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    Culantro Peruvian Cookery

    3.7 (25 reviews)
    ModeratePeruvian
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Culantro Peruvian Cookery Photos

    CULANTRO PERUVIAN COOKERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    We'd been waiting twenty minutes for three empanadas and awful yuca fries. Also, the snappy waitress is in the back of the photo.
    Alyssa N.

    This place gets two stars only because the empanadas were BOMB. Otherwise, Good Lord, the service was horrific. My girlfriend and I arrived at 9pm on the dot and were told the kitchen was already closed (they're allegedly open until 10pm, mind you). I was pretty annoyed because I was in town visiting my grandma in the hospital and after a grueling day at her bedside I really just wanted some good Peruvian food, so I politely inquired if, since the kitchen closed literally 30 seconds prior, we could sit down and place an order for some quick apps and an entree. She snappily responded "No, the kitchen is CLOSED." I was pretty taken aback at her tone and grumpily quipped that closing the kitchen an HOUR early was pretty lousy business practice and that her snapping at me is going to earn them a not-so-great review. To this she responded by storming into the kitchen to speak with one of the cooks back there, and then stomped back and snappily said "We can make you empanadas but that is IT." Ok, angry lady. I'll order empanadas, that's all I really wanted anyway. So we order three empanadas and a side of yuca fries and stand around waiting for these items for twenty minutes. Also fine. But then one of the cooks, who carried himself like the owner or manager - which he very well may have been - comes out and lectures me about my attitude? Says that I should have come earlier if I wanted to sit and have a meal, and then proceeds to say, "You should sit and have a drink at the bar, it may calm you down so you can be kinder to the waitress." WHAT. I'm seething at this point so I very pointedly told him that I did not have any sort of attitude and that the waitress was the one who was rude to me, and then I about-faced and stomped out of there. I've attached a photo to this review of the time in which you can also see the terrible waitress. AND to top it all off, the yuca fries were sparse, over fried, and just all around disappointing. Rest assured I'll never be walking through Culantro's doors again.

    Interior
    Zechen M.

    The food and service were great. We had the pisco passion, ceviche, half chicken + yucca fries and quinoa, and the lamb shank. They have a small menu but everything is really good. The chicken and lamb are HIGHLY recommended. The portions are also quite generous. A solid date night pick.

    Judy W.

    Authentic Peruvian cuisine! I do love the pomegranate juicy! The roast meat also tastes good!!n!

    Sparse but quaint
    K V.

    Been wanting to try out this place for a while. We were unsure if we should make reservations but clearly this was not needed - only one person came in the whole time we dined to pick up take out. We ordered empanadas to start with yucca fries -the Carne Empanada being the fav. The two sauces on the side that accompanied them were very nice additions - although seemed rationed and could have been more. We had the Passion fruit juice - made on site which was tasty and tart. The waitress was kind and brought a sample of the purple corn juice which was enough for me! For entrees we each ordered the same meal - quarter chicken veggies and quinoa. This was good - one thought that crossed during this part of the meal was...Swiss chalet...but chicken char cooked a little more. In search of the "Peruvian taste' in this meal it was once again found in the side dip sauce which was a very modest amount but when requested, received more. A small scoop of home made ice cream finished off the meal - it was ok - we debated if this was fresh or not- a bit icy but maybe this was how it was supposed to be. A couple of items requested on the small menu were not available which was too bad. The waitress was chipper and helpful and we had her undivided attention so no complaints there. Overall the food was good - the experience ok. My friends and I meet to try 'new to us' restaurants in search of culturally diverse food, spices, experiences and tastes. "Underwhelmed" but ok seems to sum up this experience.

    Chicken & beef empanandas.. Get the Beef! Make sure they have the aji..

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    Review Highlights - Culantro Peruvian Cookery

    We had the pisco passion, ceviche, half chicken + yucca fries and quinoa, and the lamb shank.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Peruviano - Ceviche x extra habaneros sauce

    Peruviano

    4.1(7 reviews)
    3.1 km

    After 9 hours of roadtripping from different directions, my extended family converged in Hamilton…read moreand was hoping to catch up over dinner in advance of an event the following day. We were looking for a place with space for 13, and Peruviano delivered. The staff was exceptionally welcoming. On very short notice they reserved a group of tables for us, so we could sit near each other. The service was quick and gracious, even with the two middle school girls, cousins, who sat at their own table acting like middle schoolers at the end of a long day (). The food was delicious! We ordered a series of small plates and each one of them had great flavors. I particularly loved the Brussels sprouts, the tostones, and the ceviche. Cocktails and mocktails were also delish. And at the end of the evening the owner came out and chatted with us and sat at a table nearby with a friend. Bottom line: Peruviano was hospitable, accommodating, and served delicious, flavorful dishes. If I were local, I would be a regular here. Highly recommend!

