In search of a new favorite Peruvian spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Peruvian restaurants around Charlotte, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Viva Chicken
Topping the list is Viva Chicken. Located at 1617 Elizabeth Ave. in Elizabeth, this regional rotisserie chain is the highest rated Peruvian restaurant in Charlotte, boasting 4.5 stars out of 816 reviews on Yelp. Other locations in North Carolina include Raleigh, Sun Valley, Waverly, Park Road, Concord and more, according to its website.
This location offers chicken served with cilantro rice and plantains, quinoa-stuffed avoado and an array of Peruvian hot sauces: aji amarillo, huacatay and roasted rocoto.
2. Pio Pio
Pio Pio, a Peruvian spot in Dilworth, is another go-to, with four stars out of 326 Yelp reviews. The restaurant specializes in chicken marinated in Peruvian spices. Visitors can also expect the traditional sides: saffron rice, beans and plantains. Head over to 1408 E. Boulevard to see for yourself.
Take it from Celeste K., who reviewed the restaurant this spring and raved about the rotisserie chicken: "Sure they have other menu items and I've tried quite a few dishes, but I always come back to the chicken. . ... The marinade seeps into every crevice of the chicken, making the meat extremely tender and delicious throughout."
3. Mily & Lalo Peruvian Restaurant
Over in Eastland, check out Mily & Lalo Peruvian Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 41 reviews on Yelp. Look for Peruvian decor and traditional dishes like Aji de Gallina — chicken with a cream sauce over rice. All tables also receive a complimentary basket of yuca bread. You can find the Peruvian spot at 3210 N. Sharon Amity Road.
