Pucquio — Restaurant in Oakland

I had a pleasant evening out at this place. I ordered the Pulpo a la Parrilla as well as the Chupe de Camarones. Though I thought that some of the octopus was a bit overcharred, the dish had a great flavor combination, and since it is intended to be "grilled octopus" one can only expect some extra charring from time to time. The dish had a wonderful presentation (I wish I had taken a photo), as well as many of the other dishes I saw prepared.

The Chupe de Camarones (pictured) came out of the oven sizzling hot. It was still bubbling as they served it to me! It looked and smelled so good that the couple sitting beside me asked me what I had ordered and the misses said that she'd be ordering that dish next time! The flavor of this dish hit the mark and exceeded my expectations. The shrimp easily fell out of the shell like meat off the bone of a slow cooked dish (the shrimp are served whole in the chowder).

I sat at the bar, and though you might not get quite as intimate attention from the server as from the tables if it is incredibly busy (he was stretched thin the first evening I was there), I found it to be perfect, as it gave me a front row seat to the chefs working their magic. All of the staff was incredibly warm and friendly, the server/host Kevin did an amazing job of making me feel welcomed, and was quick to address anything I brought up with him. Miguel and Rocco were the chefs and they both treated me quite well. As I chatted with them and let the chowder cool a bit, our conversation was like that of old friends catching up with each other. I felt right at home with these guys.

I certainly recommend checking this place out, and don't be afraid to ask the guys here for whatever you need because they make it a point for you to have an enjoyable experience and to be treated well! The food being delicious is like a bonus for the exceptional treatment.

**On my second visit, I invited a friend and these guys treated us like family friends! Everyone was in a great mood, my friend and I each ordered the chicharron (it was too tasty to share any more than just a bite!), and while she ordered the Chupe de Camarones (and LOVED it), I ordered the Tacu-Tacu de Mariscos, and we both had Chicha Moradas to drink. These guys really took care of us, made us feel right at home, and made the night a lovely one!

This place should be on your list of restaurants...

Wait... Did I just find the BEST restaurant in Oakland?!? Yes, I did. Okay so first, the service. I usually start with the food, but this place is exceptional. They greeted me upon arrival and as soon as I said reservation, they called me by name. The whole place was crackling with good vibes and fun music. I install set to challenging them and they didn't blink once. I ordered things, I changed my order, I asked them to order for me, and they just shot me welcoming retorts, kind faces, and fantastic recommendations. I started with a rockfish cebiche, which can be harrowing, but this was sublime. It was accompanied by a small bowl of fried/baked and salted corn kernels. The dish to me a good long time to finish because every bite was an exciting adventure into the sea. The fish bites were perfectly sized and the local seaweeds were packed with flavor. Between bites of tart I popped kernels of salty goodness that brought out entirely new flavors from the dish. For the entree I was served a variety of fried shrimp and white fish with sauteed squid over a salty bed of beans and rice. A delicate white wine and mint reduction over the top added layers of flavor that were simply, and delightfully, unique. The shrimp were served with heads on and every crunchy bite was fresh and tasty. None of the seafood was over done or salted, which paired perfectly with the salty bed. The ambiance, the party in my mouth, the frankly attractive server: what a pleasure. I will be back and I'll tell all my friends. Thank you, Pucquio...

Absolutely superb. I'm Peruvian and I sample all the Peruvian restaurants in the Bay Area in search of the perfect ceviche, lomo saltado, etc. Hands down this is the freshest, tastiest, most substantial, quality Peruvian food experience I've ever had in the area over 30 years. Carlos, the chef, cares for every ingredient and shops the farmer's markets to shape his menu. He cares about everyone's reactions and checks in on tables when he has a minute. Lots of fresh fish. Crazy sorbets from unusual fruits. Never had Peruvian cuisine? Still a killer meal for anyone who likes fresh fresh fresh and delicious. His wife makes special desserts and pastries.

Posh and hip, intimate cafe setting. Great, caring wait staff who will learn your name. Small, hard working kitchen team keeps things moving. Reserve ahead when possible but sometimes easy to walk in on a Weds night and sit right away.

Do not leave here without trying the ceviches, the tacu tacu. I could go on as I have practically eaten here once a week since it opened and nothing on the menu...