New Peruvian restaurant opens in SLO. See what’s on the menu and get a look inside
San Luis Obispo’s dining scene has a new addition with the opening of a restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors of Peru to the Central Coast.
Kiko, located at 746 Higuera St. in the Mission Mall space previously occupied by Lotus, is named after its owner, Kiko Pomalaza, who grew up in Lima, Peru, and has worked in the restaurant industry for over 20 years.
Pomalaza co-founded the restaurant with Paul Hamou, who serves as the restaurant’s general manager.
Pomalaza said his restaurant offers the opportunity to bring a new cuisine to San Luis Obispo County and create a sense of community at the same time.
“It’s not just about serving food,” Pomalaza said. “It’s about creating a dining experience. It is really great food with a great ambiance. It’s about the human connection and the storytelling.”
What makes Peruvian food unique, Pomalaza said, is the diverse array of different cultural backgrounds that influence the cuisine.
In addition to Indigenous Inca and colonial Spanish influences, Peruvian food also is inspired by different African flavors, making for a unique flavor profile, Pomalaza said.
On the menu, customers can enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes like seco con frejoles — a slow-cooked Amarillo beef stew flavored with cilantro and served with Peruvian beans. Customers can also try tacu tacu a la chorrillana, a pan-seared rice and bean pastel served with a choice of steak or chicken and sautéed vegetables.
Pomalaza said he has been dreaming of opening a Peruvian restaurant for eight years and had his eye on a spot that was occupied. After years of planning and manifesting, Pomalaza saw his dreams realized when the space became available.
“If you really want something and you work hard, things happen,” Pomalaza said.
To make the restaurant come alive with color, Pomalaza and his partner brought in art and painting from their trips to Peru.
In addition to creating a sense of community through food, Pomalaza said he also believes in ensuring his restaurant is as high quality as possible.
Inspired by his father who owned a hotel in Lima, Pomalaza said he strives to ensure the highest of standards and will work with customers to bring them a positive experience.
“The food can’t be just OK,” Pomalaza said. “The food has to be great.”
Pomalaza said his team is comprised of employees he handpicked who share his values, are always smiling and are “humans who love other humans.”
In a post-COVID world, human connection is especially important, he added.
“It sounds very romantic, but honestly its true: You can touch people’s lives,” Pomalaza said. “I’ve seen this for years. Many of my customers are now my really good friends.”
For more information
Kiko is open Wednesday through Monday from 5 to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit kikorestaurantslo.com or call 949-456-5198.
