A nice Peruvian place but a bit on the expensive side: Restaurant Barranco (28. April 2022)
It’s quite a while ago since I’ve been to the Barranco and what really blows my mind is the fact that you still have to book about 3 weeks in advance to be able to score a table. I mean, yeah, it’s good, and it’s interesting, and it’s kind of unique since there aren’t too many Peruvian restaurants, but so much time in advance is somewhat surprising.
Since we were a bit earlier than originally planned, I ended up at the bar with a “Pisco Sour (Pisco Acholado, lime, egg white, Angostura Bitters)” (CHF 15.00) and some roasted corn. The pisco is fine and definitely has enough booze, so you get started easily into the evening.
Since about seven courses are recommended to share for two people, we decided to go for that number and started with the “Salmón Ceviche (raw Swiss alpine salmon, fennel leche de tigre, radishes, avocado wasabi emulsion, ikura)” (CHF 26.00) which was not only looking lovely but was also enjoyable.
The “Hamachi Tiradito (hamachi, ponzu, rocoto and coriander leche de tigre, sweet potatoes, tobiko, tapioka chips)” (CHF 25.00) was something I somewhat enjoyed even more. The combination of the different flavours and textures made my taste buds rock.
The “Zander y Cushuro (pike-perch, kimchi, aji amarillo beurre blanc, cushuro)” (CHF 29.00) on the other hand didn’t entirely work for me.
Does it look appealing? Well, maybe not too much to be honest, but the little flower heads on the sweet potato try the best to make it look appealing. The “Camote Umami (sweet potato, dried olives, aji panca syrup, feta cheese)” (CHF 16.00) might not be the prettiest of dishes, but it was actually super tasty.
Even better though was the “Terrina de Cordero (tender lamb neck, celery root, five spice, buckwheat)” (CHF 28.00) – smooth, tender, juicy meat which had surprisingly much texture. I mean, okay, maybe not surprisingly much since it’s neck after all, but it was definitely one of these bites where you just enjoy its flavour and savoury texture.
The “Chicharrón Andino (glazed pork belly, “mote” corn purrée, zarza criolla)” (CHF 22.00) went down very much the same route for me. Intense, full of flavour, interesting texture, and with the corn purée you would have a nice counter balancing point.
Last but not least, the “Lasaña de Aji de Gallina (gyoza leaves, planted chicken chili, aji amarillo, pecannut)” (CHF 21.00) turned out to be not entirely easy to eat (if you’re sharing) but it was definitely an interesting interpretation of a lasagna.
The place is relatively small if you only get to sit inside, but it’s somewhat atmospheric. The tables do not hold too much space so if you’re seated right next to the window where you can place your bottle of wine (e.g., a “Tres Matas Crianza, 2019, Vega de Yuso, Ribera del Duero, Spain” (CHF 65.00)) on the sideboard, this definitely helps logistically.
To me, the Restaurant Barranco remains a good choice for (as far as I can judge, authentic) Peruvian cuisine. Just make sure to book way in advance!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Barranco
Sihlfeldstrasse 141
8004 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 41 558 58 33
E-Mail: info@barranco.ch
Homepage: http://www.barranco.ch
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
