Archie MontroseDon’t tell anyone, but my knowledge of international cuisine is quite limited. Dining out for me often consists of the same mundane take-out spots.
On a whim (and a recommendation from a friend), I decided to check out this cute Peruvian restaurant near my house. I was recommended a ceviche by the waiter, and boy, was I hooked!
After feeling like Anton Ego after tasting ratatouille, I decided that I simply MUST find the best Peruvian restaurants in Vancouver. So, if you’d like to find out what I discovered, then my guide today will take you on a culinary journey.
1. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
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Website: http://www.ancoradining.com/
Address: 1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9
Contact details: +16046811164
Operating hours: 12–10 PM
Pricing: $$$
If you’ve never heard of Nikkei cuisine before, it’s a combination of Peruvian and Japanese Cuisine. And if that sounds mouthwatering to you, then you have to visit Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio.
The restaurant is right by the waterfront. The ambiance is enchanting, with a Pacific Northwest vibe and a serene outdoor patio overlooking False Creek.
The innovative menu celebrates the diverse flavors of both cultures. One of my favorite dishes is the sablefish with aji panca and miso squash quinotto.
They also have special events and happy hours with discounts on select drinks and appetizers, which are fantastic ways to experience their offerings without breaking the bank.
Pro tip:
Explore the extensive cocktail menu, which offers many delicious and unique options.
2. Suyo Modern Peruvian
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Website: http://www.suyo.ca/
Address: 3475 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M9
Contact details: +16043221588
Operating hours: 5–9:30 PM
Pricing: $
Suyo Modern Peruvian celebrates Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist on traditional dishes. The chef, Ricardo Valverde, knows what he’s doing, and you can taste his passion in every dish.
The ambiance is perfect—a blend of modern design and natural elements, with warm woods and lush greenery creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Not to mention the mood lighting, which enhances the whole dining experience.
I’ve been to a couple of themed nights they’ve organized. These nights are cool because they showcase different Peruvian festivals and traditions. They usually have live music and performances that bring Peruvian culture to life.
Don’t even get me started on the cocktails—they’re amazing. The Pisco Sour and Chilcano were great, and they’ve got some innovative creations inspired by Peru’s diverse landscapes.
Pro tip:
Make a reservation in advance, especially during peak dining hours. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations. They’re happy to guide you through the menu and suggest dishes that suit your taste.
3. Silvestre Deli & Bistro
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Website: http://www.silvestregustolatino.com/
Address: 317 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
Contact details: +16045582825
Operating hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Pricing: $$
Silvestre Deli & Bistro was founded by a family longing for the flavors of their homeland, and you can feel the spirit of traditional Peruvian cuisine in every dish. The name “Silvestre” translates to “wild” or “untouched,” which perfectly reflects their dishes.
The warm and inviting ambiance makes it perfect for casual dining and special occasions. The decor is a cozy blend of rustic and contemporary elements, making me feel like I was stepping into a friend’s home and sharing delicious food and stories.
I loved the Ceviche Mixto during my visit. It perfectly balanced fresh fish with zesty lime and spices.
Pro tip: Silvestre hosts special events and offers discounts on certain days. You should also try their chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian purple corn drink. It’s sweet and slightly tart with a hint of cinnamon and clove. It’s the perfect complement to any meal and a must-try for any visitor.
4. El Inka Latin Deli
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Website: https://www.skipthedishes.com/el-inka-deli
Contact details: +16044344545
Operating hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Pricing: $$
El Inka Latin Deli is a family-owned gem with an inviting vibe. It’s upscale and casual, perfect for any gathering.
This amazing deli has the coziest and most stylish decor. It’s got warm colors and traditional Peruvian elements that really celebrate the culture. The dining area is so intimate and compact that it just makes you feel really close to everyone there.
The service is super friendly, and there’s a great selection of Pisco cocktails. I love the lively atmosphere, especially when traditional music plays.
One of the best-selling dishes is Lomo Saltado. It’s a classic Peruvian dish with beef, French fries, and rice. Talk about carb overload! They also have special events and offer discounts on certain days, which makes it even more appealing.
Pro tip:
Try their chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian purple corn drink. It’s slightly sweet and has a refreshing, fruity flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
5. Mangos Kitchen Bar
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Website: https://www.mangosvancouver.com/
Address: 1180 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R2
Contact details: +16045595533
Operating hours: 3 PM–1 AM
Pricing: $$
Mangos Kitchen Bar is all about authentic Latin American and Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere here is just as vibrant as the food. They have a full-service bar and play lively Latin music, creating a fun and welcoming vibe.
I particularly enjoyed their Fish Tacos, and get this: On Taco Tuesdays, there is a special deal where you can get three tacos for just $9!
They have themed nights like Salsa Tuesdays, where you can take lessons and dance the night away. They also host events like Free Wings Wednesdays and Caliente Thursdays, so something exciting always happens here.
