Nuna Cocina-Bar — Restaurant in Ica

Huacachina is a very small and touristy town. There are many restaurants catering to “Western” appetites, serving burgers and fries, pasta, pizza, etc. Nuna Cocina serves all of the above, and Peruvian specialties.

Their 18-sole “menu del dia” comes with a choice of drink (lemonade or fresh passionfruit smoothie), appetizer (chicken soup, salad, or papa la Huancaina), and main course (chicken or vegetarian chaufa, pesto pasta, chicken saltado, chicharrón wings, or BBQ wings). I had the passionfruit smoothie, papa a la Huancaina (a typical Peruvian appetizer of cold boiled potatoes topped with a creamy sauce made of yellow pepper, cheese, and crackers), and chicken saltado (chicken stir-fried with tomatoes and onions, served with French fries and rice). Food was tasty. Portions were generous and good value for the “menu del dia.” Other a la carte items are pricier.

The location is nice. There is an outdoor seating area facing the lagoon, with a great view of the dunes. The waiters didn’t speak English but were very friendly. Wifi is free and works great.

We will be back...

If you sit outside, on a good day, that will be the highlight of the experience. Otherwise, food and service will not trigger a great dining experience at this place.

My spouse and I ordered Tequeños de Lomo, which were greasy at every bite.

Also had the Fettuccini a la Huancaina, and it was just flavorless. The meat was cooked right but the ingredients in the dish weren't "talking" to each other. No flavor harmony.

My spouse had the Asado de la Casa, and it was the only thing that tasted...

One of the very few restaurants or eating establishments that is both affordable and tasty. The set menu that they provide is a great deal and the quality and quantity is sufficient for hungry travelers in search of something good. The service is good but then again we are talking about Latin America where the culture of food service falls behind North American or...