Man, food? Food was amazing. First time experiencing Pucquio and not disappointed ( we visited a while back) the chef and owner Carlos, definitely takes pride in his dishes. Every dish was well presented and above all, delicious. Definitely coming back. Service was superb! Kevin was amazing and funny thing is turns out we went to highschool together. It took us a minute to recognize each other. He made us a couple of cocktails and they were very very good. The place and location is ideal. You can find parking easily. Place is small but very neat! Definitely recommend. You won't be disappointed with this Peruvian experience. read more

This place along College Ave is newly open for lunch and it is a gem! We went mid week and will certainly be back. The owner greeted and seated us and was also the one cooking in the open kitchen. We ordered two different ceviches that were fresh and delicious. They were also artfully composed of different vibrant colors and textures. We also had the fried plantains (do yourself a favor and order them) and a chicken porridge dish. Everything was great. They were out of empanadas that day so we will return to try them. read more

Pucquio - Try the ceviche. You can thank me later. - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

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My only regret is not finding this place sooner. I can't believe it's been here for 12+ years and I'm just finding out about it now. My husband and I have regular date night dinners out and most places are good but not always ones we plan to make return visits to given there are so many options in the East Bay. However, this is one we definitely want to return to. It's a small space, only 18 seats, so plan ahead and make a reservation. We ordered Cebiche Mixto, Pulpo a la Parrilla, and Arroz con Mariscos and they were all beautifully plated and delicious. The Arroz con Mariscos was light and fluffy and didn't feel heavy like most rice dishes. We sat at the counter and the chef was friendly and I enjoyed watching him work. As others mentioned, the staff were all very amiable and helpful with requests or questions. My only minor complaint was that the counter chairs didn't have high backs so was a bit uncomfortable for me, so I think I'll try a table the next time. read more

Such a lovely space, make sure to check out the pictures. Came for lunch on a Monday, which I highly recommend since there was no wait for a table. The drinks list is perfect and we had an NA beer that totally hit the spot. The cebiche was nicely spiced and perfect for lunch. The Adobo de Chancho was just lucious and I think there was sweet potato that was whipped to a fluff and the marinated red onion was a great tangy addition. Can't wait to try the empanadas. read more

Pucquio - Tiradito Clasico - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

I really liked the ambiance sitting inside on a nice day and the windows open. Unfortunately they don't have many vegetarian options, which isn't entirely their fault as Peruvian cuisine generally involves more fish and meat. Their sauces were very tasty including the spicy sauce which we asked for on the side. Our servers were very nice and helped walk us through the menu, but the time to get our dishes was very long. read more

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We made a reservation for a weeknight dinner at Pucquio to celebrate a family birthday, and it was really special. We prefer outdoor seating, so it was nice to have the option, especially accommodating our senior dog. The service was exceptional - Kevin was our server, and we got to meet the owner as well. Kevin was really memorable, going above and beyond us to make us feel welcome and tended to. We started with the cebiche and chicharron, and for mains, we split the lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and adobo de chancho. Everything was super flavorful! My favorites were the cebiche - super bright flavors - and aji de gallina - I could eat that every day. For dessert, we tried their fried dough, which was a bit sour for our taste but super interesting. The menu is pricey, so we would come for special occasions, but we would be so thrilled to enjoy their stellar food and service again. read more

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Amazing food. Kind staff. It's a smaller space so good for intimate dinners. Ordered the steak and eggs-drool worthy! Recommend reservations due to the small space. read more

Pucquio - Steak and eggs - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Glorious Chef Carlos and his crew making lovely tasty brunch items delectable a must try. read more

