Zig Zag — Restaurant in Arequipa

My cousin had recommended this restaurant to me to visit while in Arequipa. We went without a reservation and they told us it would be a 40 minute wait. We were fine with that and walked around in the meantime. At the 40 minutes the restaurant called and said it would be 20 minutes more. So we said it was fine since we had gone to get a coffee. After the 20 minutes, we went back to the restaurant and they told us our table still was not ready but that we could sit in the waiting room and look at the menu. Shortly after we were seated on the second floor. It was a narrow and steep walk up the stairs. The area was cozy and had about 5 tables which seated 4-5 people. One of the people in our party had wanted to sit downstairs near the staircase and they tried to accommodate but there just weren’t any tables available there. Our waiter Ian was very attentive and provided suggestions on how to order. We ordered our food and got some complimentary bread which came with flavored butter (anchovies in it also but not fishy at all) and a green olive sauce. It was good. I ordered the chicken fillet (it’s chicken breast which I prefer so I was happy!) with a side of pure de papa (mashed potatoes) and a salad. The chicken was served on a hot volcanic stone with 3 different sauces. They were all spectacular! Others in my party ordered alpaca, beef and lamb. They said it was all delicious! At the end the manager came I think and apologized that we could not sit downstairs and offered us a free dessert which was a nice gesture. They were cocoa truffle balls which were out of this world! They were so good. All in all I had a great experience and would recommend to anyone...

My partner and I arrived at Zig Zag to celebrate his birthday. We were very excited to have a “fancy” lunch after months of travelling around South America.

We arrived and the lady at the front desk was friendly. She asked us to sit at the bar until our table was ready, which was totally fine. We sat at the bar to wait but at no point did anyone acknowledge us or look over so we could order a drink.

After a little bit at the bar we were seated at a table upstairs. We sat for 15+ minutes with again no acknowledgement from any of the wait staff. Finally we flagged a young woman down and greeted her nicely in Spanish. To which we got no reply just an annoyed look. She was incredibly rude, at several points acting annoyed when we asked questions about the drink special and rolling her eyes.

We were so taken aback by her attitude and the whole experience, especially since it’s meant to be a nicer restaurant with higher prices, that we decided to leave.

I spoke to the Manager as we were leaving who was apologetic but at that point it was such a negative atmosphere that we just wanted to leave.

We were really disappointed and sad about the whole thing, especially because it was a birthday celebration. But we decided to go to CHICHA restaurant for lunch instead and ended up having the best meal we’ve had in Peru! Go Chicha Restaurant for dinner or lunch...

From the moment we arrived at ZigZag, we knew we were in for something special. The restaurant’s location in the heart of Arequipa’s historic district adds to its charm, blending colonial elegance with modern sophistication. The intimate atmosphere, warm lighting, and stylish interior create the perfect setting for a memorable evening.

The service was truly outstanding. Our waiter was incredibly attentive, kind, and exceptionally knowledgeable. He took the time to explain each dish in detail, including the origins of the meats, suggested pairings, and even the unique sauces that accompanied them. His passion and professionalism elevated our entire experience.

The highlight, without a doubt, was the local meat – simply exceptional. Perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, it showcased the quality and tradition of Peruvian ingredients. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and commitment to excellence.

We also enjoyed a superb Argentinian wine that paired beautifully with our meal, recommended by the staff. It was a perfect match and added an extra touch of elegance to the night.

ZigZag is more than just a restaurant – it's an experience. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through Arequipa, this is a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates fine food, top-notch service, and an intimate,...