Olivia TaylorI went to Peru last summer for a vacation and the food knocked my socks off – the flavors are bold, fresh, and diverse. Peruvian food left a special place in my heart and I just can’t get enough.
When I got back to Canada, it wasn’t long until I craved ceviche. I just had to have it. That led me to ask help from the rest of the team to look for the best restaurants in Ottawa that serve Peruvian food.
We didn’t just do a taste test, we also looked at the ambience, prices, and overall experience to come up with this list. So if you’ve got a hankering for Peruvian food, craving favorite dishes from your childhood, or foodies looking for fun new cuisines to try, you’re in the right place.
Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine
Media Credit: raphaelperuviancuisine
Address: 200 Elgin St.
Contact: +1 819-441-7090
Business Hours: Daily (4:30 PM – 10 PM)
If you’re a fan of contemporary cuisine, Raphaël is a must-try. Their food is playful and adventurous, eating here is a culinary adventure in itself. And we’re not the only ones who think so.
Raphaël is well-loved in the area because of their lip-smackingly delicious food and excellent service. They started out a year into the pandemic, as a takeout restaurant tucked away in a warehouse. They have since grown into a full-service resto.
Their menu isn’t extensive, but each dish is intentional and well-executed, highlighting the diversity of Peruvian flavors.
They have the classic, such as their take on ceviche, using Pacific Lingcod and Aji Limo Tiger’s Milk, cochinillo, and lomo saltado (available in tenderloin or ribeye cuts). They also offer small plates like anticuchos (skewers), tamalito de pato (duck-filled tamales), and pulpo al olivo.
They have group dining package options for large groups. They’re served family style with price points starting at CA$69 per person. They can easily accommodate dietary restrictions, but you’ll have to inform them in advance.
Pro Tip:
Don’t sleep on their cocktails. Their Pisco Sour Clásico and Pisco Sour Especial are delicious, perfectly paired with the food. The Pisco Sour Especial is different because it uses chicha morada syrup.
Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant
Media Credit: restaurant_amazonas
Address: 19 Chem. Eardley
Contact: +1 819-684-9676
Business Hours:
- Wednesday-Saturday (12 PM – 9 PM)
- Sunday (12 PM – 8 PM)
It might seem unassuming from the outside, but Restaurant Amazonas is a gem for Peruvian cuisine. Their food is packed with flavor without being overwhelming. We also like that the portions are generous, so you get your money’s worth.
Their approach to Peruvian food is very homey and traditional; everything is made from scratch. The food is scrumptious and straightforward; we couldn’t help but want to try everything on their menu.
While they have a lot of amazing offerings, their ceviche is very remarkable. So many people swear by it, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s fresh, tasty, and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice.
They have an extensive menu with the usual favorites, tamales, empanadas, lomo saltado, Aji De Gallina, arroz con mariscos, and so much more. You won’t get bored because there will always be something new to try here.
Overall, they’re a good restaurant to visit for a comforting Peruvian meal that will leave you wanting more.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a gift idea for a special occasion? You can buy a gift card for your loved one here. We bought some for our families and they all loved the experience!
Tayanti Peruvian Restaurant
Media credit: tayanti_ottawa
Address: 118 Clarence St.
Contact:
Business Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday-Saturday (2 PM – 10 PM)
- Sunday (2 PM – 8 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Tayanti is a new Peruvian restaurant and bar where people hold parties and events. So if you’re looking for delicious and authentic Peruvian food with a chance to be part of a growing community, this place is for you.
Some show-stoppers on their menu include their ceviche and arroz con Mariscos. They’re also adventurous because they have lomo saltado pizza!
Of course, they also serve tasty and satisfying drinks that pair perfectly with their dishes. They have a wide range of drinks available (grapefruit mojito, anyone?), so there’s plenty to choose from for any kind of mood.
What sets Tayanti apart is the chill and youthful atmosphere. Given that they have a lot of events, the vibe is always fun and welcoming through their kind staff and artsy decor.
You should also check out the performances and events they hold here! We attended a few and have always had a good time. You can check out their social media handles to get updated on the next ones.
As for their service, it’s top-notch. They are accommodating, responsive, and friendly. So it’s a great place to bring friends, officemates, and just let your hair down.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a yummy appetizer and you enjoy seafood, their langostinos al panko is to die for!
Petit Peru Resto
Media Credit: petitperu
Address: 152 Rue Montcalm
Contact: +1 819-205-6231
Business Hours:
- Tuesday-Wednesday (11 AM – 9 PM)
- Thursday-Saturday (11 AM – 10 PM)
- Sunday (12 PM – 8 PM)
Petit Peru is a family-run business known for its affordable home-style food. Just a short 5-minute drive from Ottawa, this restaurant is known for its anticuchos, Aji De Gallina, ceviche, salchipapas, and tres leches cake.
This is the perfect place to go to if you want to indulge in rich, and flavorful Peruvian food that will make you loosen your belt. The food is worth the calories. Plus, we like that they’re easy on the wallet.
They also offer buffet-style options which they announce on their social media pages – so make sure you’re following them and keep your eyes peeled for good deals. You can enjoy to your heart’s content without breaking the bank.
That said, you just have to be patient because when the restaurant is packed, the food takes quite some time to come. But overall, it’s worth the visit. The staff is friendly and warm, they’ll make you feel right at home.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you check their business hours before going since their opening and closing times are pretty inconsistent throughout the week.
