Ratio - Elgin

It's taken me so long to write this because I low key wanted to keep this place a secret. But just can't do it anymore. Ratio has been one of the best dining ex... read more It's taken me so long to write this because I low key wanted to keep this place a secret. But just can't do it anymore. Ratio has been one of the best dining experiences I've experienced around Columbia since I've been here. I've gotten to attend two of their pre fix menu dining events (Australian Wine Tequila) as well as their à la carte menu. Time and time again I'm surprised by the the food and the cocktails created by one of the best bartenders/mixologists in a Columbia (Grant). Owner and head chef Javier continues to test the limits of traditional Peruvian cuisine, and I can say he's doing a phenomenal job. I cannot recommend this place enough, and most definitely check out their dining experiences, you won't be disappointed.

The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was laid back. Food portions are small, yet some are sharable. I enjoyed how attentive the wait staff were. The drink... read more The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was laid back. Food portions are small, yet some are sharable. I enjoyed how attentive the wait staff were. The drinks were great. The tequila flights are a must, as well as the tacos. The food is yummy despite being overpriced for such small portions. I would return, though.Vegetarian options: Possible.Kid-friendliness: No. The atmosphere has more of an adult feel. I would not take my children here.Parking: Plentiful.Wheelchair accessibility: AvailableDietary restrictions: Portions are small. You will not feel guilty at all.

We enjoyed our experience at Ratio. The food was great and the Caipirinhas were tasty!We shared several small plates and probably had too much, but it was all g... read more We enjoyed our experience at Ratio. The food was great and the Caipirinhas were tasty!We shared several small plates and probably had too much, but it was all good. Mahi mahi, tuna ceviche, beef tartare, squash tempura, pork chicharron, tres leche cake, and crema catalan were all spot on.

I was very excited about coming here because of their great reviews. Although their service was great I was disappointed by some of their plates. I was not blow... read more I was very excited about coming here because of their great reviews. Although their service was great I was disappointed by some of their plates. I was not blown away by the flavors of their small plates like I thought I would be. I was most excited for themussels and beef tartare. The beef tartare was pretty good but it definitely felt reminiscent on tuna because of the choice ofingredients. It was soy/sesame based so it definitely seemed like tuna rather than beef, but it definitely was my favorite plateoverall. The mussels were cooked just right but the broth, which I was most excited about was quite bland. Not enough salt andit had mostly had a smokey taste from the chorizo also tomato paste? I was hoping more of a balance of salt, acid and sea but Ididn't get any of that. It was just watery and a bit smokey. The Pork Chicharrones were cooked well but I felt that there wastoo much BBQ sauce to get through and it felt as it the sauce wasn't warmed up before the pork of coated in it. Cold BBQ sauceon meat is never good. Too sweet of a BBQ sauce by the way, needs more apple cider vinegar or something. The empanadas weregood, meat was tender and well seasoned. The tacos were alright but not $13 good. I left me wanting more flavor. The chickenthigh in the taco was very tender and cooked just right but I've had much more complex tasting tacos at Mexican mom n' popshops. It needed more acidity, more freshness in my personal opinion. Personally as a cook I think acid is underused in manykitchens and I felt that it was lacking here. We ended up not ordering more plates and went about ordering desserts because Ijust felt disappointed with what was coming out. The crema catalan was too eggy for me. It also seemed like it wasn't sweetenough, I normally don't like overly sweet desserts but this definitely wasn't sweet. The sugar was over caramelized a bit so ithad more bitterness to it than I'd like. The tres leches cake definitely was a better choice. And I

Amazing! They advise you to take more than one dish. My husband and I chose 4 2 dessert in total. The food was really tasty, honestly the size of each dish is p... read more Amazing! They advise you to take more than one dish. My husband and I chose 4 2 dessert in total. The food was really tasty, honestly the size of each dish is perfect. The sauce is not overflowing like other American restaurants. The arrangement isbeautiful. Some espresso for the end and bread accompanied with the dish were missing to the menu though.