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Did you know that Peru is ranked among the world’s top culinary destinations, along with France and Italy? I’ve already narrated how my love encounter with Peru during my South America backpacking trip marked the beginning of my ceviche obsession. But even then, I had no idea Peru had such eclectic cuisine. Considering how Lima and Cuzco are home to some of the most innovative chefs and restaurants, I never understood how this new wave of fine contemporary Peruvian fare had never been (successfully) exported to New York. And then Llama Inn came along.
Main dining room & central bar area
Cool cubic space under the BQE
Llama Inn is disappointingly not a hotel for llamas (I know, bummer), but a Modern Peruvian restaurant located in North Williamsburg (the Inn part refers to the culinary destination). Chef Erik Ramirez brought his Eleven Madison Park pedigree to a superbly designed Brooklyn space right under the BQE, and opened what he accurately describes as a “New York Peruvian” restaurant. The restaurant logo, a dapper llama in a black tie, sets the tone of this Peruvian-inspired restaurant with a “New York swag”.
Now serves Weekend Brunch
Cute hidden rooftop
The two-level restaurant is the right mix between New York sophistication and Williamsburg casualness. The modern dining room resides in an airy open space with a welcoming, clean and edgy design, large wall windows, hanging plants, and a substantial central bar area. The place operates as much as a bar as a restaurant, and even has a super cute colorful rooftop for warmer months. The best part about Llama Inn’s vibe, though, is its consistently fun and buzzing atmosphere (it can get loud though).
Book the Chef’s counter by the open kitchen online (window counter 2nd choice)
The most notable trait of Llama Inn is the great attention detail: in the decor, the menu (I mean, how cool does a Llama del Rey cocktail sound 😆 ), in the warm, friendly service, and most importantly in the food. This is where Chef Ramirez rigorously excels: every detail in every one of his dishes counts, whether it be in the plating, the textures, the flavors or the innovative aspect of it all.
Open Kitchen view with the 2 larges plates in background: Beef Tenderloin & Bronzino Patarashca
The menu is designed for sharing, with a array of small plates – classified between vegetables, fish, meat, and anticucho skewers – along with a couple of (humongous) mains.
Chicken Thigh, Beef Heart & Pork Belly Anticuchos – $4 to $6 each
Baby Gem, radish, buttermilk, pistachio, avocado, tarragon – $12
Tuna Tiradito, ponzu, lime, daikon, cucumber, avocado – $17
Burrata, purple potato, peanut, huacatay, green garlic – $16
Beets, muna, goat cheese, gooseberry, cancha – $14
Chef Erik Ramirez at work
Peru is a cultural melting pot, which is highlighted in Chef Ramirez’s cuisine. He introduces his own interpretation on Peruvian cuisine by transforming traditional ingredients (such as quinoa, aji, ceviche, etc) into unique, inventive concoctions. I bet you’ve never had a Quinoa-banana-avocado-bacon-cashew salad before – talk about #proteinporn!
Quinoa, banana, avocado, bacon, cashew – $15
Rock Shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, aji panca, rice, herb salad – $23
Duck Sausage, rice, English peas, raisin, cumin, beer, spinach – $22
I would be lying if I said that every dish was astounding. Must orders are within the vegetables and fish small plates section, although their version of Lomo Saltado is pretty darn satisfying if you’re ok with a meat & potato food coma.
Their version of Lomo Saltado – Beef Terderloin Stir Fry – $52
Rooftop cocktail
Just as important as the food are their awesome drinks. Llama Inn serves a predominantly South American and Spanish wine list, but the highlight is their cocktail menu. No Peruvian bar is complete without Pisco. As they duly put it, “Pisco is to Lima as PBR is to Williamsburg – except it’s delicious”. 😆 For purists, stick to the traditional, perfectly executed Pisco Sour or be adventurous and go for their creative in-house shaken or stirred cocktails (just don’t get the Flying Purple Pisco – contains potato purple purée, i.e. unnecessary carbs).
Dessert – Picarones & Chancaca – $8
Dessert – Chocolate, Lucuma, Coffee – $9
Llama Inn has been fighting the 2016 top Williamsburg hot spot along with Lilia. The buzz kind of died down, making it a lot easier to book a table than a few months ago. Come to this hip space for drinks or dinner with a date or for a friendly get together.
Mon-Wed 5:30pm-10pm
Thurs-Fri 5:30pm-12am
Sat 11am-12am / Sun 11am-10pm
Trying a Johannes Vermeer shot from the open kitchen of the Whole Bronzino Patarashca in the making