Must-Taste Peruvian Dishes for First-Timers
If you haven’t had Peruvian food and want to know more about what goes into each dish, here’s a quick guide to common favorites. These dishes are good entry points into Peruvian cuisine that are available in all four of the Peruvian restaurants in Ottawa.
Ceviche
@homecooksworld One of our favorite appetizers made by @ronis_recipes! Salmon Ceviche INGREDIENTS ½ pound/200 grams fresh skinless salmon filet, cut into tiny cubes 1 avocado, cut into tiny cubes 1 teaspoon green chili pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped 1 tablespoon sesame oil Topping: Lemon zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice A pinch of coarse salt 1. Mix everything in a bowl, except for the avocado, then add it and mix again. 2. Arrange the ceviche in a ring and add lemon zest. 3. Remove the ring and add the lemon juice and salt. 👉🏼 And don't forget to hit FOLLOW for more delicious recipes! #salmon #salmonceviche #ceviche #salmonrecipe #app #appetizer #fish #fishrecipe #cevicherecipe #appetizerrecipe #easyrecipe #cookingvideo #homemade #homecooking ♬ original sound – Home Cooks World
Media Credit: homecooksworld
We mentioned this dish many times because it’s a quintessential Peruvian appetizer you have to try at least once. It’s the national dish of Peru.
It’s a cold seafood dish where shellfish and/or fish are cooked by marinating in citrus juice. Typically, lime or lemon juice is used. It’s also seasoned with cilantro, onions, chili, and sometimes garlic, among other spices.
If you like sour food with a kick, this is an excellent option for you! Just make sure you don’t have any seafood allergies.
Lomo Saltado
@comocomediego Lomo Saltado en simples pasos Receta: -350g Lomo o carne de elección -1 Cebolla Roja -2 Tomates -1 Ají Amarillo -2-3 Tallos de Cebolla China -Culantro -2 Cdas Sillao -1 Cda Salsa de Ostión -1 Cda Vinagre Tinto o de Arroz -3 Cdas Fondo de Carne o Ave (agua si no tienen) Guarniciones: -2 Papa Amarilla fritas -Arroz Blanco Cocido Rinde 2 a 3 porciones #lomosaltado #comidaperuana #recetafacil #foodtiktok #fyp ♬ Darling – Trees and Lucy
Media Credit: comocomediego
Lomo Saltado is a traditional dish well-loved by Peruvians. It’s made by marinating sirloin beef or beef steak and stir-frying it with tomatoes, onions, and other spices. It’s commonly served with rice, but there are now interesting fusions available.
Tayanti has lomo saltado pizza! While we enjoy the fusions, nothing beats a good lomo saltado over a steaming bowl of rice. It’s warm and comforting – like a hug in a dish.
Aji De Gallina
@alyssatessa Hoy preparamos Ají de Gallina 😋🤤🤤🥘 Ingredientes: – 1kl de pechuga de pollo – 6 ajíes amarillos licuados – 1 cebolla picado – 1 chra de ajos – 1 chra de palillo(cúrcuma) – sal, pimienta y comino al gusto. – 2 galletas soda o panes – 150 ml de Leche evaporada Acompáñalo con Arroz blanco, aceitunas y su huevito sancochado🤤😋🥘 #parati #ajidegallina #comidas #recetasperu #recetasfaciles #almuerzos #platos #platostipicos #recetastiktok #cocinando ♬ sonido original – Alyssa TESSA
Media Credit: alyssatessa
Aji de gallina is a type of creamy and spicy chicken stew. This is directly translated to “hen’s chili” in English. The chicken is poached and prepared with a nut-based sauce over rice and boiled potatoes.
This is perfect for people who enjoy rich and bold nutty flavors. It’s a very hearty meal that will leave you good and satisfied.
Anticuchos
@ricoyfacil Anticuchos 🇵🇪 Para la salsa Anticuchera necesitas: – Pasta de ají panca 100gr – 1/4 Tz de sillao – 4 dientes de ajo – 2 cdas de sal – 1 cda de pimienta – 1 cda de comino – 1 cda de orégano – 1/2 Tz de cerveza – 2 cdas de pisco – 1/4 Tz de aceite #anticuchos #anticuchosperuanos #parrilla #receta ♬ sonido original – Rico y Fácil con Omar
Media Credit: ricoyfacil
Anticuchos are a well-known street food in Peru, a type of marinated grilled skewers that tastes amazing. You can use different kinds of meat for this, such as chicken and seafood, but beef is more traditionally used.
What gives it its distinct taste is a marinade of vinegar, garlic, cumin, and aji peppers. The result is smoky meat packed with lots of flavor.
Pisco Sour
@santaisabel.cl ¡Lunes de happy hour! 🤩 Anima el inicio de semana con un delicioso Pisco Sour 🥂 La segunda persona que te salga en los comentarios te debe preparar este trago 🥳 #RecetasParaTuDíaADía Aprovecha y encuentra todos los ingredientes en Santa Isabel #OfertasParaTodos ♬ sonido original – Santa Isabel
Media Credit: santaisabel.cl
Although not a traditional dish, this cocktail is a popular choice in Peru and is worth trying. It’s refreshing and tasty. It’s made with pisco, a type of Peruvian brandy, mixed with sugar, egg white, citrus juice, and some bitters.