    We loved everything about our experience at Peruviano the other night!…read more It was nice out so we sat in the back garden area which is seriously one of the loveliest patios I've been to in Hamilton. They have large and small tables, as well as outdoor couches, twinkly lights, and an outdoor cooking / service area. We shared the scallops, beet salad and ceviche. All three were outstanding and super fresh. The scallops are to die for if you love garlic, scallops, butter and cheese. The ceviche was so flavorful and special - I loved the mix of textures. The beet salad was a nice addition to round out our meal. We tried the purple corn juice and a lime cocktail. Both were generous portions and very tasty. Our service was excellent. The vibes were amazing. We couldn't have had a better experience.

    Photos
    Peruviano - The sign that brought me in!

    The sign that brought me in!

    Peruviano - Ceviche

    Ceviche

    Peruviano - The mojito

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    The mojito

    El Inka Toronto - Maracuya Sour

    El Inka Toronto

    4.8(20 reviews)
    61.0 kmYonge and St. Clair, Deer Park

    Best decision of my recent trip to Toronto was to visit El Inka. I came here on a Tuesday afternoon…read morejust around 1:30pm. The restaurant was not busy at all, which for me was perfect. I was dining solo, and just really wanted to experience some good Peruvian food that I haven't had in a long time. I ordered from the lunch menu and opted for two lunches - gluttonous I know - but I wanted to try the Ceviche de pescado and the Aji de Gallina. I asked about Chicha Morada to drink, but it hadn't been prepared yet, so I had maracuja juice (passion fruit). First of all, the ceviche was outstanding! It's a simple tilapia, but it was so perfectly prepared. I loved the little sweet potato garnish, and the tangy flavor was spot on. I felt like I was eating the ceviche I had back when I was in Peru. The server also brought a small dish of Peruvian corn (crunchy corn kernels) with my drink while I waited for the entrees to come out. These were perfect little snackers! The Aji de Gallina came next and it was also exactly like the homemade aji de gallina I had at the home I stayed at while in Peru. It was so reminiscent of homecooked food, and it was exactly what I wanted. Of course, I couldn't finish it all, and my server boxed it up for me to take home. Speaking of my server - a HUGE shout out to Alessandra who was so kind and friendly. Since the restaurant was relatively empty I had the opportunity to chat with her more than I might normally chat with a server. I ended up showing her photos from when I was in Peru and about being in Toronto for the day. I was just very excited to find authenitc Peruvian food since it's not something easily accessible here in my city. Alessandra was a delight, and she even sent me home with some extra Peruvian corn for a snack which I happily ate on my train ride home the next day. She definitely didn't have to do that! I really hope that I get a chance to visit this restaurant again! Also, as an American, the prices were really good. I spent only $34 USD for two entrees - so if in a normal situation when I wasn't over eating, I could easily have had a $18-20 lunch that was filling and delicious.

    Got the chance to try Peruvian food for the first time with my cousin. We first started off with…read morechicha moradas. The drink was sweet, had the taste of cinnamon, and reminded me of kompot. I was also so surprised to find out that it was made from a special kind of corn because I would've never guessed. Overall, I thought the drink was very yummy and we each ended up ordering two of them. For the appetizer, we got the anticuchos. The meat was super tender and it was served with this sweet and creamy sauce. It was almost mustard like and it complimented the meat very well. For the main, I got the Tallarin Huancaina con Lomo, which is a fettuccine pasta made with huancaina cream, served with tomato's, red onions, gravy, and cilantro. The dish was nice and creamy, and I thought the tomato's and onions were a great addition, as they're not typically served in creamy Italian pastas. The meat was once again super tender :) The service was very quick, and the ambiance of the restaurant was very warm and friendly. I was at the restaurant at around 7:00 on a weekday and it wasn't too busy. Overall, I really enjoyed this restaurant and Peruvian food in general. I'll be looking to try more Peruvian and Latin American spots.

