CELEBRATED LA MAR COCINA PERUANA TO OPEN IN DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE THIS OCTOBER

Reservations are now live for the Pacific Northwest’s most anticipated authentic Peruvian restaurant opening to the public October 14.

Reservations are now live for Downtown Bellevue’s most anticipated new restaurant, La Mar Cocina Peruana, officially opening October 14, 2024. Created by acclaimed Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, La Mar is a celebration of the traditional Peruvian cebichería, set within a casual yet upscale atmosphere designed to take diners on a journey through the exquisite flavors of Peruvian cuisine.

“With the opening of La Mar in Bellevue, we look forward to continuing our mission of uplifting Peruvian cuisine on the world’s gastronomic stage,” said Acurio. “This is our first restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, and, like Peru, this region has wonderful biodiversity of ingredients — from the sea to the mountains — and a culture of culinary curiosity. We know many will discover a love of Peruvian food after dining at La Mar.”

La Mar Bellevue will feature classic Peruvian dishes such as cebiches (citrus-based marinated raw fish) and tiraditos (thinly sliced seafood), causas (potato-based dishes) and grilled anticuchos (skewers of marinated meat, in homage to Peruvian street food). The menu focuses on delivering fresh seafood that exemplifies authentic Peruvian flavors, utilizing traditional Peruvian ingredients and sourcing from local fishers and farmers.

“As a third-generation Nikkei [Peruvian of Japanese heritage], I look forward to sharing the exceptional diversity of my country’s traditional cuisine, which has been shaped by Incan, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese traditions over many centuries,” said Kaoru Chang, executive chef of La Mar Bellevue. “La Mar’s menu will reflect the global influence and melting pot of flavors in Peru, while also incorporating elements of the bounty found right here in the Pacific Northwest.”

Highlights from the opening La Mar Bellevue menu which exemplify the multicultural influences of traditional Peruvian food include: Cebiche Nikkei with Ahi Tuna, red onion, Japanese cucumber, daikon, avocado, and tamarind leche de tigre; Tiradito Bachiche with local white fish, parmesan cheese and artichoke sauce, capers, avocado and basil oil; Lomo Saltado with Wok stir-fried beef tenderloin, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, jalapeno, oyster sauce, soy sauce, potatoes and rice; and Causa Limena with chicken salad, Idaho potato, Aji Amarillo aioli.

Drinks will highlight both local and Peruvian ingredients, with a special focus on pisco, the signature spirit of Peru. There will be a broad selection of Pisco Sours, including the Rainier Sour, specifically created for La Mar Bellevue to capture the unique flavor of the Pacific Northwest and featuring Brovo’s Douglas Fir Liqueur, made by a local distillery. The beverage menu will include local beer and wine, as well as an extensive list of unique craft cocktails.

Steps away from Old Bellevue, La Mar will be located at 10508 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004. The interior will be upscale yet welcoming, drawing décor and original works of art inspiration from the sea. In addition to the large multi-tiered main dining room, guests can enjoy a lively bar and lounge area, cebiche bar with the day’s fresh fish on display, an open kitchen and a private dining space.