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I recently went to Pucquio with a friend and I was blown away with the food quality! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly waiter who seated us at the bar. From this vantage point we were able to see the kitchen where we saw the cooks putting in a great amount of detail for each dish. We ended up starting with the pulpo a la parilla which was excellent and well balanced. The squid ink yuca paired well with the octopus. For my main, I went with the aji de gallina which is a chicken stew. This dish had an excellent complex flavor that kept me wanting to come back for more. My friend got the squid ink seafood rice which was also super tasty. I give this place top marks for attention to detail and food quality. The server was also very nice and really funny. I will say that our food took awhile to come out, but I would that it was due to a small kitchen staff who puts great detail on each dish. This a great restaurant and I'm excited to try more dishes in the future! read more

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Buena presentacion y deleciosa comida , el ambiente es agradable y buena atencion , recomiendo comer aqui read more

Pucquio - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

Date was a huge success. My husband saw this place on Check Please Bay Area, and we drive by it all the time. I'm totally thrilled we actually went. The food was fantastic, the people running the place absolutely lovely. read more

Pucquio - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

We've driven by this place 1000 times and finally stopped by and it will now be in our regular rotation. It was the best parts of going to a fantastic restaurant and going to a friend's house for dinner (if your friend is an amazing Peruvian chef...we should all be so lucky). The food was bursting with flavor, color and generally good vibes. Our server was the consummate host and gave wonderful advice on food and wine. Since we walked in without a reservation and they were booked, we were seated outside in the parket and while I'm not a parklet enthusiast, this one was top notch including individual heaters you control via an app accessible by a QR code. Since I'm always cold and my wife always hot, this saved the evening. Everything we tired was delightful with a special shoutout to the shrimp and to the pork shoulder. There are many wonderful places to eat on College Ave and Pucquio is at the top of the list. read more

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This is an awesome Peruvian restaurant in Oakland. Great atmosphere, excellent food, outstanding staff.

A front row seat by the kitchen watching Chef Carlos & his team whip up fabulous Peruvian food at Pucquio. We feasted on ceviche, pork belly, and braised pork shoulder, accompanied by some incredible wines. For dessert, vermouth on the rocks with a twist. Service was top notch too! read more

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Sitting at the bar watching and chatting with the maestros cooking the food is a very, very enjoyable food experience. The staff is super welcoming. And the food is tasty and beautifully presented. read more

My partner and I went to Pucquio for the first time on Valentine's Day this year. I'd never had Peruvian food properly before but I love pork belly in almost any form, so I knew we had to get the chicharron to start off. I loved it of course, but it speaks volumes that the chicharron was one of his favorite dishes of the evening because he's usually indifferent to pork belly anything. They had a special Valentine's menu with a duck dish we ordered that I thoroughly enjoyed, but I am absolutely getting the lomo saltado for myself next time. I have had it elsewhere in the area since then for comparison and Pucquio is hands down the best. The sangria was also delicious as were the heart-shaped chocolate-dipped alfajores for dessert, although I do prefer my alfajor plain. Not only was the food spectacular, but the service and coziness of the space only added to our experience. It kind of felt like eating at a friend's house, and before we knew it, it was 11pm, haha. Our server was funny and attentive, and you could tell the entire staff was very tightknit with how they talked to each other. We were asked our names and encouraged to sit at the bar next time to watch the chefs in action, and we absolutely will when we can find an excuse to visit again. Until then, I'll be dreaming of and crying for their lomo saltado. read more

Enjoyed a delicious dinner with my girlfriend. Each dish was tasty & creatively presented. Cebiche de Troucha (trout) was outstanding & highly recommended. Pulpa a la Parilla (octopus) very tasty, Arroz con Mariscos (Peruvian take on Paella), & Adobo de Chancho (braised pork); all so tasty. Finished the meal with Beignets. Yummy!!! read more

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i'm literally addicted to this place. I dream of the squid ink paella almost everyday. Kevin is the best!!!

