Peruvian restaurant opens on University Parkway

University Parkway’s dining scene has a new South American eatery.

Brasa & Pisco, owned by Dante and Luis Valenzuela, features the brother’s heritage with modern Peruvian cuisine and décor made from the country’s woods and plants.

The restaurant is located just north of University Parkway at 8347 Lockwood Ridge Road.

“This has been our dream for some time now,” Dante Valenzuela said in a press release.

The menu includes favorites like fresh ceviche as well as signature dishes, such as Polla a la Brasa, chicken prepared in a house marinade and slow-roasted, or Tacu tac a la Brasa, grilled sirloin with an aji panca marinade made from a Peruvian pepper. Entrees range between $15 and $24.For dessert, the restaurant serves picarones as well as some unique creations — such as spiced sweet potato and butternut squash donut holes with a fig sauce — all made in-house.
Pisco sours and cocktails, a traditional Peruvian drink, are the bar speciality.

Brasa’s arrival on the University corridor offers a new taste for East County residents — Maemi on University, a Japanese and sushi joint, is the only other restaurant offering Peruvian food.