Get a Taste of Peru on Chicago's Northside

WDCB’s Gary Zidek gets a ‘Taste of Peru’ at Cesar Izquierdo’s Peruvian restaurant in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to Cesar Izquierdo, the owner of Taste of Peru.

“I used to take a lot of my friends to Peruvian restaurants, and was very disappointed because it was very Americanized. It wasn’t real, typical (authentic) Peruvian food.” - Cesar Izquierdo, owner of Taste of Peru, talking about the inspiration to open his own restaurant.

(left to right) Sarah Izquierdo (Cesar’s daughter) and Cesar Izquierdo. owner of Taste of Peru

Chicago is a city of many culinary flavors, but there are surprisingly few South American-focused restaurants. For two decades, Cesar Izquierdo has been cooking up authentic Peruvian cuisine at his Rogers Park restaurant, Taste of Peru.

Cesar Izquierdo in front of his restaurant Taste of Peru

Izquierdo opened Taste of Peru in 1998 after realizing there weren’t any truly authentic Peruvian options in Chicago. It’s easy to miss the restaurant at 6545 N. Clark Street, but once inside, visitors are greeted with a colorful atmosphere and the warm smells of Peruvian food.

Part of what makes Peruvian food so exciting is its unique make-up. The cuisine, like the South American country itself, is a melting pot of several different cultures and influences. And Taste of Peru offers it all.

Paella at Taste of Peru

Taste of Peru is located at 6545 north Clark Street in area of the Rogers Park neighborhood filled with an eclectic mix of dining options. You can learn more about Taste of Peru by visiting tasteofperu.com 

For more info about the restaurants in the Rogers Park neighborhood click here.