Inca's Peruvian Cuisine — Restaurant in Arizona

(Part 2) So I personally came down to this restaurant last Friday. I wanted to give it a second opportunity to impress me. While I was there, I believe Claudia had a little snap when told to customers wanted a table (for 2) but one of the tables was not ready. What I meant by snap is her expression. She told one of the waiters "Carajo" which is a Peruvian term used in different ways. For what I was able to see, it was not the pleasant version of the term. My point here is, do not express your frustration in front of your customers. You don't know who is watching you. For the food, I tried a rotisserie chicken again, to go. I got my sauces and they were very tasty. I asked the young man taking my order to make sure it was not over cooked (see part 1). Yes, it wasn't over cooked but the breast was still dry. If you know about rotisserie chicken, especially from Peru, you know that the chicken is very moist and the breast keeps its juices, that's what makes the "Peruvian chicken" delicious. I also ordered a Lomo Saltado, also to go, and I did not eat it until the next day. It is Peruvian tradition that if you leave food, in its juices, for the next day, it will taste even better. I am not sure about it in this occasion. The food was not bad but I did not find the taste I was looking for, the Lomo Saltado taste. I will still give it a 8 stars for the Lomo Saltado but for the chicken it is already strike 2 for me.

Now, why am I so critical about the food? My mother had a Peruvian food restaurant in Peru and she was the cook for one of the most recognized Peruvian restaurants in Los Angeles and I know about food. I'm not trying to damage any restaurant's hard earned prestige but I'm just giving my critical point of view. In regards to the customer service, I don't think I should wait 3 +/- next to the counter before I am greeted by an employee and take my order (to go) and I strongly believe I should not be witness of an employee's frustration and listening to not so appropriate language. I'm sure management will take care of this issue. Overall, the location is very cozy and the prices are very reasonable.

(Part 1) I just had my co-worker pick up some food from this restaurant and I (Peruvian) was not too thrilled about it. I ordered Pollo A La Brasa (Rotisserie chicken) and it was over cooked, toasted. The meat was dried as a result. The potatoes were good, a good portion of them. My co-worker asked for green sauce and any other available. None was given to him. The only sauce I got was the one with the salad, a combination of mustard and mayo (I believe). With my chicken, I order a can of Inca Kola. To my surprise, it was frozen. I really wasn't expecting that at $3+ per can. What is the problem with that, you asked? Well, when you freeze Inca Kola and the it unfreezes, the syrup comes up and it is extremely sweet. There goes my dinner. If I have to rate it, from 1-10, I would give it a 7. I will probably give it a try before I leave Tucson in the next few weeks, in the meantime, it has been a...

update: 28 April 2024: I decided to give it another shot to actually try the food. I arrived an hour before closing and I was greeted immediately and shown a seat, given water and a menu, and asked if I had any questions. The atmosphere was very cozy, I sat outside, but I felt very much a part of the restaurant sitting outside the main entrance. The planters, tables, and wonderful guitarist extended the service area outside completely.

I asked the server Erika, about the Peruvian drink Chilcano de Pisco and she said that it's very light and refreshing with a strong citrus flavor, and it tasted exactly as described.

I ordered the signature Pollo a la Brasa with house rice, and it came with nice side salad. Although the chicken was a little dry, not terribly dry but it was late in the day (my fault), and still wonderfully flavorful. The accompanying garlic, cilantro, and vinegar sauce was a perfect compliment, but the chicken flavor stands on its own.

The real star for me was the rice. I have no idea how it's made, but it's AMAZING!

Overall the review I left below was deserved, but they have fixed whatever staff misunderstanding there was about seating customers close to the end of the service hours.

I strongly suggest that you make the short trip up the hill from. The east side and try the amazing food and great service.

February 2024:

I wish I could have tried the food, but apparently they don't actually close at 8 PM, they close when their servers decide it's time. I showed up late to be sure; 7:50. Plenty of people still sitting inside and out on the patio. I was told that they close at 8, I looked at my phone and showed it to the server. She promptly told me that all I can get was take out. I wouldn't have minded that, but then she began to rattle off what else I couldn't get from the menu. So I told her she clearly didn't want to take my money or provide the service and walked next door to the Thai restaurant.

I guess they have really good food and get enough business to allow them to turn away customers. I come to Tucson with a team frequently for work. I usually recommend Guadalajara to my fellow travelers, and I wanted to scout this place out before I recommended we drive up the hill. Our normal bills are around $35-50 per person X 4-6 people. We all tip 20% or better. That's $170-300 plus tip you will not be getting from me...

I’ve been to Inca’s several times, and the experience has never disappointed. The food is wonderful and reasonably priced, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable (but still posh enough for a date night), and the service is excellent. I was here with a party of four last night, and our server, Manuel, was genuine, personable, and efficient.

If you are unfamiliar with Peruvian food, the menu has pictures to give you a solid idea of what you are getting, and the staff are helpful in guiding your choices if you need a nudge. The Seca de Carne is a standout for me, with an intensely flavorful sauce and a melt-in- your-mouth texture. The Aji Gallina is a reliable standby, a wonderfully tasty curry that is mild on the heat and very accessible. The Jalea de Mariscos is a beautiful combination of lightly fried seafood, and apparently one of the most popular menu items. My partner and a friend ordered this on our last visit, and the little taste I had will ensure that I order this dish next time. Their Ceviches are beautiful and big enough for a light dinner for one, or an excellent appetizer for two or three people to share. The Papa a la Huancaina, Papa Rellena, and any of their elegantly presented Causas stand out among the appetizers. And of course, no Peruvian place would be complete without a serious cocktail menu. So far I have only tried (and reordered multiple times) their excellent Pisco Sour, a Peruvian staple if ever there was one and one of my all time favorite cocktails.

In high season here in Tucson, this place gets crowded fast, so make reservations. In the off season (like any good restaurant here) the vibe is more chill, and bit quieter. The interior is not large, but it’s cozy and has a good vibe, and there is ample outdoor seating when the weather is fair. Nearly every Friday and Saturday is made more lively with live music. It adds to the atmosphere and overall experience, but without the volume level impeding conversation. Whatever the night, whatever the season, give Inca’s a try. If you already enjoy Peruvian cuisine, you’ll love Inca’s. If you’ve never tried it, go on and give it a go. They’ll...