    Photos
    El Inka Toronto
    El Inka Toronto - Anticucho

    Anticucho

    El Inka Toronto - Chicha (sweet purple corn drink)

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    Chicha (sweet purple corn drink)

    Pisac Peruvian Bistro - Seco de Cordero

    Pisac Peruvian Bistro

    4.4(47 reviews)
    60.0 km

    We came here as a group of 10 on a Sunday evening and had a fantastic experience…read more My partner and I shared: - Alitas de Pollo (nice balance of dry and saucy, slightly spicy wings) - Ceviche Carretillero (my least favourite dish of the night as it was a little too sour, and the fried calamari was an interesting topping admist this raw dish. The sweet potatoes surprisingly worked well though) - Parihuela (not as well-rounded as a French bouillabaisse, but still delicious with a variety of seafood) - Chicha Morada (delicious purple corn drink) Portions were pretty large, so I'd recommend ordering family style to try a few different dishes. Food was not a 5/5 for me, but service was above and beyond. Upon arrival, we had given the staff a cake to serve after our meal for a friend's birthday. We had the candles in our bag, and were planning on pulling them out when we were done our entrees. The owner, assuming that we hadn't brought our own candles, went out and bought candles for the cake during our meal. We were stunned when we found out! They then portioned out the cake perfectly after we sang happy birthday. We also didn't realise we had stayed 30 minutes past their 9pm closing time, and they never nudged us to leave. It seemed like it was the owner and his father running the restaurant, and I felt very well taken care of. I'm already looking forward to returning to Pisac in the near future.

    Came here with some friends after a trip to Peru. The food definitely brought us back, especially…read morethe chicha morada! I had to lomo saltado which was pretty good and the beef was very tender. The desserts of the day were lucuma crème brulee and lucuma cheesecake. I found the chocolate in the cheesecake to be a bit overpowering to the lucuma taste. The flavour of creme brûlée was really really good!

    Photos
    Pisac Peruvian Bistro
    Pisac Peruvian Bistro - Causa de Atún

    Causa de Atún

    Pisac Peruvian Bistro

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    Wavey Ceviches - Lomo saltado

    Wavey Ceviches

    4.8(5 reviews)
    33.5 kmErin Mills

    Absolutely amazing food!!!…read more This is a great new Peruvian place that opened up recently. It is authentic DELICIOUS Peruvian food served FRESH and QUICK ! I can't boast enough about this place. It is more like a fast food atmosphere but knowing how quickly you will devote the food, there's no need for too much seating space. Location: Mississauga. Located in a plaza therefore, plenty of parking. You order at the counter, they give you a number. You can sit, or order to go. They bring your order to your table. In traditional Peruvian style, they serve you a little bit of "Cancha" while you wait. (Corn sautéed with oil and salt , like a tiny snack but I love it!) I ordered Ceviche de Pescado. Traditional plate. It's Tilapia cooked in lime juice serviced with sweet potatoe, cancha, fried fresh plantain and a lettuce. Sooooo good!!!!!!! I'm drooling as I'm writing this. This was followed by Lomo Saltado. The most tender and fresh Lomo I have ever had!!! (Beef cubes) served with fries with rice. The sauce is tomatoes with onion, and it's a fusion because they add the soy sauce to it. This is also a popular traditional dish. For dessert we took some to go. Alfajor, (like a soft cookie top and bottom with Dulce de lèche inside. I think , I ate it to quickly) Masamora made with something purple that I cannot remember. Arroz con lèche (rice, condense milk, cinnamon, raisins, sooo good!) These two are supposed to be eaten side by side in Peru. We bought chicken tamales to go as well. For drinks we ordered Chicha Morada (made with purple corn ) and I think it was Maracuya or Granadilla drink. Either or, it was delicious!!!!!! Although the prices are a bit on the higher side for these places it is worth it! Delicious, fresh and authentic!! Post pandemic and inflation it is understandable. It's a family owned business and they need to open one up in Toronto. :)

    The ceviche brings me back to Lima. Taste is excellent. Perfectly balanced Would highly recommend…read morethis place.

    Photos
    Wavey Ceviches - Desserts to your left.... Goodies to take home on your right.

    Desserts to your left.... Goodies to take home on your right.

    Wavey Ceviches
    Wavey Ceviches - Aji de gallina

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    Aji de gallina

    Culantro Peruvian Cookery - peruvian - Updated May 2026

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