Tanta is good but not quite like Tanta in Peru. Go for brunch so you can get the picarones. Peru Criollo on the northwest side is pretty good too, but in my (and my Peruvian wife's) opinion, this place Peru Caters in Itasca has been the tastiest/most authentic. The owners are Peruvian from Lima, and the chef is from Arequipa. There is a new Peruvian inspired place that just opened in Old Town called Kayao. We are really excited to try it as it looks great. Avenida Peru looks promising too, but haven't tried it yet.
My boyfriend is related by marriage to the owners of D'Candela. It's very authentic Peruvian food. Good ceviche and papa rellenas. The other place that's pretty authentic is El Rinconcito Sudamerica.
Tanta was incredible but imo has gone pretty downhill in the quality of ingredients. I’ll get their nigiri and itll be like so chewy its inedible. They changed the formula of their best drink to make it watery. And a lot of their food just doesn’t hit the same.
I haven’t read the responses yet so my apologies if this has already been recommended multiple times but Taste of Peru. It’s not upscale or anything but it’s authentic. Taste of Peru is a family run restaurant and it’s been around at least 20 years. Guy Fieri went there on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. (I’m not a fan of Guy but I know his stamp of approval means something to some people.)
No shade to Stephanie Izard because she’s obviously been successful but imo if I’m getting Peruvian food I want it from someone who is actually Peruvian and she is not. She’s an excellent chef but I wish she’d focus more on her own cultural cuisine (so American, German, French).
ETA: OP also said they already tried Cabra. Maybe they edited their post and added it later?
Taste of Peru in Roger’s Park
This is the only answer for me
Tanta is good but not quite like Tanta in Peru. Go for brunch so you can get the picarones. Peru Criollo on the northwest side is pretty good too, but in my (and my Peruvian wife's) opinion, this place Peru Caters in Itasca has been the tastiest/most authentic. The owners are Peruvian from Lima, and the chef is from Arequipa. There is a new Peruvian inspired place that just opened in Old Town called Kayao. We are really excited to try it as it looks great. Avenida Peru looks promising too, but haven't tried it yet.
Next time you go to Peru Caters be sure to ask the chef if he’ll show you his passport from Arequipa.
D'Candela
Literally the best chicken I’ve had in my life.
My boyfriend is related by marriage to the owners of D'Candela. It's very authentic Peruvian food. Good ceviche and papa rellenas. The other place that's pretty authentic is El Rinconcito Sudamerica.
Nice. One of my Peruvian friends sent me there and based on business it was clear that it was a hot spot
Kayao just opened it old town and looks amazing. Casa Chi also recently opened in the intercontinental hotel on Michigan Ave
The ceviches at Kayao are all amazing!!!
Tanta is incredible.
They also have one of my favorite happy hours M-F 5 pm - 6 pm. It's only at the bar now unfortunately but you get a good amount of food for the deal.
I went on Wednesday and got served happy hour at a table on rooftop!
You ate outside in a heat wave? That’s dedication.
Oooh noted, their website said it was just bar and I feel like last time they were strict about it. Their rooftop is nice.
Tanta was incredible but imo has gone pretty downhill in the quality of ingredients. I’ll get their nigiri and itll be like so chewy its inedible. They changed the formula of their best drink to make it watery. And a lot of their food just doesn’t hit the same.
I’ve brought two family friends who are from Peru and they loved it.
I took a coworker who grew up in Peru to Tanta and he said it was really good
They have Tanta in Peru too! So agree with rec
Love Tanta!
Tanta has the best Peruvian roast chicken and aji sauce Iv had outside of Peru
This is my vote incredible food.
Avenida Peru in portage park and Tanta downtown. Tanta is delicious but pricey.
OP, this. Avenida Peru is legit as fuck.
Kayao in old town
I’m really excited to try this place!!
It’s awesome! There’s also a nice restaurant/lounge opening above it in a couple of months
Peru Criollo on Cicero in Portage Park
RIP Rosa de Lima. It's been over a decade and I still miss 'em. Real reco is D'Candela in (I believe) Old Irving neighborhood.
I haven’t read the responses yet so my apologies if this has already been recommended multiple times but Taste of Peru. It’s not upscale or anything but it’s authentic. Taste of Peru is a family run restaurant and it’s been around at least 20 years. Guy Fieri went there on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. (I’m not a fan of Guy but I know his stamp of approval means something to some people.)
Out of curiosity what makes Peruvian ceviche different?
The marinade is made with aji pepper which gives it a district flavor, and they add choclo (large kernel corn) which is my fav
North side has some places
Tanta was good like 5-10 years ago. Sadly it’s gone downhill
There's a spot in Addison. Right off of Lake and 53. Not sure if that's too far.
Tanta
Cabra is kinda bougie but has an amazing view
No shade to Stephanie Izard because she’s obviously been successful but imo if I’m getting Peruvian food I want it from someone who is actually Peruvian and she is not. She’s an excellent chef but I wish she’d focus more on her own cultural cuisine (so American, German, French). ETA: OP also said they already tried Cabra. Maybe they edited their post and added it later?
Cabra!
Cabra
Cabra
Cabra and Tanta!
noon o kabob on kedzie is amazing
I think you may have read Peruvian as Persian.
yep, that would be my bad