delicious.100: Pastuso is one of Melbourne’s best restaurants.

WHILE the pisco sour is reason enough to visit this bustling Peruvian restaurant in ACDC Lane, it’s the ceviche bar that brings the crowds back.

Pastuso’s ceviche. Picture: Nicole Cleary

WHILE the excellent boozy cloud that is a pisco sour is reason enough to visit this neon pop-bright bustling Peruvian restaurant at the bottom of colourful ACDC Lane, it’s the ceviche bar that brings the crowds back. Perch on stools and watch the team create versions of Peru’s national dish of chilli and citrus-dressed fish that are as authentic as they come, thanks to chef Alejandro Saravia.

He’s also turning out a range of street snacks — from alpaca ragout through smoked house sausage, sweet corn cakes and spicy beef skewers — and good things from the parrilla (grill), all of which celebrate the centre of South American gastronomy to excellent effect.

Pastuso.

A wine list heavy on Argentine hits keeps things similarly on theme, while desserts, including Peruvian panna cotta with sherry currants, need to be factored into every feast. Service keeps the mood light and drinks flowing, completing a picture of Peru in Melbourne that’s as pretty as it is a pleasure.

Must eat dish: ceviche

PASTUSO

19 ACDC Lane, city.

Ph: 9662 4556

pastuso.com.au

Cuisine: Peruvian

Chef: Alejandro Saravia

Price: between $41 and $80 a person for two courses, food only

Bookings: only for groups

Open: daily noon-late

Instagram: @pastusorestaurant

This restaurant was ranked the 47th best restaurant in Victoria in the 2016 edition of the delicious.100.