Jesus and Arlene are Trying to Tell Me Something: Great Peruvian Food is at Mario's!

On Sunday, after we watched Tropic Thunder at Paramount, Arlene and Danny took us to this hole-in-the-strip mall restaurant called Mario's Peruvian Seafood for some lomo saltado. Lomo wa? Lomo saltado is a peruvian dish that consists of strips of beef sauteed with onion, tomatoes, and french fries that served with a side of seasoned rice. Delicious!

So we're outside and I start chatting it up with this guy who's there with his family, who has this hilarious shirt on. (Jesus spotting #1.)

We start talking and it ends up that he works for the video game company Activision, the company that came out with guitar hero! Totally cool guy....he's now on our site. Everyone say hi to Jason!

Now apparently, from what Danny and Arlene tell me this restaurant is always packed! We wait about 20 minutes, ourselves. Here we are in pictures.

Notice still light out. (Jason has already gone in with his family.)

Getting darker...people waiting around in the parking area...

Getting hungry...

This is everyone just waiting by the door for them to call our name! Why is Gary so pissed and Grace so happy?

Finally! We enter. The place is very bare bones. If you are looking for ambiance, this may not be the place.

The counter and kitchen.

Looking around there's pictures of Jesus! Now if Jesus is cool with it, so am I! (Jesus spotting #2 and #3)

Menu.

I was told that the lomo saltado was great so that's what I ordered.

It's all about the spicy green sauce and the horchata! (Horchata is a little too sweet for my taste.)

The lomo saltado did not disappoint! A little on the greasy side, meat was a bit chewy but other than that it was so delicious! Well seasoned and with onions and the side of rice reminded me a little of Versailles.

Here's the chicken saltado.

And just to show you how much Danny loves the lomo saltado...his clean plate!

As we were walking back to our car....Jesus spotting #4! Now, if four Jesus don't make you want you to repent your sins and come eat at Mario's you are one cold hearted bastard! (I'm going to hell bc of this post.)

Overall? Really enjoyed this tasty dish. You're definitely coming for the awesome eats though, so don't expect many frills here.

Who Should Go? People who like trying different types of food, who like french fries, who will give up ambiance for mackin eats.

Tips? Expect a wait. May be tough to find parking (lot is often full) so park on the street.

Thanks, Danny and Arlene, for the "Insider" info on Mario's! :)

Mario's Peruvian Seafood (Yelp)
5786 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.466.4181