The Citiblog

First Look Inside Mission Ceviche’s Massive Union Square Restaurant
July 19, 2024, 1:52.15 am ET

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Photos: Mission Ceviche

Mission Ceviche, which got its start as a kiosk selling Peruvian cuisine at Gansevoort Market in 2015, before establishing itself as a serious contender on the Upper East Side, now has a sprawling new restaurant in Union Square.

Chef Jose Luis Chavez and partner Brice Mastroluca joined forces on what is described as the largest Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan, featuring an expanded menu and dedicated ceviche and sushi station. The ambitious new restaurant pays homage to Peruvian and Nikkei fare, serving signature Mission Ceviche dishes as well as new creations inspired by the culture of Peru.

“Mission Ceviche Union Square is the culmination of our work together,” says Chef Chavez. “A bigger space means we can share the vibrant and dynamic flavors of Peruvian cuisine with an even broader audience, fostering the creation of cherished memories—the heart of our culture.”

Mission Ceviche has garnered widespread attention for its classico ceviche with traditional tiger’s milk, Peruvian corn and sweet potato, as well as new takes on favorites, including tuna and watermelon ceviche with aji amarillo and yuzu tiger’s milk.

Other offerings include Seco Norteno, a traditional Northern dish of slow-cooked short ribs; and Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian-Chinese dish made with fried filet mignon, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, served with french fries and white rice. Newcomers include Whole Fish of the Day in various preparations; Shrimp Tempura with Rocoto spicy mayo, and katsuobushi; and Pulpo al Olivo, octopus in a traditional botija olive tiger’s milk, avocado and fried capers.

Ceviches are served from a ‘carretilla,’ a rolling cart upon which the dishes will be composed and served tableside as an interpretation of the traditional style of the Peruvian street food. With the mission of bringing New Peruvian cuisine to all palates, the menu features a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan dishes.

Cocktails include Peruvian classics like the Chilcano and an array of Pisco sours made with pineapple, passion fruit and chicha morada, an Incan-inspired infusion of peppercorn, maize, pineapple skin and cane sugar. There is also the Pisco Espresso Martini, a Peruvian twist on the ubiquitous cocktail, and the Dragon Fruit Martini, comprised of Japanese gin, dragon fruit and yuzu.

The restaurant’s bold and vibrant design is a blend of organic elements including a vast gray Italian marble bar, rope chandeliers and intimate fireplace, with Peruvian-inspired fabrics, patterns, and textures, reminiscent of the sea. The entrance features a mosaic octopus, while artist Joel Amit was commissioned to create one-of-a-kind wall covering consisting of over 4,000 fish shaped "scales" creating a captivating feature in the dining room.

Mission Ceviche Union Square is open daily 5pm-11pm and will be expanding hours to include lunch and brunch service in the coming weeks. For more information, visit missionceviche.com. Reservations can be made through OpenTable and Resy or by calling 212-680-4067.



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