At Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen, chef and owner Elizabeth Mostacero is not just serving up delicious Peruvian cuisine, she is also providing a cultural experience for her customers. Mostacero, who hails from Peru, is passionate about sharing the traditions and flavors of her homeland beyond the popular tourist destination of Machu Picchu. She believes that Peru has so much more to offer in terms of culture, people, and of course, food.
Having immigrated to the United States over three decades ago with her husband to seek better opportunities, Mostacero found herself drawn to the culinary world after working as an operations manager for many years. Her love for cooking and her desire to share the flavors of Peru with others led her to start a catering business in 2016. Little did she know that this venture would eventually lead to the opening of her own restaurant, Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen, in 2017.
Located in the Colina Del Sol neighborhood in City Heights, Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen quickly became a hub for Peruvians and Latin American families in the area. Mostacero’s dedication to authenticity sets her restaurant apart, as she focuses on traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche, and pollo estilo a la brasa. She prides herself on offering the most authentic Peruvian flavors, reminiscent of what one would find in restaurants in Peru itself.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Mostacero remains determined to keep her business thriving. With limited hours of operation, she hopes to eventually expand her menu and find a larger space to accommodate more customers. Mostacero’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of Peruvian cuisine shines through in every dish she serves, attracting customers not only from the local community but also from across different cities in California and beyond.
In addition to Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen, San Diego’s vibrant food scene offers a variety of events and opportunities to support local businesses and charitable causes. From fundraisers like „Cocktails for a Cause“ benefiting youth athletes battling cancer to initiatives like Big Table’s support for hospitality workers facing challenges, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a positive impact in the community.
As the culinary landscape in San Diego continues to evolve, with new restaurants and concepts emerging, there is always something exciting happening in the city’s food scene. Whether it’s the anticipation of a new restaurant opening or the launch of a unique wine club, San Diego offers a diverse range of culinary experiences for residents and visitors alike.
For those with a passion for food and a desire to stay informed about the latest developments in San Diego’s restaurant scene, opportunities to contribute stories, news, and insights are always welcomed. Whether it’s a new restaurant opening, a special event, or a unique food concept, sharing these stories helps to celebrate the rich culinary diversity that San Diego has to offer.