A 3.5 is more accurate. Came on a Saturday evening for a birthday dinner with a small group of friends. We had a reservation so we were seated promptly indoors when we arrived. The venue is very small and intimate but they have additional seating outside if you need more space. On this night they were packed, every table inside was full. Our waiter was quite busy (he was the host, server, and runner all in one), but he was extremely kind and personable. When we let him know we were there for a birthday he gave us complementary glasses of champagne. He was also really helpful and answered all of our questions. However, because there was only one server, the service was admittedly very very slow. We placed our orders and did not receive our entrees until an hour and a half later. In the meantime, we sipped our champagne. I ordered the Arroz Con Mariscos and enjoyed it. The squid ink rice was briny and delicious. All of the seafood was perfectly cooked. The only thing that would've made it better to me would've been a bit of acid (like a squeeze of lemon juice). Overall, it's a nice place and I'd consider coming back, but not when I'm really hungry because the wait for our food was brutal lol. read more

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My wife and I enjoy great food and a great dining experience. Pucquio nails it in every way. Chef Carlos Moreira ensures that every dish that goes out is perfect; from exquisitely fresh ceviche to lomo saltado. Carlos is known for his "Nouveau Peruvian" style, which translates traditional street food into high-end, artistic presentations. (He knows how, having honed his skills at Michelin-starred SF restaurants.) Sit at the kitchen bar. You can watch Chef Carlos and his small team prepare your dinner. And Kevin - Pucquio's down-to-earth maître d' who knows the specials of the day, of course, but also has an uncanny ability to perfectly pair their wines to your order. AND make every guest feel special in the process. Check them out - you won't be disappointed. read more

Came here for my husbands birthday - everything was delicious. Got the octopus, one of the ceviches, the Peruvian paella, and a pisco sour. The server was so friendly and funny too. I liked the outside parklet spot, very private! I recommend making a reservation, it's a small place. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Food was amazing. Just hated the wait, I waited 1h and 30m to get my main dish even though they are a pretty small restaurant. Also desserts are not the best and not really 100% Peruvian just imitation. Otherwise, place was nice and warm even if dinning outside and entrees and appetizers were really good. read more

My friend and I tried this lovely restaurant the other night. It was EXCELLENT! Great staff - friendly and helpful. Food was so fresh -- they made the ceviche right in front of us (we sat at the bar) -- generous portion with really fresh fish. I had the Aji de Gallina - so good. And beautiful with florals. My friend had the lomo saltado - I just had a taste and it was really good too. Dessert: bombitas de carretilla. Really good and kind of different from typical desserts. (I've never had Peruvian food before) Check it out! read more

Pucquio - Lomo saltado and passion fruit beverage - Peruvian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Drove an hour and got there 7 minutes early for my reservation. Stood waiting, was never acknowledged, and when I let them know I was there for my reservation, was rudely told, "it's at 6:15", and they walked away. There were three empty table and three places at the bar. I called my family and we canceled. I let the server know that I thought he was very rude, he did not seem to care. read more

Came here on a Wednesday night and got seated right away. Made reservations via Open Table. My friend and I sat at the counter in front of the chefs since it is an open kitchen concept. I started with a Pisco Sour drink, which was super tasty! Sweet and you could barely taste the alcohol; they also made three little hearts on top of the egg whites which was really cute. We got the Ceviche de Pescado and quinoa beet salad, both of which were fresh, light and citrusy. Also got the grilled pulpo (octopus), which was soft and tender but I don't think I enjoyed the seasoning of it as much. Also tried the seafood paella, which had squid ink and a nice depth of flavor; shrimp were grilled nicely and head was juicy. They gave us a complimentary Peruvian rice pudding for dessert, which was super nice of them. The server and chefs were amazing! Super friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. Food came out in a timely manner and tasted really good overall. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for yummy Peruvian food, great ambiance, and excellent service. read more

