What a surprise! I fantastic Peruvian restaurant on Market St!

The word is out, so be warned - you'll wait most of the night for your table - booking or not. Martuni's next door will more than make up for the wait, though.


It's also tiny, dark and noisy - not a place for older folk. Tall mirrors are suspended over head, and velvet curtains keep the cold out of the fornt door. Walls are blood red.


But the food, if you can stand to stay after these challenges, is divine. Truly topnotch. The ceviche sampler, plantains, duck breast with mofongo, and empanadas are all must-haves. So is the sangria. I finished the pitcher myself last time. The portions are so tiny I swear our waitor had a few bites on the way over.


One unisex bathroom at the back...wait and go at the next stop.


Of course, you'll pay for all this.
If you want the same food, without the genteel environment, might I suggest Cha Cha Cha?

On a final note, order a box of the dulce de lecce cookies to go, before you even sit down. I've waited twice before and been disappointed. This is one of the reasons you are eating there. Do not ask questions. Just do as I say.


The manager, did however, drop a box at my house as promised - two months later!