings are generous and the food is great to share. I love the ceviche tasting platter - you can choose any 3 of the ceviche dishes on the menu and your selections arrive artfully displayed, on a long platter. A small meal in itself! We've tried many other selections here, including a yummy mixed seafood grill and some lovely vegetable preparations. It's best in summer when you can enjoy their outdoor garden, but the welcome is very gracious anytime.

Went for the old standby that can't be beat. The Chupa is a meal in itself and never fails to please. Winter or summer the outside seating is superb.

You've got lots of "ethnic" choices dining out in Brooklyn--if you like seafood this will knock your socks off. Great service with people who know the cuisine and can help you choose some new dishes you may have never tried--and you should! Tried it once and then came back for more. Def try the ceviches and the hamachi tartare as well as Peruvian specialties like papa ala huancaina and the drink chicha morada. Entrees all good--one unusual is the Black Paella. Great prices and fun atmosphere--good for date or even families.

This place may not look like much from the outside and the decor is nothing special but the food... is amazing. I have not had a bad or even mediocre dish here ever (and I have been here many times). Peruvian restaurants are harder to find and ones with great food or amazing presentation are even harder. This place is a gem for a foodie! Chef really pays attention to detail and everything is presented in a beautiful way. Some portions aren't very large (or perhaps the food is so good- you are not going to get enough of it anyway) and other portions are pretty generous. Chupe (a shrimp bisque soup), tuna tartar and skirt steak are amazing in my opinion. I have tried most of the dishes on the menu over time and has brought friends and family from all over. Enjoy it every time. Service is also very friendly and attentive.

My wife and I have been to Surfish three times together over the past 6 months, and have sent friends who have loved it, and we continue to be amazed that the place isn't more crowded. This small restaurant, in modest but not unpleasant quarters, is located in the midst of the many restaurants along Fifth Avenue in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn. We have tried a number of fish and seafood dishes, which each have been what might be termed "nouvelle latin american " cuisine. Sauces on fish and seafood are unique, very tasty and based on latin american flavors, and are not heavy or overly spicy. House made plantain chips are a delicacy - not at all greasy. The caulifower soup is an example of the chef's creativity - a creamy soup that uses miso instead of any cream (vegan friendly) that is delicious, even for those who typically can't stand miso. Highly recommended!

Everything was delicious from first bite to last. Surefish will become my new go-to restaurant whenever I'm in town.

Excellent food is Peruvian food gourmet version. Restaurant is cozy and homey. We loved the mussel appetizer is delicious, ribs were my husband favorite. We also tried the steak and risotto and everything was delicious. I forgot to mention the sangria is pretty good too. Service is good. Is very family oriented so you can bring the kids too

You will have a delightful time at this humble little restaurant in Brooklyn. Sweet little backyard outdoor seating. Tapas, was sublime, the three types of Cerviche was awesome. Pulled pork sliders were so tasty. The drinks were perfect a lichee drink that was a delight. Loved the dessert a play on lava cake that won Chopped for the Chef. I highly recommend this lovely respite on a day that included downtown Brooklyn and the museum. Love Brooklyn!!!

Surfish is an unassuming little place, with a lovely garden in the back, where diners can sit. Two tables are beneath a tent, and we sat very comfortably during a heavy rain. The tapas are excellent and the service is friendly.

We had a thoroughly delightful meal here, with nary a disappointing dish. The chef, a winner on the Food Network's Chopped show, clearly has earned his fine reputation. We had a number of ceviche dishes, all of which were excellent, but I have to single out the crispy oysters as particularly outstanding. The pineapple (ahi) tuna was also great. As for tapas, the Chicharron Sliders (roast pork with sweet potato) were excellent. For main courses, we had the salmon, the paella and the flank steak, all of which were well executed and delicious. The portions were huge, so no need to over-order. All-in-all, this restaurant offers fine food and excellent value for the money. The service is friendly and helpful, and the ambiance understated but comfortable. If you sit out back in the summer, expect some mosquitoes.

