Pastuso

For the best pisco sour this side of the Andes, all roads lead to ACDC lane.

Ceviche.

19 ACDC Lane, Melbourne

[phone]

pastuso.com.au

For the best pisco sour this side of the Andes, all roads lead to ACDC lane.

For here at five-year-old Pastuso, you’ll find Peru’s national drink getting the party started every night of the week.

From coastal ceviche to Andean parilla meats, chef Alejandro Saravia celebrates the

food of his home with a Melbourne laneway twist.

Spiced fried chicken comes with a sweet yam puree, a punchy green chilli salsa adding welcome heat, while a terrific alpaca tartare – the velvety dice served with crisped potato to scoop and scoff – highlights the subtle sweetness of this little-seen meat.

Peruvian ceviche is a must, the classic red snapper bathing in a spicy-sharp “tiger’s milk” and served with crunchy corn is as traditional as you’d find in Lima but with arguably better fish, while a fillet of Baw Baw trout served with a blitzed coriander, parsley and onion “pachamanca sauce” is simply perfect.

Dishes at Pastuso.

A roll call of cuts of excellent dry-aged, grass-fed Gippsland beef are served hot from the grill, a side of tiny Peruvian potatoes dressed with chilli herb sauce the only accompaniment needed.

A large cellar of big South American reds keeps tables of business blokes in good cheer, while those piscos fly fast from the bar. Service can tend to the brusque, but for a slice of Cusco cool with added Melbourne buzz, Pastuso is still on song and going strong.

Must-eat dish: Alpaca tartare

Cuisine: Peruvian

Chef: Alejandro Saravia

Open: Lunch and dinner daily, 12-11pm

Bookings: Yes

BYO: No

Instagram: @pastusorestaurant