Saqra is an inviting space with a dining room with an informal vibe as well as an outside courtyard along the street. Since a large and noisy group arrived in the dining room shortly after we did, our choice to sit outside on this balmy...evening was wise, even though this meant being exposed to cigarette smoke from other guests. We were promptly greeted by our enthusiastic waiter who gave us menus with English translations. He told us that he'd be helping us "all evening" but after he took our orders, we never saw him again. Apparently, he had been diverted to help with the large group.
Instead, we were served by a tag-team of waiters of varying competence. At an adjacent table of four, two guests were still waiting for food while the other two guests had nearly finished their meals. When our appetizers arrived, those two hungry guests immediately identified them as their food, and our waiter---not knowing better--delivered our food to them. And then he disappeared. Eventually, the other guests brought our food to our table. My partner's Tempura Marina (38 PEN) arrived without sriracha mayonnaise; in addition, some parts of the dish (such as the avocado) simply didn't have the structural integrity for a tempura presentation. My scallops Saqra (36 PEN) were tasty but consisted of two small scallops that were eaten in four bites. Our entrees--brought by yet another waiter--were more successful. I enjoyed the grilled fish served on a bed of mashed potatoes (only 34 PEN) and my partner's Loma saltado was very good (50 PEN). With three beers, the total was 216 PEN before tip.
Overall: we enjoyed the entrees, but not the uneven service, and would choose different appetizers if we were to return. But we had a more enjoyable dinners for less at Mama Olla and even at our hotel restaurant, Bistro 400.More