Crasqui Restaurant | Minneapolis's Vibrant Peruvian Kitchen
Tucked away in the heart of Minneapolis, Crasqui Restaurant is a warm, colorful, and wonderfully authentic destination for the bold, diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine. This is not a generic Latin American spot; it's a family-run gem where the culinary traditions of Peru—a glorious fusion of indigenous ingredients, Spanish influences, African rhythms, and Asian techniques—come alive in every dish. ✨ The Crasqui Experience: The atmosphere is cheerfully inviting and unpretentious—think vibrant colors, Peruvian textiles adorning the walls, the welcoming smile of owners who treat every guest like family, and the irresistible aroma of aji amarillo and anticuchos sizzling in the kitchen. This is a place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are guided through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. The menu is a journey through Peru's extraordinary culinary landscape. The ceviche is essential—ultra-fresh fish "cooked" in citrusy leche de tigre, served with sweet potato, cancha (toasted corn), and red onion. It's bright, refreshing, and absolutely authentic. The lomo saltado—that iconic Peruvian-Chinese stir-fry of tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries, served with rice—captures Peru's multicultural soul in a single dish. The aji de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy walnut-based sauce) is pure comfort, and the causa (layered potato terrine with chicken or seafood) showcases the country's reverence for the humble potato. The anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) aren't for the faint of heart, but they're a Peruvian street food classic—marinated in vinegar and spices, grilled to tender perfection, and absolutely delicious. The papa a la huancaína (potatoes in a creamy, slightly spicy cheese sauce) is a perfect starter. And don't leave without trying the picarones for dessert—sweet potato and squash doughnuts drizzled with spiced syrup, a perfect end to the meal. The drink menu features Pisco sours, Peru's national cocktail—a perfect balance of Pisco brandy, lime, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters—along with chicha morada, a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage made from purple corn and spices that tastes like liquid candy. The clientele reflects the restaurant's authenticity: Peruvian expats seeking a taste of home, adventurous diners exploring new flavors, and regulars who've been coming for years, drawn by the consistency and warmth. It's a place designed for sharing multiple dishes, for discovering a cuisine that deserves far more attention, and for anyone who believes that the best restaurants feel like an extension of someone's home. 📝 Short Social Media Caption: “Found a little piece of Peru in Minneapolis. 🇵🇪✨ Crasqui is serving some of the most vibrant, authentic Peruvian food in the Twin Cities—ceviche so fresh it glows, lomo saltado that tells a thousand stories, and Pisco sours that transport you straight to Lima. A true hidden gem. #Crasqui #MinneapolisEats #PeruvianFood #Ceviche #LomoSaltado #PiscoSour #LatinAmericanCuisine #TwinCitiesEats #MNFoodie #HiddenGem