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Peru Criollo

4.5 (122 reviews)
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Updated 2 months ago

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PERU CRIOLLO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Good for kids

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Arroz Con Pollo - Green Rice and Chicken
Esmeralda L.

Came in here last weekend with a girlfriend and was able to get a table right away. The staff was very friendly and warm. We shared the ceviche (I devoured it before getting a picture) and it was to die for! I'd go back just for that one entree. We also shared the empanadas, lomo saltado, and arroz con pollo. Everything was 10/10 and incredibly flavorful. Will be back soon!

Chicha Morada
Mark T.

Peru Criollo was my second experience with Peruvian food (after Cabra) and my first experience with home-style Peruvian cooking. I could be way off-base, but I think this is as authentic as it gets. To start, I had an opportunity to try the Empanadas De Carne (Peruvian Baked Turnovers), and the Choclo a La Parrilla Con Queso (Peruvian Grilled Street Corn). For a main, I had the Pollo al Vino (Chicken in Red Wine Sauce). Empanadas = these were as fresh as could be. Even after spending a couple minutes on the plate, the filling was too hot to eat (how embarrassing!) The dough was tasty and in perfect amount and firmness; just enough to add some flavor and not fall apart. The filling was fantastic! The seasoned steak (with accompaniments) was scrumptious and brought great flavor forward. Just one question: why powdered sugar to create a fork outline? A little did make it to the empanada. Didn't hurt anything, just curious. Street Corn = Excellent! The corn was Peruvian (Choclo) where the kernels are notably larger than the standard corn at the grocer. It was cooked to perfection with the grilling adding a perfect amount of smokiness and firmness to the texture. The cheese and sauce added some creaminess and savoriness also. Lastly, I loved that eating this wasn't nearly as messy as I was expecting (as things go for corn on the cob). Chicken = This one is how I know this place is the real deal. The helping was large, the bird was hot and tender, and the sauce was a little sweet and very savory. The veggies were great to add some freshness, and the rice was cooked perfectly. The large piece of potato did not really do it for me. It didn't really hurt, but with the rice already providing a starch element and having the benefit of soaking up any excess sauce, the potato felt like it was only there to add bulk. Guava Turnover = A delightful dessert! The feeling was flavorful and reminds me of entenmann's pastries that I loved but were discontinued, only better! The dough meanwhile was fresh and somewhat flaky. Chicha Morada = I'm finding it difficult to find the words to properly describe this drink. Only to say it is a little bit sweet, and has a little tang/slash funk from the spices added. I think it comes from the cloves. Trust me, this is worth getting. Finally, I want to give some credit to the service that was kind, welcoming, and fairly attentive. I also enjoyed their vibe, and found a decor fun and not overdone. Okay, now I have to justify why I am awarding four stars instead of five. There are two reasons, and very much a 'me' thing: 1. If someone asks me to recommend an authentic Peruvian restaurant, I would 100% share Peru Criollo. At the same time, if someone asks me where to eat in Chicago more broadly, it wouldn't make the list. I also can't say I am particularly drawn to return, not that I would be against it, I just don't feel the pull. 2. Bones. Look, I get that if I'm going to order chicken wings, for example, there's going to be a bone or two within. I also know that some chicken dishes will not be boneless. However, I must say finding random smaller bones throughout my meal wasn't pleasant. There I am, chowing down only to hit a bone. No teeth were broken, but I can't say it was pleasant, neither was pulling them out of my mouth in front of my friend.

Asma M.