Surfish has one of my favorite dishes in all of Brooklyn, the Humita de Camerones is to die for. I often pop in just for this appetizer. Their Ceviches are also quite good.

Very happy with this find. Tender pulpo ceviche and flavorful quinoa risotto with braised beef. Can't wait to go back in person.

This place is just amazing, small and cozy with lovely garden. The menu is just great, they have a big variety of tapas and ceviche and the presentation of the food is simply beautiful. You start off with complimentary chips and salsa, they are home made black corn tortillas and plantain that are served with pico de gallo and salsa verde. For appetizer get pineapple tuna ceviche which is served on the crush ice on fresh pineapple. Try also crispy oysters that looked elegant and tasty. You can also order ceviche tasting which is a choice of your favorite three and mine is atun blanco, ceviche de pulpo and toro con palta. They have a big selection of tapas and chicharron sliders are a must, also mahi mahi taquitos and spare ribs are on my list of best dishes. There are also many choices of entree, meat cooked to perfection and fish so light and fresh, that you want to come for more. Dessert menu is simple, home made churros served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream or chocolate souffle is to die for. Truly authentic!!!!!

We were going to a concert in Prospect Park but had come up early and were looking for a mid-day meal. We happened on this neighborhood gem. Small but lovely outdoor seating. The variety of small plates we got with a Peruvian theme were all nicely prepared and very tasty. We'll be back.

We love this tiny Peruvian restaurant in Park Slope. We have tapas and appetizers to share then salad and maybe share a main course. I have never had anything we didn't love...enjoy the ceviches especially.

4 of us went yesterday for an early dinner. The weather was nice enough to sit outside in the garden area, which was so pleasant. We ordered 2 soups and 4 Tapas dishes. One dish only had 3 servings and the waitress said she would request 4, so we could all have one. I thought that was so accomodating. The meal was delicious. I wish we could have tried everything. We'll just have to go back and sample some other dishes. Very enjoyable.

This is a small, cozy restaurant and we thought we would try their outdoor area. It would have been a good choice but bugs were biting. We were promptly seated and we all first sampled the mussels which were excellent and abundant in a white broth excellently seasoned. I was very happy with my entree of lamb shank, the others ordered seafood paella, and fish and were all very pleased with the presentation, quantity, and quality. Only things we found were a small menu, and alcohol and soft drinks pricey. We would go back.

My family ate here on June 4th after my granddaughter's dance recital. When we walked in we were taken aback by the small size of the restaurant. But we had found a little gem. This not merely traditional Peruvian food. Everything is taken to the next level from presentation to the exotic flavors the dishes had. We all enjoyed the fish tacos for the appetizers. WE indulged as well in duck sliders that had a tantalizing sauce and were the finest appetizers we had ever consumed. For the entree we had sauteed chicken, chimmachuri steak, and Peruvian chicken with fried rice. All the food was beautifully presented and had excellent taste. The service from our waitress was attentive and helpful. We also had a complimentary dish on the house.

Please note the change in location. Trip Advisor has been slow to update the move. (550 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215) We brought wine and were pleased with the reasonable corkage. The service was cordial and efficient. The music was a little loud making conversation across our table a little difficult. Our focus was on seafood. We had the tasting portion of ceviche consisting of the hamachi, the mixed seafood and oyster. As tapas we had the oysters, fried calamari and the shrimp. The portions were so generous we were unable to finish everything. The oysters were especially noteworthy however everything was delicious. We tried the shortbread with dolce de leche topping for dessert. We look forward to returning and trying other things on the menu.

Looks like nothing from the outside, small restaurant on a busy part of 5th Avenue. But the Peruvian tapas here are incredible, especially the seafood. Small garden in the back. Great staff, chef. This is a winner.

My husband and I became regulars at this restaurant after discovering it only about a year ago. Unfortunately we just moved out of the area, but as the movers truck pulled away with our furniture, we decided we had to come back for one final ceviche sampler with each of the 3 different tuna ceviche. As usual, it was out of this world delicious. Service great as always. Will miss this place and was happy our last night in Park Slope was spent here!

