Top Peruvian Restaurants in Los Angeles
There is a hot new trend on the rise for foodies everywhere. The greatest chefs and food enthusiasts of the country are drooling over some delicious Peruvian cuisine. The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times hail Peruvian food to be the next great thing to hit palattes everywhere. Packed with flavor and zest, featuring dishes such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina... it's no wonder Peru is taking the food world by storm. LA happens to be home to some of the best Peruvian restaurants you can find. Check them out:
This hidden Valley Peruvian gem will shake up your palate and leave you wanting more. With its big portions, and combo specials starting at $9.99 for dinners that include an appetizer (Papa a la Huancaina), delicious warm bread, and an entree, it is also easy on your pocket. All the dishes explode with flavor with offerings from traditional Lomo Saltado (Steak), Pescado Sudado (Fish) and Tallarin Verde (Green Pasta) to chaufa- Peru's original fusion of Peruvian and Japanese. You will be transported to Inca territory and never want to come back.
Located off the ever popular Melrose Ave on the corner of Vine, Mario's is no stranger to popularity. Mario's specialty in how it features Peruvian flavor lies in the seafood. With delicious versions of the Peruvian classic Ceveche de Mariscos (Seafood) or Ceviche de Pescado (Fish), and soups like Chupa de Camaron (Shrimp) and Siete Mares (7 Seas), Mario's knows how to keep an audience. Get there early to avoid lines, or call in your order for a treat at home.
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Although Natalie is located on the ever glitzy Hollywood Blvd, Natalie itself is a no frills restaurant. They instead pour all their sass and glamour onto their amazing dishes. Natalie's signature Sopa Super Natalie is a blend of Surf, Land and the Outdoors with a blend of chicken, beef, shrimp, eggs and more done in such a way only Natalie can do. However, its true measure of deliciousness is its Arroz Chaufa Especial A La Natalie- a Peruvian version of fried rice, with everything but the kitchen sink. Natalie Peruvian Restaurant is truly one to grab any food lover's attention.
You thought you had tasted every way a chicken could be cooked, but until you try one of Choza Mama's Peruvian Style Pollo a la Brasa, your life is not complete. Choza is perfect for that quick hankering for something new. Its restaurant is a walk up and order, and the best thing? You can order your complete meal online so it can be ready for you just to pull up, pick up and go. Authentic Peruvian at your fingertips.
Hours:
Mon to Fri: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat to Sun: Noon - 9:00 PM
Just off of Sunset Blvd, practically across the street from the Arclight is where you can find this Peruvian delight. The decor is relaxing and inviting, great for a date night or to hang out with friends. With appetizers like Causa Trio (roasted tomatoes and avocado- shredded chicken and celery- seafood and Peruvian olive sauce) you know your meal has nowhere to go but up. For meat lovers- try the Bistek Patron- it will leave you licking your plate clean.
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sun: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Named for a province of the Southern Coast of Peru, Nazca embodies the best flavors of its home country. Wallet- friendly and tummy approved, this Van Nuys eatery will have your taste buds thanking you for discovering Nazca. Start with the Papa a la Huancaina, devour the Arroz con Pollo and end with an Alfajor.... and you would swear you could hear "El Condor Pasa." Little tip: Park off a side street, the little lot can get crowded fast.
Yolanda Machado is the Sassy Mama in L.A. LA Native, valley girl for life, when she isn't stuck in traffic, she enjoys movies, wine, food and discovering new places to take her family throughout LA while avoiding the 405.