Paiche

OMG … wonderful food!

WOW!!! This place is amazing !
Their ceviche is one of the best I have ever had.
The empanadas are amazing and full of flavor.
Their salsa criolla is perfectly done !
Will definitely come back !!!

If I could give 10 stars, I would. This place is incredible. Authentic, fresh, unique, beautiful, and also reasonably priced! Truly an adventure for the taste buds. We had a variety of cebiche, vegetables, and desserts, each one better than the next! This place knows what they’re doing and I hope to be back very soon!

We came here on a Saturday at around 1ish. I figure this would be after the lunch crowd and before the next wave. Luckily I was right because we didn’t have to wait that long.
Its a small restaurant so when you walk in there are only about 10 or so tables and a few seats at the bar and window. The hostess wasn’t too friendly and you certainly don’t get a big smile and «we’ll be right with you» when you walk in.. . so you kind of stand around feeling a little stupid in the middle of the restaurant for a good 1 – 2 minutes. That could be improved.
However the wait staff is nicer and they time your dishes in a good manner. You do have to wait a bit to order (even if its not packed) and it takes a little while to get the ball rolling.
Anyway, the key to a good experience is try to come when its not crowded and the staff isn’t overwhelmed. Luckily we picked a good time because just as we were finishing up the second wave came.. . you know how everyone comes at the same time.
I like that the chicha Morada isn’t sooo sweet.
As for the food, it was good. Clean tasting & flavorful. I feel like you should eat each dish on its own because they all have good balanced elements within each dish.
4 dishes (2 entrees & 2 apps) = $ 90 + Tip. We probably ordered the more expensive items too, like the ceviche though. I left feeling satisfied, but could’ve stuffed down another empanada probably.
I see the menu changes often so it sounds like a great neighborhood restaurant to check out every month to see what’s going on.

I came here for lunch with a friend. The food was excellent, but a few details kept me from giving it five stars.
The empanada was excellent and the Cebiche Mixta was very good, but neither quite warranted the price tag. The portions were small, which also made the cost hard to swallow. There is other Peruvian food that I prefer in town.
The lunch schedule involves the doors staying closed until Noon, at which time a staff member comes out and picks up a sign-​up list that people have been queuing on. Seating doesn’t actually happen for another several minutes. This allows them to configure tables most efficiently, which I like. However, it doesn’t lend itself to an easy mid-​week lunch … unless you are retired or on vacation. I needed to get to work after lunch, and I let the staff know. They were great about making sure we had our check early in the meal. They get high marks for that, though I won’t go back again if I need to be anywhere within a couple of hours of showing up at their door. It’s not worth the rush.

The reviews were fantastic and decided to check Paiche out. When you get there, make sure you put your name on the signup sheet if the tables are full. It is a smaller place so not that many tables and can fill up fast.
It’s a family run restaurant and they are very nice, but service can be a little slow. So be prepared to stay for a little bit to enjoy the food. We decided to order a few dishes to share.
We ordered the Tamal de Mote, the Empanada de Papa Seca, and Cebiche Mixto. The corn tamale was smooth to the palate and bursting with fresh spices and flavors. Empanada had a great crunchy crust and wonderfully seasoned filling. Cebiche of octopus, scallops, red onions, cancha (corn nuts), and purple sweet potatoes were delightful with an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Everything was outstanding.
I would have given Paiche 5 stars if the service was more efficient. New customers may not understand their process and can get lost without a better system in place, especially when they are packed.
I will stop by again to try all the other interesting treasures on the menu.

We ate lunch at Paiche today. We shared the mixed ceviche, scallops with Causa (mashed potato), and fish in tamarind sauce. The food was amazing! There was a burst of flavor with every bite. The ambiance was very nice as well. The restaurant is modern and yet warm and inviting.
I would give this restaurant 10 stars if I could!
We’ve already planned to be there next week.

Amazing incredible menu and food.

This is probably my first five star review of a Peruvian restaurant in Portland, the food and the quality of fresh ingredients that the chef uses in his kitchen is just great, very seasonal menu which is very innovative and creative. It’s not the typical boring heavy menu you get in other restaurants in downtown. I went to Peru a few years ago, and fell truly in love with the diverse cuisine and ingredients Peru has. In Portland it really dissapointed me when I went to Andina last year and the food was terrible and expensive. Now talking about Paiche’s menu that changes frequently and its consistency in flavors. The service was great very attentive and kind, love the fact that the cooks bring the food to your table so you don’t have annoying pretentious hipster servers.
About food:
«Ceviche» Yes it is the best in Portland! My favorite. A few friends that have been here before recommended the dish and it definitely did not dissapoint me at all. I highly recommend this place for lunch, prices are very fair, you’ll love it. Worth a try.
Looking forward to visiting again and getting more delicious Peruvian food in Portland at Paiche.

Though this review is LONG overdue, I have continued to think of this restaurant and the delicious experience I had there shortly after they opened. The owner (Peruvian) and his wife (an MT native like me) are that perfect blend of South America meets United States. Just like their vibe, they bring this great fusion of Peruvian food and New American food.
I lived in Peru for a year so, naturally, I crave the cuisine. Paiche blends some of the traditional flavors (as in huancaina, choclo, etc.) with a pleasantly surprising new american twist. Their ingredients are honest and the food, just like the restaurant, is all about the small details.
Unfortunately, I can rarely make it there due to my conflicting schedule but I HIGHLY recommend this spot to anyone looking for a new lunch experience in a quaint, off-​the-​beaten-​path, latin gem.
¡Que rico!

