Peruvian-Asian fusion eatery opens in Curridabat

Brothers Fausto and Miguel Jaime of the Machu Picchu restaurant family have branched out to open Mar y Bar Pikeos de Machu Picchu in the eastern San José suburb of Curridabat.

“The opening of this new restaurant makes our family proud,” said Mar y Bar Pikeos General Manager Miguel Jaime. “With it, we are taking an additional step in establishing Peruvian cuisine in Costa Rica.”

The brothers wanted to create a more casual eatery where customers can dine on piqueos (snacks or appetizers), enjoy drinks with friends and listen to live music. According to the Jaimes, piqueos are popular in Peru because they afford an opportunity for people to nibble and break the ice before sitting down to dinner.

Billed as a Peruvian-Asian fusion restaurant, Pikeos offers a variety of fish ceviches, appetizers such as trout- and chicken-stuffed potato balls, and sushi. The Jaime brothers hope to expand the variety of Peruvian dishes by introducing Peruvian barbecue and grilled chicken and chifa, or Chinese-Peruvian cuisine. Menu prices range ₡4,000-₡12,000 ($8-$24).

The full bar offers a variety of cocktails, including Peru’s national drink, the pisco sour. Wine and beer are also served.

“Everyone who visits Pikeos will have the opportunity to sample the flavor of Peru,” Miguel Jaime said. “Customers will also enjoy live music, traditional Peruvian dances and delicious cocktails.”

Mar y Bar Pikeos de Machu Picchu is in Curridabat’s Momentum Pinares commercial center, on the second floor. Hours are noon-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, noon-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-7 p.m. Sundays. For information, call 2271-5797.