Inca’s is a Peruvian experience

Inca’s is a Peruvian experience - A plate of food on a table - Incas Restaurant

Visit Peru on White Street

Wanna go to Peru? Or at least pretend you’re there? Old town Key West has a secret, a little slice of South America right on White Street. Inca’s Restaurant takes you straight to Peru from decor to flavor. Nestled amongst the art galleries and conch houses, sits one of the most exotic little eateries in town.

Owners Christopher and Guilianna Beletti compare Key West to their hometown, Barranca, Peru.

“It’s the small streets and the ocean, also every one is so friendly, it is just like our village at home,” said Christopher Beletti, who has been charmed by Key West for the past decade.

Following family who moved here years ago, the Belettis were familiar with the restaurant business. Giuliana’s father had a successful restaurant for 25 years in Peru before moving here.

“We use the recipes from that restaurant, they are all our own and have been with us for years,” said Guilianna Bell. Now, they import everything from fish to wine to soda to Inca’s to create an authentic Peruvian experience.

Multiple sources have voted Inca’s ceviche the “best” in Key West, and they’re right.  Inca’s ceviche is an unusual blend of ingredients — Peruvian talapia, yams, roasted corn, red onion and loads of lime juice. It’s not the traditional ceviche Americans expect, but it’s delightfully delicious.  The eatery’s sangria also won a “best” and, again, there is no disagreement.

The more traditional dishes like Huancaina, a Peruvian cream that can go over chicken or fish, is a curry like blend of flavor and spices. Or try the Tacu Tacu, an authentic mix of spiced beans and rice paired with your meat of choice. Look for the flavors of the Rocoto or Aji yellow pepper, both native to Peru with just enough heat and flavor to enhance any dish.

Inca’s

800 White St., Key West

Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. 305.292.1616

 

Hays Blinckmann is an oil painter, author of the novel “In The Salt,” lover of all things German including husband, children and Bundesliga. She spends her free time developing a font for sarcasm, testing foreign wines and failing miserably at home cooking.