We live down the street and had never noticed PC, but were stuck in traffic headed to another restaurant and decided to try it. We called to make a reservation but probably didn't need to (it was probably about half full when we got there). Alejandra was our server and she was super sweet and answered our questions / gave recommendations when asked. We decided to try the Papa Rellena De Carne (fried potato balls) and leche de tigre mussels to start with, split the churrasco and ended with the caramel flan. We both liked the papas (4/5) and thought the mussels were okay (3/5) - we liked the leche de tigre relish topping but it kinda tasted more like pico and I think it overpowered the taste of the dish and the mussels were huge so the balance just felt off. The churrasco was thin so most of it came out more medium than medium rare and the flavors were not as bold as I was expecting but still fine (3/5). Last was the flan and it was okay too (3/5). The restaurant itself was cozy inside and very clean. They are byob but charge a $10 corkage fee (which wasn't mentioned when asked on the phone) - not a huge deal but kind of odd if you don't have a bar (there was a physical bar but it was empty). Overall I wasn't blown away but I like family restaurants so we plan to come back and try some other dishes that looked good.

Ana K.

Highly recommend! Authentic, freshly made, and absolutely delicious. A true must-try for anyone who loves real family-style food.

Papa a la Huancaina
PJ A.

It was our first time to Peru Criollo. My husband has lived in Peru and I have visited. We started with the Papa a la Huancaina, which was very flavorful. My husband had the Arroz con Pollo and I had the Lomo Saltado. Both were amazing and full of flavor. The staff were super nice and very attentive, especially Alejandra. We will definitely be back soon.

Art

Went to Peru a few years ago and have been talking about the food since then but have been unable to find a restaurant in Chicago that feels like being in Peru. Peru Criollo is that. Ambiance is great, service is great, and the food is incredible. The ceviche is out of this world and we got the flan for dessert, I can truly say it was the best flan I have ever had. 10/10 would recommend.

We where there for my birthday in December and we love it was a great good and service ..finally we decide to go back today to celebrate my nephews birthday..we got there order appetizers right away. 2 min after the server came back to take the order and told us that they don't accept any alcohol when the place it was a byob . We decide to just take the appetizers home and leave . Is very disappointed and never come back ..don't make people waiste the time

Lomo Saltado
Precious B.

Our waitress was a sweetheart and I really enjoyed the lomo Saltado here! Delicious. The ambiance was perfect for a nice Sunday date with my honey.

Lomo saltado
Bianca H.

The service was amazing our server was so sweet and kind and the atmosphere was great the music added to this great experience as a white Peruvian I loved the food on my trip here I have eaten here twice because it's so good. I love everything about this restaurant

Leith R.

food was very flavorful if you don't try this place out before you die you're missing out and that's a million dollar money back guarantee. get the fried rice w steak good portion filling clean and flavorful you get what you pay for and some will be back here w family soon

Lomo Saltado
Mabel S.

Our dinner at Peru Criollo was a lovely Valentine's Day treat! The dining area is spacious with bright gorgeous murals contrasting the moody black walls & ceiling. There's an elevated feel with faux candles and black table clothes (played down with a paper cover). There's also bar seating near the back; it's a great mix of elevated and casual. Their menu is easy to navigate and we quickly knew what we wanted for our main entrees: charrasco steak (special) and a classic lomo saltado with steak. For apps, we ordered chilled cooked mussels on the 1/2 shell and Peruvian Street Corn. It was fun to try something new for apps, but it was really our mains that wow'ed us. My husband loved his steak and I was delighted by the flavors of my lomo saltado (a brilliant Asian and Peruvian fused dish that always satisfies). Although this spot is a bit of a trek for us, we'd love to come back with friends to try more dishes. The service was personal and warm -- thank you Alejandra. We felt right at home!

Binio L.

Love it when a restaurant has the perfect mix balanced. This place has a very clean and inviting ambiance. Open space and tables are not on each other. Easy street parking at night. Some paid parking during the day. Amazing quick, professional, helpful, and friendly staff. The food is superb. Everything I had was fantastic. Peruvian cuisine is top notch, but when done well, it is a home run, and this place does it flawlessly. Ample menu, and I only tried specific items and loved them all. And then the value! Great prices with good portions. A $30-50 per person for high-quality flavorful food.

KELLY M.

Came here for my birthday couple months ago, forgot to write a review. This place was recommended by a friend, and my boyfriend and I were looking for a good Peruvian food. So we decided to come here, let me just say the service was awesome and the food are delicious. We order appetizers and entree with a dessert. Everything was delicious and we walk out with a smile on our face and stomach was happy. Would definitely come back and recommend family and friend. Street parking. You can host a birthday party too. Plenty of space.

