By Yasmene Warren
You’ve had Mexican food. You’ve probably also had Cuban and Puerto Rican food. You may have even had some good Dominican or Venezuelan food. But how many Peruvian food joints in Orlando can you count on hand? We’ll give you one: Papa Llama!
What is Papa Llama?
Papa Llama - Good Food & Natural Wine is a restaurant on Curry Ford Road in Orlando that “focuses on the vibrant and unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine, paired with the raw & alive aromas of natural wine and craft beer,” according to its website.
Papa Llama was brought to life in 2016 by Peruvian immigrants Kevin and Maria Ruiz as an “experimental, third culture pop-up” and got its first brick-and-mortar up and running in August of 2020. This restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022 on Florida’s Michelin Guide.
On Tuesdays through Thursdays, Papa Llama is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s perfect for those looking for some after-work dinner plans!
What’s on the Menu?
Papa Llama describes its menu as being “for the open minded” as this restaurant does not allow modifications or substitutions to its dishes. Each dish is designed to be shared as a family and tasted together.
Some shareable menu items include whole green castelvetrano olives marinated in-house with ají panca, “Papas a la Huancaína,” which are fingerling potatoes with spicy ají amarillo cream, wakatay salsa verde, creekstone farms beef chicharrón and a lake meadows sunny side up egg, and red and gold beets made with honey ají amarillo vinaigrette, queso fresco and candied pistachio.
The “Beef Fat Chaufa,” which is made from Creekstone Farms tallow steak, the “Huanc Noods,” which are egg noodles with spicy ají amarillo cream, and the “Lomo,” which is made with Creekstone Farms skirt steak and stir fry jasmine fried rice are definitely among the “must tries” on this menu!
The Wines
Papa Llama has an extensive list of natural wines on its menu, and all of them are sourced from organic and/or biodynamic vineyards from all around the world. If you’re looking for white wines, try Andi Knauß Brut Zero Blanc de Noir 2015, In Sordina Ciano Macia 2020, or some Les Lunes Barra Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay.
A few orange wines to look out for include Sylvain Bock, ‘A La Fraiche’ 2020, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Wavy Wines LS Gris Orange 2021, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Calalta, Davvero 2020, Riesling Renano.
In the mood for rosé? Papa Llama’s got you covered. Check out De Boel `je vous Adore` Vaucluse Rose 2020, Delinquente 'Pretty Boy' Rosato 2021, and Cauzón 'Degraciano' Granada Rosé, Tempranillo.
Some fine red wines include Domaine Philippe Tessier, Chemin Noir 2021, Sarnin-Berrux, Amphore 2019, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and Kiko Calvo 'Bigardo' Tinta de Toro, Tempranillo.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Papa Llama isn’t like other restaurants, so there are a few things you should know before choosing this place as your dining experience.
- Papa Llama is completely cashless and only accepts debit and credit payments.
- You cannot modify or make substitutions to your dish at Papa Llama.
- This restaurant encourages, but does not require reservations. For reservations, you can book online at resy.com or call the restaurant directly.
- There is no children’s menu, and the restaurant does not currently offer special seating for children.
The Vibe
Papa Llama provides a warm, inviting environment as soon as you step through its doors. On the ceiling you’ll find disco balls galore, and there’s an abundance of wine to choose from on the shelves. The bits of greenery spotted throughout the restaurant certainly put the “natural” in this place’s name!
Overall
Papa Llama makes for a great place to wine and dine, but if you’re looking for something kid friendly, then it’s not the option for you. Considering “wine” is in the name, it’s clear this restaurant has its target audience. Grab a few friends for some good food and cool vibes as Papa Llama’s uniqueness will not disappoint!
Conway
Conway is a small neighborhood in Orlando in close proximity to things like the Orlando Executive Airport and the Milk District. It offers easy access to SR 408 and can quickly and conveniently take you across greater Orlando.
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
Search Orlando Real Estate Listings
Leave A Comment