This Peruvian restaurant in South End was eagerly anticipated when it opened last March. With a menu of seafood-forward takes on Peruvian food, it was something new and exciting for the city and had great branding to bot. Yunta Nikkei’s theme and branding is inspired by the mythology of Peruvian symbols and Machu Pichu while their cuisine is all about the Peruvian-Japanese fusion known as Nikkei.
If you’ve never heard of Nikkei food, don’t worry. A type of Peruvian-Japanese infusion, Nikkei has taken the U.S. by storm and has finally reached Charlotte! This type of cuisine incorporates Japanese tradition and methods with the spices and flavors of Brazil and Peru. Nikkei, which is translated to mean a Japanese immigrant living in another country, was born in the 19th century when the Japanese incorporated seafood into the Peruvian gastronomy.
Chef Bruno Macchiavello is a native of Peru and is bringing an authentic and innovative approach to Yunta. Taking a look at their menu, it’s hard to choose between their creative takes on popular dishes. Ceviche, a Peruvian staple, is on the menu in a few different ways: try it the classic way, try it Leche de Tigre with the catch of the day, golden fried squid, leche de tigre, tartara sauce, or go for the Yunta way with the catch of the Day, shrimp, octopus, squid, leche de tigre, peruvian corn, and glazed sweet potato.
If you’ve never tried Tiraditos, we highly recommend you give it a try. Tiraditos are thinly sliced pieces of fish, and Yunta is offering a few different varities. Fans of tuna can try the Ponja Tiradito or if you’re into salmon, try the Passion Limo Tiradito. They’ve also got scallops, octopus, and the catch of the day.
For their other selections, they’re doing nigiri sushi, maki-style, grilled fish and wok-style dishes like Peruvian style noodles and Peruvian fried rice.
Their lunch hours are from
Tues-Thurs 5pm – 10pm
Fri – Sun 12pm-10pm
We’ll see you there!
Where: 2201 South Blvd Ste 130, Charlotte