The best Peruvian restaurants in Miami for when the ceviche craving hits

What is it? This high-end Peruvian restaurant from star chef/restaurateur Gastón Acurio puts out exquisite, seasonally inspired cuisine.

Why go? Let us be grandiose for a moment: It’s humanly impossible for chef Diego Oka to make food that tastes anything but exceptional. Try the tiradito bachiche, the chaufa aeropuerto and branzino chifa and get back to us.    

What is it? For many Miamians, this is the gold standard for ceviche in the city. More than a decade in, chef Juan Chipoco’s Peruvian restaurant remains one of the buzziest corners of Downtown.

Why go? The broad menu includes nearly every Peruvian dish ever conceived, making this the ideal restaurant for both picky eaters and exhaustive foodies. As its name implies, the ceviche here is stellar.

What is it?  None of the ceviches at this Peruvian outpost located inside the new Time Out Market Miami are smothered in sauce, yet each dish—made with a maximum of five locally sourced ingredients—explodes with flavor.

Why go? Chef Sebastian Fernandez keeps it simple, sticking to a classic preparation of fresh-from-the-ocean fish with tender kernels of Peruvian corn and a delicate smear of sweet-potato puree. Straight and deliciously to the point.

What is it? A laid-back chicken joint that puts out excellent rotisserie birds and oversize portions of classic Peruvian cuisine.

Why go? Peruvian can be heavy on the seafood but Pollos y Jarras covers the terrestrial side of things, serving a smattering of saltados and delicious (think fried) appetizers. There’s also a small selection of ceviche to appease the fish-loving purists.

What is it? Located in the popular Design District food hall, this Peruvian sushi shop is helmed by James Beard-recognized sibling chef duo Valerie and Nando Chang.

Why go? Whether you’re opting for a bowl (each of which stars a perfectly mouth puckering leche de tigre), a roll or something off the tiraditos menu, Itamae at St. Roch makes for a great lunch spot between shopping sprees, with plenty of seating for big groups. 

What is it? This sleek Brickell spot doles out modern interpretations of classic Peruvian fare.

Why go? Approachable and affordable, 1111 falls somewhere between neighborhood joint and ritzy establishment. It’s ideal for date nights and business meetings, while the low-key outdoor area is great for a quick drink.

What is it? This bougie, London export serves trendy Nikkei cuisine in an over-the-top space boasting real lava stone accents and a retractable roof. 

Why go? Scenesters need to eat, too, and if you’re looking for a place to wear your newest pair of red bottoms, this is it. It’s a restaurant with a club vibe, so there’s no need to make plans after dinner.

What is it? This hip Peruvian hotspot in the heart of Kendall features a spacious courtyard for your al fresco boozing.

Why go? There aren’t many happy hour options around these parts and Pisco y Nazca’s “Hora Loca” is not to be missed thanks to an extensive beer list and a mixology-driven cocktail program.

What is it? This upbeat Peruvian restaurant in Wynwood boasts indoor and outdoor seating, plus a menu of inventive Latin American dishes—from ceviche to sushi.

Why go? If it’s between the hours of 3pm and 7pm any day of the week, take a seat along the sweeping bar for one of the nabe’s best happy hours. Cocktails are $5, beer is $4 and there’s usually a DJ spinning.

What is it? Find the welcoming restaurant along Giralda’s busy strip of eateries and bars. Though inside is small and cozy, Divino’s large outdoor area boasts plenty of seating.

Why go? Divino does Peruvian standards well and portions are generous without being over the top. The appetizer section is a standout here due, in part, to dishes like the skewered grilled octopus, ceviche platters and varieties of causas.  

What is it? This sliver of a restaurant isn’t a looker but its hefty Peruvian dishes are most definitely a sight for hungry eyes.

Why go? If it’s fast, tasty and affordable Peruvian food you’re craving, this place has it. Plus, there’s more than a few variations of every dish in case the usual chicken or beef options aren’t cutting it.

What is it? A strip mall find that offers budget Peruvian in a space whose aesthetics leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately, the food does not.

Why go? The ceviche is fresh and tangy, the lomo saltado is present and correct, and the medley of traditional Peruvian cuisine is simple and comforting.

What is it? What began as little more than a small takeaway stand on the beach in 2012 has exploded into a full-blown fast-casual chain, with outposts across the city serving up customizable fresh ceviches, poke bowls and burritos.

Why go? Whether you’re shopping in Midtown or Aventura or heading back from a day at the beach, My Ceviche makes for a quick, healthy and cheapo lunch spot. You pick the protein (fish, shrimp, octopus or all three) for your ceviche, which comes in four sauce varieties and is served with sweet potato, yellow corn and spicy popcorn.