Pacifico

We don’t need astonishing skylines and great entrances to make a place special. At least, not always. A door with a thick and slightly open curtain, suffused lights, dark velvet seats and here you are: welcome to Pacifico.

Although many believe this is the first Peruvian restaurant in Milan, Pacifico is for sure the place in town spreading out the most recipes and flavours from the South-American jewel. How did they do? Offering a fine and very intimate atmosphere, a very attentive service and excellent ingredients. Every time I decide to go there is because I want to get a treat, cuddle myself and, I have to admit, for a light nostalgia towards my beloved Lima.

To start, an iced Pisco – rigorously at the counter – and some fried plane tree are mandatory. Concerning the menu, at present we refer to an offer mainly made of seafood but apparently the introduction of some beef dishes for meat lovers it’s forthcoming. Coriander rules on numerous recipes – sometimes a little over the top – giving colour, freshness and a unique flavour.

There are dishes stick to tradition, like the pure seabass ceviche with leche de tigre or the mixto, with a bigger variety of seafood and the spicy touch (as the original recipe actually demands) given by the aji rocoto, an autochthon bloody red and hyper spicy chilly. For a more fusion path, try the ceviche bond served in a martini bowl, where seafood, habanero pepper, basil and bottarga (fish eggs) make you crossing a good slice of world in a single bite.

Alternatively, there’s a nice variety of tiraditos. Raw fish in this case too, but the difference consist in the cutting – carpaccio instead of cubes – and in the marinates. Last but not least, you can find the traditional causa, the chupe and even the dim sum. Without going any further with my description, I leave you the curiosity and delight to immerge yourselves for a night in this little exotic bonbonnière.