1.0 star rating 5/9/2016 Terrible service, waited forever to give order, then forever to wait for the first course, finally an incomplete first course came. I put an (apparently) steamed muscle in my mouth and they were stone cold, the shell was actually frigid so yup, muscles that were stone cold. I left. I refuse to pay such high prices for bad service and cold steamed muscles. Never again.Sadly, this is the second time I have been here and the second time I have had desperately bad service - shame, if done well the food is very good - but when you give a place a second chance based on the tastiness of the food and boom - right off the (slow) bat your served an incomplete, cold order - then shame on you if you ever return.

The food at Surfish was excellent and the prices were extremely reasonable. Tapas portions were more than adequate. The service was professional and accommodating. This was quite a surprise but a welcome dining experience and I would recommend Surfish to anyone looking for a pleasant dining experience.

This is a very lovely restaurant. It is small but it also has outdoor space. THe food is spectacular. From the ceviches to the chicken. Food was spectacular. The service could have been a bit more attentive but otherwise, I loved this restaurant and can't wait to go back to try some of the other plates!

Our experience at Surfish was delightful. We ate on the back deck and, being the only ones out there on a Thursday night, it felt like we were guests in a very nice Peruvian family's home. We started with the avocado salad (good but forgettable) and moved on through the chicharrones (pork sliders - excellent), grilled prawns (v. good), and lomo saltado (grilled beef - fantastic). It was a warm night so we added sangria and Peruvian beers to cool us down. We were surprised by how big the portions and how fair the prices were. If we lived in NYC we would definitely return.

Peruvian cuisine -- amazing array of wonderful flavors! The octopus appetizer was sensational and could be shared. The watermelon salad lovely, with the finest ingredients. Salmon in coconut sauce sublime. Only less than extraordinary dish was the Peruvian lo mein.

I rarely give a four but the service was excellent, the value was superb and the food spectacular! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be able to find something on the menu that they could eat. The food had tremendous flavor, but not over done. A delight to the pallet!

This is a pretty amazing restaurant. Very rarely I like everything about a restaurant. We visited Surfish three times. Every time the food was delicious and consistent and the service was great. Last time we visited was 05.12.2019 – Mother’s Day. I honestly prepared myself for some issues either with food or service, etc. as I expect cracks to appear during the busy holiday. We did have reservations. The restaurant was packed. We came on time and were seated in 10 min. The hostess does remember our family from the last visits and she knows what we drink... I don't know how she does that! We obviously love that and, moreover, our younger son told me he was impressed by her. We were served by a waitress I don't remember seeing before so I was very pleasantly surprised by her knowledge of the food and drink menus. The service by our waitress and the team was very attentive and fast. We ate: shrimp appetizer, beef heart, one of ceviches, zucchini and shrimp, ribs, paella, lamb shank. Besides the fact that everything was delicious, the portions are huge. I mean really huge. Shrimp appetizer has 7 large shrimp in it and in some other restaurant can be a main dish on its own. So, we, being dumb somewhat and hungry, ordered 3 shrimp appetizers as we forgot that they are large. Lamb shank was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth and I ate it all. 75% of paella and ribs we had to take home. Cocktails are pretty good. Have to mention this as we feel very few restaurants have good unique cocktails. I had some Argentinian white wine for $11 that tasted like good Riesling – I was happy.

This place has excellent ceviche. The pineapple tuna is excellent, the zapatillos is great and so is the ceviche mixto. My biggest complaint is how overpriced these things are. The pineapple tuna is less than a cup in size and its $13. Same with the rest of the dishes. They are so unbelievably small and you pay so much for them. Won't be going back. I can make most of these at home.

My friend and i read the reviews, had to try this wonderful restaurant. Made the trip, had to go back again!! we loved the food each time, service was excellent and food was wonderful. prices are a little above average but well worth it! lovey small outdoor area almost fully covered by umbrellas. very small so make a reservation so you can be accomodated!

