El Camaroncito - San Francisco — Restaurant in Arequipa

As the name of the restaurant suggests, this place specialises in Camarones, which is a local type of shrimp-crayfish hybrid. Note that when I say "shrimp", I don't mean huge jumbo ones that you get in the USA. These are more crayfish sized, but bigger, and tastes more like shrimp/prawn.

Nevertheless, its a pretty local place (but with English menus) just a few blocks from Plaza des Armas.

The pricing is like S.30-S.50 for most dishes, but then you're getting 100% seafood and the portions are big. I recommend going for the camarones + sea bass ceviche - one of the best I've had in Peru.

Also amazing is the camarones soup - which was like a bisque. Very rich and tasty, and a good sized portion too. Definitely great value for money.

For something non-camarones, try the seafood and fish ceviche mix, which was amazing too.

If there are two of you, I'd order a camarones soup and a ceviche to share - more than enough food to feed two people.

This place was so good that we went back for dinner...

This place was wonderful. It is open in the evenings even though google says otherwise. It’s joined to the Italian next door. The decor is a little dated but it doesn’t detract from the food. Super helpful and attentive staff. Such a shame we only discovered it was open evenings on our last day in Arequipa. Amazing fresh fish, seafood and great service. The octopus (pulpo alla grilla) was tender, juicy and delicious. The chupa de canarones exceeded my expectations and my partner’s ceviche was also fantastic. Simple, but considered wine...

Had the soup. Lamgoustine was in season we went with that. Wanted a bit more flavor but seemed in line with what the dish is suppose to be like. The passion fruit mojito was strong yet balanced and the chicha morado was spot on. Prices are high but the service was the best so far in peru and the resteraunt itself is beautiful. It is a bit confusing to find as it is located in a place that also does italian food. A...