Bright, flavorful food with great, seasonal ingredients was a journey of delight on my palate! Highly recommend and with their WOW factor prepare for a dash of a wait!

Fantastic!
The ceviche was amazing and the sword fish was delicious. Both in a very creative way

Had NO idea what many of the ingredients were. Asked for a recommendation and LOVED the food. I’m not wildly fond of spicy food. The sauce was just right and full of flavor. The fish perfectly cooked. Can’t wait to bring my friends! Since I live in the area, this will be my go-​to place for lunch. This is NOT a fast-​food place — the food is thoughtfully made and wonderfully fresh!
I wouldn’t bring my grandkids here, though. The food is too different for them. If it isn’t fish sticks or mac and cheese, they think I’m trying to poison them. Hopefully, they’ll grow out of it ;)

Zoomed passed here on Corbett and had this place catch my eye, glad it did too. Had an authentic Peruvian sandwich with jamón more tender then my grandmothers kisses (and my grandmother’s Sicilian. Those are some tender kisses). Also had a word with the hard working chef, Jose Louis! Apparently he just had a post today in the Willamette Weekly about his incredible Cebiche (I found that out after I already ordered my food. Gotta come back). Open your eyes and don’t let the gems pass by. Jose Louis, thanks again my man!

A hidden gem in SW Portland. A great place for lunch. This is our first time and everything not only tasted great but was masterfully presented. In reading about the chef, its apparent that he worked with some top chefs and top Restaurants in Peru and the U.S. and the food reflects this. It’s more than just a meal, its like edible art. Dig in.

I hate Unilocal reviews with a fiery passion but I think this place needs to be praised for their hard work and phenomenal food! And the prices are reasonable. Great service and a chef with skills!

Fantastic Peruvian food. Don’t miss the empanadas, pescado ceviche, causa which is a potato salad with crab and the tamale. If you love interesting well made food, don’t miss this wonderful spot. Great and distinctive flavors.

We had lunch there for Chinese New Years and LOVED it.
First, most of the food is vegetarian apart from 2 of the 3 Ceviche, and 3 of the 5 entrees. So we could eat almost the whole meal, while the meat eaters in our party were very pleased with their animal protein.
In fact, we decided to order one of everything because the menu changes so often, we didn’t want to miss that chance of not experiencing a dish.
The chef made us a surprise dish as a thank you, which was really fun.
The chef/​owner is clearly passionate about his craft. If they just wanted money, they could charge way more, make not-​as-​good food and open longer hours. But clearly, it’s about the food. And as long as they stay small, this will be a little secret place that we go to over and over again.
Flavor explosion!

Reasons to try this Place:
1. Delicious Food!!!
2. Constantly changing menu for us adventurous types.
3. Great lunch spot in an area that really has none.
2. What I would Consider «just right» portions
3. On the healthy side but with enough meat options for us omnivores
4. Prices crazy low for the quality of the food (but a little higher for the area)
5.Counter service (normally a negative for me) is given with some extra attentiveness
6. Not that I really care but the Beautiful fine dinning quality presentation is a plus
7. Hours slowly expanding (they now do Sat & Sun) Praying for happy hour next.

We came here for lunch, and had an excellent meal. Paiche is new (January 2016), so not super busy yet. About 40% of the menu is vegetarian/​vegan.
We started with the Sopa del Dia, which was made with Peruvian canaria beans and maple carrots and came with toast. It was delicious, and there was plenty to share between the two of us.
For the main dish we had Picante de Maitakes. The maitakes were excellent, the sauce was creamy and mildly spicy (the aji amarillo), and the pickled watermelon radish was a wonderful accompaniment.
The alfajores, cookies with manjar – a maple concoction, were dessert.
There is a nice selection of hot teas.
All in all, an excellent meal. This may very well be the tastiest restaurant food in the immediate area.

New Peruvian restaurant in Johns Landing! Small spot with good ambiance, simple menu, intriguing food and great service. I ordered the quinoa dish which was super fragrant and delicious. Definitely going back to try the ceviche and burger next.

Paiche a brand new Peruvian eatery serving the food desert that is Lair Hill. I’m happy to say they serve it well.
In terms of ambiance, Paiche is a small and cozy establishment with a certain neighborly warmth to it (helped by the wooden elements and soft amber lighting), making the environment an ideal place for a date or a small reunion. From a brief inspection of the restaurant, they can seat approximately 30 – 40 people at capacity. They are only open until 4 PM as of this review, so plan accordingly. The staff was pleasant and colloquial.
Food is ordered at their counter — a large and handsome cut of wood — before taking a seat inside. Their menu is a small and thoughtful curation of classic Peruvian dishes — cebiche, quinuia guiso, and other familiar faces. As of this review, however, Paiche is currently working on obtaining a liquor license.
I ordered the Sudado Marino. The sole waitress working the restaurant peeked her head into the back and relayed the order directly to the head chef, Jose Luis de Cossio. 15 minutes later, a fragrant display of oysters and scallops in a delicately rich and subtly sweet sauce was presented, alongside rice with chunks of cooked garlic. ‘Twas delicious, with hints of saffron and spice with a very smooth texture; appropriate flavors for lunch fare, but with just enough panache to elevate to something special. My two minor complaints — the scallops were a bit tough, and the chunks of garlic in the rice had a chewiness about them that I was altogether unfamiliar with. Neither of these complaints, however, would stop me from going back and ordering it again.
As a new eatery, Paiche has certainly intrigued me. 5 stars for ambiance, price, cuisine, presentation, and for providing options in an area with few to begin with. I hope to see this place flourish.