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Although this restaurant has been there for 12 years, this is the first time we ate there. The menu is Peruvian, but it is done with a gourmet foodie appreciation. It is a tiny restaurant that gives a wonderful feeling of intimacy and that you can see the chef's cooking while you sit at your table. The menu is primarily seafood, but there is other delicious options. Should you not like seafood. We started with the octopus and the potatoes and sausage side. Both were delicious, particularly the octopus and the sausage. We then had the Peruvian paella. It had seafood of shrimp, octopus, and fish on a bed of squid ink rice. It was amazing. The other dish was a crispy pork shoulder with beans visually it was a simple dish, but the taste was complex and amazing. The beans had potato chips, sweet potato chips, lime salt, and many delicious elements. The service was fun, energetic and interesting. The wine and beer recommendations were spot on. We will be back. I'm hesitant to recommend it because it's so small. We may never get in again, but it was worth a visit and many more. read more

Loved it. Good food, service, and ambiance. They were very friendly. This was the first restaurant I visited in the USA after a trip to Asia and it reminded me why I like the American service based economy. The drinks are interesting. They don't have any regular sodas, so I got the juice drink thing and that was good. People in my party liked the special drinks but I liked that juice the most. The establishment is nice and I liked most of the dishes. The potato appetizer thing was good. Definitely on the pricey side but good for a special occasion! read more

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What a fantastic restaurant!! Absolutely great in every way. Carlos and his family and crew have built a superb little restaurant along restaurant-row (College Avenue) that shines bright with wonderful service, an intimate setting (ask to sit at the kitchen bar to watch the dishes being prepared and to chat with the chef), amazing amazing food and, I gotta say, really great Sangria. The menu is neither small nor large (it's just right), and every dish delivers a wonderfully delicious experience with tremendous depth of flavor and beautiful balance. The Cebiche's are built in real-time with the freshest fish and ingredients and knock your socks off. I love the Pulpo a la Parrilla appetizer, and Lomo Saltado (wow!!), Chupe De Camarones (wow, wow!!) and Adobo de Chancho (so good). Every time I try a new dish, I add it to my favorites list. For a wonderful meal in a comfortable setting served up by talented chefs and staff, I highly recommend this gem. (recommend getting reservations) read more

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What a wonderful restaurant! We lived in the area eight years ago and loved our experience at Pucquio back then, but after moving away, it took us eight years to get back. I'm happy to say the restaurant is as amazing as I remember it. Everyone there is wonderful and warm and welcoming and you feel like a part of the family when walking in. The food is perfectly and artfully prepared and was amazingly delicious. I highly recommend the Pucquio experience if you are looking for uniquely inventive and delicious food in a welcoming environment. read more

We had a great experience at Pucquio. Amazing food and great service. Interior is very small and cozy. I would recommend the lomo saltado! read more

25 stars. A story: my better half was having a birthday. We haden't made a reservation and weren't sure where to go for dinner. We stumbled across Puquio, and gratefully, they had a table available. The menu is full of delicious items - lomo saltado, ceviche, paella, a traditional chicken porridge, vegetarian plates and salads. The ambience is sweet: small and intimate, it almost feels like you're dining in someone's living room. I believe the owner and his son are the primary chefs. When we told the host that we were there for a birthday, he brought us two glasses of champagne, on the house. We had a delicious, luxurious meal, and weren't rushed. For dessert, they brought us an unfamiliar treat that I can only describe as sugared donuts filled with a sweet potato jam, with a candle. Absolutely spectacular. It is rare to find a restaurant that feels personal and intimate while also providing high-quality service and food -- but Puquio is it. read more

I don't review often, but this place is that special! Everything from their service,​ the​ friendly atmosphere, their wine/drink recommendations, the place settings, to the recognizably brilliant food made this an absolute must return. Would buy their leche de tigre by the gallon! G​enerally left feeling heavenly: not heavy, pallet dazzled, cared for and about. Thank you, thank you! I couldn't have asked for a better date night ​​​ read more