Pro tip:
Ask about their off-the-menu specials. The chefs often create unique and delicious dishes not listed on the regular menu. It’s a great way to discover new flavors and experience the restaurant’s creativity.
6. Cuchillo
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Website: http://www.cuchillo.ca/
Address: 261 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2Z1
Contact details: +16045597585
Operating hours: 5–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Cuchillo serves a fantastic fusion of Peruvian and Latin American cuisine. The menu has everything from traditional ceviche to Mexican tacos. The restaurant has a cool vibe, colorful decor, and a warm atmosphere.
One of the things I love about Cuchillo is the interactive dining experience. Sharing tapas-style plates with friends creates a communal feel that enhances the meal. You also have to try the Diver-Caught Peruvian Scallops—they are out of this world!
They also have special events and promotions, like happy hour discounts on select tapas and drinks, making it a great spot for casual outings and celebrations.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their delicious cocktails, like the Pisco Sour or the Chilcano, to complete the Peruvian dining experience.
7. Panaderia Latina Bakery
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/panaderialatinabakery/
Address: 4906 Joyce St, Vancouver, BC V5R 4G6
Contact details: +16044391414
Operating hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Pricing: $$
I also discovered this amazing bakery called Panaderia Latina Bakery, which I think you’ll love. It specializes in authentic Latin American baked goods, and the place is inviting.
The ambiance is warm with its comfy seating and lovely decor that showcases Latin American culture. It’s always bustling with the delicious smell of freshly baked goods, making it such an inviting spot.
The staff is super friendly and often engages with customers in Spanish, which adds to the authentic experience. One of my favorite dishes is the aji de gallina, a creamy chicken stew bursting with Peruvian flavors.
The best part is enjoying it with a warm cup of coffee and just soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s become one of my go-to spots for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon.
Pro tip:
Try their chicha morada, a refreshing and delicious traditional Peruvian purple corn drink. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any of their pastries or savory dishes.
8. Havana Vancouver
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Website: http://www.havanavancouver.com/
Address: 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
Contact details: +16042539119
Operating hours: 11 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
We love Havana Vancouver for its enchanting atmosphere – it has lively music and a year-round patio where you can soak up the sun while enjoying your meal.
The menu combines authentic Latin flavors with Pacific Northwest-style cuisine, which we found to be quite a unique experience.
One of the things I love most about Havana is its daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m., during which they offer discounts on select menu items. It’s a great opportunity to try different dishes at a great price.
Don’t let me forget to tell you about the mojitos! They use Havana Club 3-Year Rum, made from sugarcane molasses, giving it that authentic Cuban flavor. Because of this rum, the mojitos there are much tastier than the ones made with regular rum.
Whether you’re looking for a casual gathering or a special occasion, Havana offers reservations, takeout, and delivery options.
Pro tip:
Try their pisco sours, a classic Peruvian cocktail made with pisco brandy, lime juice, sugar, and egg whites—this refreshing and tangy drink pairs perfectly with the flavorful Peruvian cuisine.
9. El Camino’s
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Website: http://www.elcaminos.ca/
Address: 3250 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M6
Contact details: +16048756246
Operating hours: 3–10 PM
Pricing: $$
El Camino’s serves delicious Latin American street food, focusing on Peruvian cuisine. We love the decor here because it reflects Latin American culture’s vibrant colors and vibe.
While there, I couldn’t help but notice the communal tables that encourage sharing and conversation. They also have a great selection of cocktails, including classic drinks like Pisco Sours and local beers and wines.
What’s cool is that El Camino’s often hosts special events and promotions, like happy hour deals, themed nights with live music, or unique tasting menus. These add an extra layer of excitement to the whole dining experience.
One thing that stood out to me was the friendly staff—they made me feel at home. Plus, they have an outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying a meal on warm days.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their happy hour specials, which run from 4 to 6 PM Monday through Friday. It’s the perfect time to enjoy discounted cocktails alongside your ceviche for a delightful experience!
10. El Dorado Pie & Treats
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Website: https://eldoradopie.ca/
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct #130, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E4
Contact details: +16049871663
Operating hours: 9 AM–7 PM
Pricing: $
El Dorado Pie & Treats is a family-operated bakery specializing in sweet and savory Peruvian-inspired treats. What I loved the most was watching the bakers in action; it added a personal touch to the whole experience!
I couldn’t resist trying their Inca Savory Empanada– the tender beef seasoned in a delightful Peruvian cilantro sauce was a flavor explosion. They also have homemade dipping sauces that perfectly complement the empanadas.
It often has special events and discounts, so it’s a great spot for those looking to indulge in authentic Peruvian cuisine on a budget.
Pro tip:
You should also try their Peruvian-style chicken pie. The flaky pastry is filled with a rich and savory chicken filling that is simply divine.
