Yesterday, while hiking in the Andean foothills surrounding Lake Titicaca, we happened upon an old Peruvian farmer called Juan Carlos. Together we discussed ancient Peruvian culture, from the Norte Chico civilisation to the Inca Empire. He regaled us with tales of the Paquisha War, fed us homemade Peruvian treats and taught us how to play the pan pipes.
It was a very special time.
This morning, when it was time to leave, Juan Carlos gave us two secret family recipes – one for ceviche, and one for pisco sours – which had been passed down to him through multiple generations of his family. He made us promise to return to London and open a lively Peruvian restaurant in his honour, filled with mouthwatering ceviche, upbeat music and hard-hitting cocktails…
… but we just got back and found out that Señor Ceviche have already done it.
Sitting just off Carnaby Street in the colourful nook that is Kingly Court, this Peruvian temple of joy – which is the first permanent incarnation of a series of successful pop ups – is serving up pisco sours, Titicaca Fizz and ‘Mancora Surfboard’ shots alongside hearty Peruvian Cusqueña beers, latin funk, jazz and soul music, and food that pours from an expansive open kitchen adorned with overhanging shrubbery.
On the menu: ceviche and tiradito (like sea bream ceviche with aji limo tiger’s milk and sweet potato, and a ‘Mr.Miyagi’ salmon tiradito with Nikkei tiger’s milk and purple shiso); grilled Peruvian skewers of tamarind BBQ chicken, flat iron beef and smokey citrus prawns; grilled plates like slow-cooked pachamanca pork ribs; and for dessert, passion fruit posset and coconut ice cream with dulce de leche brownies.
Juan Carlos makes brownies, too.
But they’re rubbish.
NOTE: Señor Ceviche is open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends. You can find out more, and reserve a table, HERE.
Señor Ceviche | 1st Floor Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, W1B 5PW
Like great ceviche? Check out the best Peruvian restaurants in London