Pucquio is North Oakland's goto Peruvian spot. I've traveled to Peru quite a bit, and this is one of the most authentic Peruvian spots in the Bay Area. They use high-quality ingredients. Everything is non-GMO and hormone-free and organic. Try the Cebiche del Pescado. I think it is their flagship dish. When we went, we looked at what other tables were ordering and we saw several of these. What's in it? Daily fish, Ají limo, onion, lime, and maldon. All as fresh as could be. At $24 it isn't cheap, but the quality is high. I also recommend the Mosaico Cebichero. It has the daily mixed fish, ginger, celery, and leche de tigre. I'm not exactly sure what leche de tigre is. I think it translates to milk of the tiger. Do they actually acquire tiger's milk for this dish? Well, whatever they are doing they need to keep on doing it. Its delicious. Its priced at $24. This place gets busy, so a reservation is advisable. You can make a reservation on their website. read more

I rarely leave reviews, but the food, ambiance, and service were absolutely fantastic! A special shout-out to Kevin for being an amazing host and server. We will definitely be returning very soon. read more

This restaurant transported me back to Peru. Kevin was a great waiter with witty jokes and made me a maracuya sour that was perfect. The yucca fritas and arroz con mariscos were fantastic. Above all, the intimate ambiance is what will bring me back. read more

I came here for my birthday dinner. Peruvian is my favorite and I've been to most/all Peruvian restaurants in the area. I was taken aback by how incredible everything was. Each dish stood out in its own right; I was particularly fond of the ceviche with leche de Tigre and the Lomo Saltado. I think the lomo was made with filet mignon medallions, or at least it tasted like it. Food is made to order, so it's incredibly fresh and certainly tastes like high quality ingredients are used. The service is above and beyond. They share each ingredient as they bring out each dish. They even gave me a small container for sauce in my to go box without asking. Everything was next level. This place is a must try! read more

Pucquio has become (by far) our favorite Peruvian Restaurant. The staff, Kevin, Carlos, and Placo are great and lots of fun to interact with. We've been there many times over the past several months and return regularly. Both of us love the Ceviche...all of them except the shrimp, which we have not tried, feeling that shrimp isn't quite right for Ceviche. The other four are all great. We usually have at least two between us. My wife likes the Aji de Gallina very much and I am partial to the Lomo Saltado. We also enjoy the Adobo de Chanco and the Yucca Frita. Their take on the Pisco Sour is pretty good. Kevin can usually come up with interesting Vino to go with the meal, usually white, but he once had me try a Red from Bolivia that was excellent. Last time we were there, they gave us a desert which was a kind of beignet with ice cream. Delicious. Not sure it's on the menu. Great place and fun staff. read more

The food was delicious and the presentation of each dish was beautiful. They also made a delightful fuss over our birthday girl. But, and I really hate mentioning this because they are obviously a very nice crew, service was very slow. We were there for 2 1/2 hours and a lot of that was waiting between dishes. Kind of a vibe killer. So, a mixed bag but way more good than bad. read more

Glad to have come across this little gem of a restaurant! Food and service were top notch. Ceviche was super fresh and delicious. Wine was excellent. Everything we tried was great. And somehow Kevin managed to make us feel like special guests even on a very busy night. We will definitely be back! read more

This gem should probably be Michelin-listed. After my first visit, I wrote a 5-star review for doing Peruvian basics way better, and with some adventuresome direction, than any other I knew of in the Bay Area. But on our second visit, my wife and I went a different direction and were truly amazed. We had the Tiradito instead of the more familiar Cebiche, then small plates, all of which allowed us a stunning meal. Chicharrón may be a staple, but this Chicharrón confit is special (as was the octopus, and the squid). Service: it's a very small restaurant that runs with one waiter and one busser (same waiter for both our visits over a year apart). That means there were some slow gaps, but never too bothersome and when he arrived his detail was superb. I'd say just be aware that it's not running at "American speed" (and possibly a better experience all told). From explaining that the seaweed was from Monterey to how he added serving spoons to the table, this one-man show was competing with the small army that served us in a Michelin one-star in Napa a couple months ago. All this while maintaining a neighborhood feel. I think the location may have once been a sushi restaurant, based on the beautiful wood ceiling. The open kitchen is a small hive of fun activity. read more