+1 805-668-6711
Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Kiko Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar offers an authentic and vibrant taste of Peru that captivates both the palate and the soul. This restaurant is a true treasure for those craving a culinary adventure infused with rich cultural heritage and exquisite flavors.
From the moment you step inside, there’s an inviting warmth that feels like being welcomed into a Peruvian family gathering. The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, with a gentle buzz of conversation complemented by thoughtful outdoor seating alongside San Luis Creek—an ideal setting for savoring each dish.
Kiko’s menu is a beautifully curated fusion of Peru’s coastal and highland influences, touched with hints of Spanish, African, and Japanese culinary traditions. Standout dishes like the Mixto Ceviche burst with bright, citrusy freshness, while the Lomo Saltado offers tender filet mignon stir-fried with bold, savory spices that coat every bite with richness and depth. The Tiradito Side by Side exquisitely contrasts two styles of ceviche, showcasing delicate scallops that melt in your mouth alongside succulent prawns.
For those seeking heartier fare, the Peruvian Seafood Soup and Peruvian Beef Soup provide comforting bowls full of layered flavors that perfectly prepare the palate for the main course. The Pasta A La Huancaina reflects the country’s Italian influence with a creamy, spicy twist that beautifully balances the meal.
No visit to Kiko is complete without experiencing their renowned Pisco Bar. Whether it's the classic Pisco Sour, the bright and refreshing Chilcano, or the delightful Pisco Mojito, each cocktail is expertly crafted to highlight the unique floral and fruity notes of Peru’s signature spirit. Ask your server about the secret menu item—Pisco Sour with Chicha Morada—a captivating tribute to Peruvian tradition that will surprise and delight you.
Guests frequently praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who not only serve the food but eagerly share the stories and inspirations behind each dish, making every visit feel deeply personal and immersive. It's evident that owners Kiko and Deseree pour their passion into every element, creating a dining experience that transcends simply eating out and instead fosters genuine connection.
Whether you're indulging in the expertly prepared octopus seafood platter, savoring the sweet and savory layers of the Oysters Rockefeller, or finishing with the luscious sweet potato flan, Kiko Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar delivers a masterclass in flavor, texture, and warmth. This is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of Peruvian culinary heritage made spectacularly accessible in San Luis Obispo.
If you have yet to discover Kiko, consider this your sincere invitation to explore an extraordinary dining destination where every bite tells a story and every sip transports you to the vibrant heart of Peru.
If you haven't tried Kiko, please find this hidden gem. The staff made you feel like you were joining them for a family dinner and explained the dishes like they were one of the chefs, the food was delicious. Everything was perfectly cooked. The Lomo Saltado (Filet Mignon) was very tender, the scallops melted in your mouth and the prawns were excellent. I highly recommend this for a dinner out.
If you like Peruvian food you need to go visit Kiko!! I felt like we were back in Peru! We had the Causa and scallops appetizer to start. Don’t forget your Pisco Sour (and for a secret menu item be sure to order the Pisco Sour with Chicha Morada - a true Peruvian treat!). Our waitress was very attentive and the food came out just as expected and on time. For dinner we chose Pescado and Pasta a la Huancana. We almost ordered the Lomo Saltado or Ossobuco Seco. We ate tons of both while in Peru and both were delicious! So we’re going to come back to try those later. For dessert we ordered the sweet potato flan. It was supposed to come with vanilla ice cream, but when they learned we had visited Peru they gave us a scoop of Lucuma ice cream that they had just gotten that day! So delicious!! I’m so happy we found this place! We miss Peru. It transports us back there. The dishes feel pretty authentic to the Peruvian dishes we’d eaten in Peru. If you are looking for a change please try this place. It was so good! I can’t wait for warmer weather when we feel comfortable sitting outside.
We’ve been to a couple Peruvian restaurants but Kiko is in another whole league. Gentle, comfortable ambiance with well placed outdoor seating alongside San Luis creek and mission. Owners Kiko and Deseree were a delight and personally shared their unique cuisine combining Spain, African, and Japanese influence into a fusion rich with flavor, color, textures. The Pisco drinks were aromatic, light and refreshing. Seafood dishes were spectacular - highly recommended vegetable skewers, filet options and of course the fish. The rock fish was delicate, sweet and tasty. Just when you think you’ve had the best, their sauces take the flavors to a whole new level. Tangy, flavorful and not too spicy but with a little kick. The SLO ceviche was one of our favorites. We’ll be back since there are so many other things to try. Highly recommended.
Amazing service, fantastic food. Highly recommend starting the meal with a Pisco Sour (even the virgin ones are great) and a skewer of grilled pork in addition to anything thing else you think might be enjoyed by your table. All the main dishes are soo good, so go with what sounds good yo you or one of the specials. And consider at minimum sharing the sweet potato flan (which comes with a scoop of ice cream too. You cannot help but enjoy the meal, and service provided by the owners is a simply top notch. A full meal like above with cost a little more than maybe some other restaurant but the food is of a significantly higher standard and deliousness (is that a word?) compared yo most restaurants in the county. A treat just waiting for you discover and enjoy.
I would give Kiko’s 10 Stars if I could. What a wonderful experience. Food was out of this world - fresh, well prepared, flavorful, and most fun - different. I had a seafood platter that included Octopus- it was FANTASTIC; great flavor, great texture, and expertly prepared. I would go back every week if I lived in SLO! Also, we met the owner (Kiko) and his wife - a great team with such a passion for what they are doing. JUST SUPERB!
Wow! The food and service were amazing! Our waiter was very knowledgeable about all the food and explained the Peruvian influences on the dishes. They even distill their own pisco! We got the ceviche SLO, filet mignon, and seafood special of the day. Everything was delicious and cooked perfectly. We both got a pisco sour and it was strong and tasty. All the drinks on their menu looked amazing. I wish I could have tried all of them. I highly recommend Kikos and will be back next time I’m in SLO.
Business trip to SLO led me to KiKo Peruvian—and I’m glad it did. Based on rave reviews, I had high expectations, and overall, it was a solid experience. The SLO ceviche was fresh and flavorful—classic Peruvian style, though not much different than what you'd find elsewhere. The sashimi was a great Nikkei-inspired twist and definitely worth trying. Their version of paella leaned more toward a chifa-style rice dish—packed with flavor, but a bit light on the seafood. Still enjoyable! But the real standout? The sweet potato flan. Perfectly balanced and totally unique—I’d come back just for that. Service was friendly, food quality was high, but portions felt a bit small for the price. A few tweaks, and this spot could easily be a five-star gem. IG: the_hungry_emil