The Texas' cuisine scene just got a little more international, as San Antonio's own Leche de Tigre Cebichería Peruana snagged a spot on the coveted Texas Monthly "Texas's Best New Restaurants in 2024" list, placing at number seven. According to KSAT, the list makes special mention of Leche de Tigre for its distinct take on Peruvian ceviche, a hit among local and visiting gourmands alike. The restaurant, a family affair led by brothers Emil, Axel, and Alec Oliva and their cousin Sebastian Montante, has become a bridge between Texas and Peru, offering a culinary embassy of sorts in San Antonio's Southtown neighborhood.
The buzz around this Peruvian hotspot, which originated from a modest food truck before graduating to a full-fledged dining establishment at 318 E. Cevallos St. in February 2023, has been building, and the recognition by Texas Monthly is seen as a testament to the Oliva brothers' commitment to their craft and heritage. In a statement obtained by KSAT, Emil Oliva expressed their desire "to be a little embassy for Peru here in San Antonio where they can gather," capturing the essence of what Leche de Tigre aims to represent for the community, it's not just about the food, it's about the atmosphere and a slice of Peruvian culture on a Texan plate.
While the spotlight may be on the Peruvian sashimi plates and ceviche that anchor Leche de Tigre's menu, their drink offerings, which include a pisco + coriander cocktail, chicha cocktail, and the classic pisco sour, are not to be overlooked. In a night when they recently took to Instagram to express their gratitude at the inclusion in such a prestigious list, the restaurant said they were "truly grateful," a sentiment that reflects both their pride of place and the heartfelt service they provide to their patrons.
Leche de Tigre's ascent to gastronomic stardom in a state as competitive as Texas speaks to the rich diversity of the state's dining landscape, where traditional American barbecue and Tex-Mex now share the stage with zesty, citrus-infused ceviches and bold South American flavors, Texas Monthly's Patricia Sharpe praised the "complex, citrusy potion that gives Peruvian ceviche its distinctive kick," signaling that the state's appetite for innovative and authentic dining experiences is as strong as ever, heartier and more inclusive than perhaps previously assumed. According to a report by MySA, since its opening, Leche de Tigre has blossomed into a popular local destination that has nailed the combination of excellent service, ambiance, and above all, flavor-packed cuisine, leaving little doubt as to why they've earned their spot on such a reputable list.
