A visit to El Serrano equates to being transported to Latin America or, more specifically, owner Manuel Torres’ native Peru. Prepare to be wowed by the physical size of the restaurant (24,000 square feet), as well as the freshly prepared food, attentive service and immersive ambience that are all hallmarks of the El Serrano dining experience.
Owner Manuel Torres designed his restaurant to resemble a Peruvian hacienda. It’s furnished and decorated with items that were handcrafted in his native Peru. El Serrano is once again a Best of Lancaster winner in 2024.
El Serrano made its debut in York County in 1987. Seven years later, Manuel opened a second location in Lancaster, where his inherited interests in food and interior design are readily evident. Taking over a nondescript restaurant along Columbia Avenue, El Serrano evolved to resemble a period Peruvian hacienda. Its stucco and rustic wood exterior leads visitors into interior spaces that were inspired by authenticity, as they feature chairs and tables, tiles, lighting fixtures, stained glass and metal work that were handcrafted in Peru. The music of fountains adds to the ambience, as do lush plants and a Mayan monolith (donated by Lancaster’s North Museum). The restaurant’s seating options include a wall of individual dining alcoves. “They’re a great spot for a quiet dinner. They can accommodate two or four people,” notes Melanie Sheppard, Manuel’s daughter and the restaurant’s general manager. Outdoors, a courtyard is filled with umbrella-topped tables. The covered piazza that surrounds the courtyard also offers seating.
Polo Fundido is comprised of grilled chicken, Monterey cheese, Spanish rice, beans and a flour tortilla.
The feeling of being on vacation helps to create a lively atmosphere. “We’re versatile. You can come here on a date night or with your family,” Melanie says. “You can tell people are having fun – they’re not focused on their phones but are talking to one another.”
As for the menu, the focus is on Latin American and Peruvian cuisine. Melanie points out that the recipes that are used to create El Serrano’s menu staples are the same today as they were when the restaurant opened over three decades ago. She reports that sizzling fajitas, which are available in beef, chicken, shrimp or a combination of meats, are the most popular item on the menu. Another customer favorite is the Polo Fundido (marinated grilled chicken breast stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, folded into a flour tortilla and grilled with Spanish rice and beans). Yet another is the Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian-inspired dish of either chicken or beef tenderloin grilled Peruvian-style with red onions, French fries and tomatoes, and served with white rice.
The tapas menu includes chips and accompanying sauces, empanadas and charcuterie that features items such as Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, dried fruit, Marcona almonds and truffle honey.
The restaurant’s Tex-Mex menu also includes a selection of tapas, which are a part of Spanish and Latin American cuisine. The snack- or appetizer-sized portions are served on small plates. The tapas menu includes ceviche, pork sliders, shrimp or fish tostados, ropa vieja (shredded beef served atop white rice with tostones), and charcuterie (including items such as Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, dried fruit, Marcona almonds and truffle honey).
Salmon Serrano is pan-fried and served atop chipotle sauce; it’s accompanied by vegetables and white rice.
The dessert menu features favorites such as flan, passionfruit cheesecake and pineapple rum cake.
A kids menu includes items such as mini-pollo fundido, mini-nachos supremo, mini-cheese quesadilla and chicken fingers.
The beverage selection reflects El Serrano’s family of businesses. They include Finca El Serrano Pisco, a spirit made in the winemaking regions of Peru and Chili. El Serrano’s Pisco is handcrafted and made from grapes grown, elaborated and then bottled in Peru and exported to the U.S. The restaurant’s menu of libations crafted with Pisco includes Pisco-ritas, Pisco-tinis and even a Pisco-jito. El Serrano also has its own brand of beer, and offerings include a Mexican-style lager, Peruvian-style lager, an IPA on tap and a dark lager (available only in cans).
Wines sourced from El Serrano’s Finca El Serrano vineyards in Spain, are served at the restaurant.
If you prefer wine, El Serrano’s wine list features red and white wines from its own vineyard in Spain, Finca El Serrano; some selections are available by the glass as well as by the bottle. There’s also a house-made red or white sangria. “Most of our staff are trained in wine paring and can help with suggestions,” Melanie says.
El Serrano recently transitioned to the Toast POS platform. “For us, it streamlines things, since it incorporates reservations, online ordering and gift card purchases, as well as our email list and loyalty club. It’s also user-friendly for our staff and guests,” Melanie explains.
El Serrano is located at 2151 Columbia Avenue in Lancaster. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 12-9 p.m., and Sunday, 12-8 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or through the Toast Tables app; please note that courtyard seating is not guaranteed. Large parties and private parties can be accommodated with advance notice. Online ordering for pickup is available. Call 717-397-6191 or visit elserrano.com or the restaurant’s Facebook page.
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