Ceviche Mixto

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

Food was absolutely amazing it was pretty authentic and good portions of food the lady Alejandra attended us nicely everything was perfect

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

Thank you for your kind works and support. We'll see you soon!

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

Fantastic!!! Great food. Wonderful service. Alejandra was an excellent server who provided great tips regarding what to have. Loved if!!

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

The food was excellent and the weight staff specifically Alexandra was wonderful and very accommodating. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

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Peru C.

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1 year ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

Cindy, thank you for the 4 star review. See you soon :)

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

Thank you for the 5 star review and pictures! See you again soon!

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

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3 years ago

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Peru C.

Henry, thanks for the review.

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

Thank you for the great review, see you soon!

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2 years ago

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Peru C.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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Peru C.

Thank you for your 5 star review, see you soon!

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Hidden gem in Portage Park. Amazing food and fantastic service. Perfect spot in this great neighborhood.

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Peru C.

Barb, thank you for the 5 star review. See you soon.

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2 years ago

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Peruvian food can be very very good, and D'Candela was fantastic. The Lomo Saltado was very good…read more We've had it a few places and D'Candela's is as good or better. The Aji de Gallina (from the menu: "Chicken in walnut sauce. Served with potato, boiled egg and white rice") was incredibly good, although it didn't taste like walnuts to me. Doesn't matter, I'd get it again. Service was great, our server was very nice and attentive. We went at a random time so we were the only people there. Music was not loud or non-existent (thank you). Hoping to go back again soon!

This is where I will be going whenever I get a craving for Peruvian…read more Papa à la huancaina - one of my fav Peruvian dishes. Creamy yellow pepper sauce smothering a freshly boiled potato. Excellent. The pollo saltado - chicken stir fried with onions and tomatoes. The sauce poured over French fries, so they soak in all the juices. A side of white rice makes for the perfect side. Rotisserie chicken - this was the reason we came, and damn did it deliver. Incredibly moist and full of flavor. The green pepper sauce it comes with pairs perfectly. It's got a little subtle kick to it. The staff was great and super friendly. Food came out quick and was so fresh. Prices are super reasonable, and portions are large. The dining room is large and comfortable but no frills - the focus is on the food, as it should be.

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El Fogón de Elena Restaurant

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The food and service are amazing Thanks to cashier holder…read more Nice service The music too

My lovely wife and I decided to have lunch at El Fogon de Elena on a very busy Sunday. This is a…read moresnug Colombian restaurant on Lawrence just a tad east of Kedzie. So our server stated that our first-choice food selections were not available (steak jibarito and beef arepa) so instead we then ordered empanadas (one beef, one shrimp) and the chuleta valluna. We noticed that the kitchen was slingin' some massive plates of food, so we decided to split the one entree and the empanadas. Well the server comes along and says they are out of shrimp empanadas. How can a restaurant be out of so many food items when it is barely past 1PM? We decided to do just the single entree and the single empanada. I also ordered a can of Inca Kola (good stuff, though I had to beg for the drink after our food was served), and we did get some ice water. The beef empanada was AOK, not bad. The chuleta valluna features a massive flattened breaded pork chop along with many items (rice, fries, yuca fries, tostones, yellow potato, salad). The menu mentioned this dish would also have sweet plantain, but perhaps the yuca fries were a sub for the sweet plantain. I gotta admit, the food overall is pretty good. The service from the staff was pleasant, but there was always something "off" during our dining experience. When the bill came, we were charged for the shrimp empanada that was not being served, so we had to ask for a corrected bill to deduct the missing empanada. Overall we had extremely mixed feelings about our lunchtime here. Perhaps it was just a super busy day here, but I am feeling overly generous with my three-star review.

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The Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood stew) amazing! The best!
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Peru Criollo - peruvian - Updated July 2026

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