Nice place. Came here for lunch with a client. Quiet atmosphere, pleasant staff. Had ceviche for an appetizer and salmon for main. Both were excellent. I would recommend this place.

Every time I visit NYC I have one gastronomical event! Sunfish will be added to must return to list. Amazing food (and portions) artfully presented and mouth watering! Try the mussels made with garlic, bacon in a white wine huacatay sauce; cilantro tamale with roasted pork aji panca and roasted tomato sauce; roasted zucchini filled with crabmeat, shrimp and goat cheese! Just a few examples from a balanced menu that includes an extensive ceviche list. Nice but simple wine list too.. Great patio, attentive, knowledgeable friendly staff. You won't be disappointed!

The neighborhood doesn't give a hint at the quality of this restaurant. Everything was delicious--tasted authentic to me! I had ceviche, of course, the hamachi tuna which was carefully prepared with a yummy sauce, little dots of avocado cream, and even a couple of edible flowers. The lamb shank was generous (I'll have half tomorrow) and very tender. The warm chocolate cake was good but not fabulous--maybe because it isn't really a Peruvian dish. All accompanied with a Pisco Sour (actually two Pisco Sours, but it was Christmas time( I'd go back in a heartbeat!

Relatively new peruvian restaurant in Brooklyn. Very small, but what they lack in space, they make up with their food, delicious dishes, u wont be asking for doggie bags, that's for sure. I'd recommend the tripe as a starter...yummy. The rib eye's better than at most places, the chicken to die for, not to mention the ceviche menu, which is superb. Try it & keep coming back. Reservations r recommended due to the small space.

One of my favorite restaurants in the area. Having been here a few times, I am never disappointed.Highly recommend their ceviches, especially the pineapple tuna. The entrees are very big. The skirt steak is excellent, as well as their seafood paella. Their lychee Bellini is delicious. Profiteroles and churros are great desserts here. The restaurant can be very crowded on weekends considering it is a very tiny area.

My mother in law is very hard to please. She loved the restaurant. She keeps talking about how fresh the food was and the very big portions. She and I are looking forward to returning soon.

Try their parihuela (seafood) soup. It was spicy and delicious. Their ceviche mixto was excellent as was the pineapple ceviche

Entertained my team and several important clients to an exceptional dining experience. The cozy and warm atmosphere was a nice start along with the friendly service, but nothing could top the amazing cuisine! The entrees were as delicious as they were artistic. Without exception we all enjoyed the evening and left with good memories and a few more pounds.

I frequent this spot with my husband and friends. It is a relaxed friendly atmosphere with consistently good fresh food. The ceviche and tapas are more than enough when ordering to share. The sangria is the best and we always get a pitcher. This is one of my favorites in Brooklyn.

Labor Day weekend , searched for something interesting to eat and stumbled on this quaint Peruvian in Brooklyn. Staff extremely accommodating and helpful , the food outstanding , shared fish and meat dishes , good sized portions with every dish well executed . We had a lovely evening and would certainly return .

Tiny neighborhood restaurant on 5th ave. in Parkslope.Most friendly wait staff and wonderful Peruvian food! share sum appetizers Try Tapas and grilled corn and lamb Shank!!!!!

The food here is outstanding. Enjoyed everything I ate. The service can be a bit better. They wanted to switch our seats after we were already eating due to a large party arriving. It was unnecessary as a large party had just left and the tables next to us were empty. if they pay attention to what is going on this place can be a gem.

Excellent food for a hole in the wall. The sweet and spicy tuna ceviche was outstanding, as was the lamb shank. The staff was very attentive and friendly. Make sure you get a reservation here.

Found via tripadvisor, staying in NYC for one night. Wonderful choice of food, well prepared and cooked. We had ceviche, a soup, and a delicious paella. I suggest to drink their amazing cerveza. Good value for money. Better to reserve, there are only few tables