Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant Review – Vibrant Celebration of Peruvian Cuisine in Gatineau – Overall EV Score: 6/10

Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa

Normally, my reviews include individual EV Scores (Enjoyment-to-Value Scores) for each dish based on flavour, price paid, and benchmark comparisons. However, since this visit was to a fixed-price buffet, an overall impression will be provided instead.

Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant Overview

19 Chem. Eardley, Gatineau, QC J9H 4J8

Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant is a well-known spot in Gatineau, popular among the local Peruvian community for offering authentic dishes that remind many of home. It’s regarded as one of the few reliable places in the area for Peruvian cuisine, and it has built up a strong reputation over the years.

The location itself is a little tricky. There is no dedicated parking lot, so you’ll need to rely on street parking nearby. Depending on when you go, especially on weekends or during special events, finding a spot can take a little extra time. Inside, the restaurant isn’t very large — it has fewer than eight tables — which makes the space feel intimate but also means it fills up quickly. Because of this, I would definitely recommend making reservations, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak hours or for special occasions.

When I visited, it was during their buffet event for Peru’s Independence Day. The restaurant was fully booked, and the atmosphere had a festive, lively energy. Those who showed up without reservations were turned away. It was clear this was a gathering place not just for food but also for community.

Key Stats

The Experience

Since this was a buffet, there wasn’t a set pacing to the meal. You serve yourself, which is great for sampling many different dishes at once, but it also means the consistency and timing that comes with an à la carte meal isn’t there. Still, the buffet offered a good chance to try several staples of Peruvian cuisine side by side.

The ceviche was the clear standout. It had all the right qualities: light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with citrus, onions, and tender fish. This dish alone was enough to show why Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant is so popular.

The sautéed beef had good flavour in its sauce, but the beef itself was on the tougher side, which took away from the overall enjoyment. By contrast, the stewed beef was much more tender and enjoyable, though it still could have used a bit more cooking time to really achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For sides, the fries topped with sausage were fine but more of a filler than a feature — not something I’d go out of my way for. The potatoes with creamy cheese sauce were mild but decent, offering a comforting bite that balanced the stronger flavours of the meats.

Menu and Food

Final Thoughts

Buffets are always hit-or-miss, and Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant was no exception. The ceviche shone as the star of the evening, while some of the beef dishes left room for improvement. The sides were adequate but not memorable. Still, the experience was enjoyable overall, and it gave me a chance to sample a wide variety of traditional Peruvian dishes in one visit.

The restaurant itself has a lot going for it: a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a reputation for authenticity. But the small size of the dining room and the lack of dedicated parking are definite drawbacks. For special events, reservations are essential.

Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant remains a popular spot for Peruvian food in the area, and it’s clear why — there aren’t many places nearby offering this cuisine with the same consistency and cultural roots. That said, the buffet didn’t impress me enough to want to return soon. I might consider trying their regular à la carte menu in the future to see if the dishes are more polished outside of a buffet setting, but for now, it’s not high on my list.