NYC Restaurants

Mission Ceviche on the Upper East Side has good energy, whether you are grabbing a pisco sour or one of their other lively cocktails at the bar or a bite at a nearby table. The place fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so it is best to make a reservation. Traditional Peruvian cuisine fills the menu with seafood dishes getting a starring role. Several seafood ceviches are offered including “mixto” with fresh fish, shrimps and squid in "tiger's milk," and one with Japanese influences, “Nikkei,” made with tuna tartare and watermelon. Anticuchos, grilled meats served on skewers, range from marinated beef heart, like you will find in Lima, to updated versions like large chunks of juicy pork belly. Both are delicious. Larger plates for sharing include Lomo Saltado, a beef stir fry with fries; Jalea, a mixed seafood tempura; and Arroz con Mariscos, a seafood paella made with richly-seasoned rice. For dessert there’s a dish similar to Hawaiian shaved ice made with coconut and berries that is perfect for sharing. Birthdays are celebrated with sparklers and bubbles. It’s also nice to see a hands-on owner, Jose Luis Chavez Rivera, personally checking in on his guests. >>

- Thomas Rafael