See How A St. Augustine Chef Is Redefining Peruvian Cuisine With Museum-Worthy Presentations

On Anastasia Boulevard in St. Augustine lies Llama Restaurant, and it’s redefining Peruvian cuisine in Florida.

Chef Marcel Vizcarra transforms traditional dishes into edible art. Each plate is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.

With just 10 tables, this intimate spot creates a dining experience both exclusive and extraordinary.

Want a meal you’ll remember for years? This is it.

Menu Highlights

Ceviche Selection: Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.

The ceviches at Llama are consistently praised as must-try dishes.

The Ceviche Clasico showcases the perfect balance of citrus brightness with the freshest catch, while the Ceviche Nikkei offers a Japanese-Peruvian fusion experience with unique ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Mar Y Tierra: This signature dish is basically a must-try.

It’s Chef Marcel’s take on surf and turf that features perfectly tender hanger steak paired with shrimp tagliatelle pasta.

The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish an absolute showstopper and fan favorite.

Anticuchos: Don’t let the description of “beef heart” deter you.

These marinated chargrilled skewers are presented under a smoke-filled glass dome and tender and full of flavor.

Even the most hesitant diners might be converted to fans after trying this traditional Peruvian street food elevated to fine dining status.

Rack of Lamb Lollipops: Brilliantly prepared and incredibly tender, these lamb chops are well-presented and pack tremendous flavor.

Seafood Specialties: From the melt-in-your-mouth octopus (Pulpo) to the Arapaima (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish) cooked in banana leaves, the seafood options showcase Chef Marcel’s expertise and creativity.

Palate Cleansers: Between courses you’ll be treated to wonderful palate-cleansing aperitifs that prepare you for the next culinary adventure. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the fanciness of the overall dining experience.

The Atmosphere

Charming Andean Setting: The restaurant’s intimate interior creates an immersive atmosphere that complements the culinary journey.

While it is very small (seating only about 28 guests plus a tiny bar area), the space is beautifully designed to transport diners to the Andes.

But reservations will be worth it here.

Artistic Presentation: Each dish arrives like a museum-worthy piece of art.

From wooden boats to cacao bean pods to burning eucalyptus that enhances flavors, the presentation elevates the entire experience to something magical.

Ritualistic Service: The service is as if it’s almost choreographed, with staff moving through the intimate space with precision and grace.

The careful explanation of each dish adds to the ceremonial feeling of the meal.

Cozy Yet Sophisticated: Despite its small size, the restaurant manages to feel both comfortable and elegant – never stuffy despite the high-end dining experience.

Pricing & Value

Worth Every Penny: While some dishes like the ceviche might seem overpriced considering their portion size, the value is exceptional for the quality, presentation, and overall experience.

The food here really is like eating art on a plate!

Generous Portions: Despite being a fine dining establishment, you might be surprised by the decent portion sizes here. Especially for main courses.

A Memorable Experience: This experience is comparable to restaurants costing significantly more in major cities, but with a far more unique feeling. It’s memorable for sure.

Great for a date night.

Other Considerations

Reservations Essential: Due to the restaurant’s small size and tremendous popularity, securing a reservation is absolutely necessary. You’ll often need to give weeks in advance for prime dining times.

Though if you keep checking in you might be able to find an opening if someone cancels.

Beverage Selection: While Llama doesn’t have a full liquor license (no Pisco Sours), they offer creative wine-based cocktails like the Passion Mimosa that receive high marks.

I can’t skip their non-alcoholic options either though. The Chicha Morada and Chicha De Jora are unique, delicious, and refreshing.

Accessibility Note: The restaurant is quite small and the bathrooms are located outside the main dining space, which could present some challenges for guests with mobility issues.

Save Room for Dessert: There are some delicious options here like the crème brûlée, jungle zen pie, and the cleverly designed s’mores on fire.

If you can, try not to fill up on the main meal. Because dessert is worth trying here if it’s your first time.

Special Occasions: The intimate setting and exceptional experience make Llama perfect for celebrations. Think anniversaries, birthdays, or celebratory work outings.

Dietary Options: Chef Marcel offers thoughtful vegetarian and vegan alternatives, ensuring all diners can experience his culinary artistry regardless of dietary preferences.

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Llama Restaurant
📍 415 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
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