Kay Pacha - Runnymede, Ontario

Kay Pacha seems to be the talk of the town. And that usually means 2 things; The experience is beyond awesome (Tinuno for example), or a hip/trend that took over town, to be gone in a short while (charcoal ice cream). Kay Pacha for me was somewhere in between. There is a ... huge interest in "exotic" experiences and Peruvian cuisine probably tops that list, given the limited choices available in town. So it's no surprise that people are going gaga over Kay Pacha, where it is in almost all "must visit restaurants" lists year. It's not that Kay Pacha was a let down for me. But it is just that the food, which I felt was quite over priced, was not memorable. We tried a wide variety of items. Yuca Frita, BBQ Skewers (chicken), The Classic Ceviche, Bistec con Carapulcra (strip-loin), the Quinoa dish and the Aji de Gallina (Chicken stew). The presentation of each and every dish was impeccable. Bright colors, nicely plated ingredients, it was a visual treat. Everything except the Yuca Fritas (yuca/casava fries) listed many exotic ingredients such as a variety of corn, Aji peppers, Huancaina sauce, Botija Olives, Tigers Milk. But for me none of those ingredients made a difference and it is funny that the most simplest of the dish, the Yuca Fries, was my favorite out of all the items we ordered. The other dishes weren't bad, I enjoyed them to be honest, but for me the price, the hype, the "exoticness", the fanciness did not really add much value. The flavors were okay, and the preparations didn't surprise me in any way as other more simpler dishes have done for me in other restaurants. There was less inventiveness or experimentation, by still being true to the staple Peruvian dishes. Maybe this is where they just missed the mark slightly. If they simplify their dishes, and make some of these unique ingredients shine better, and elevate the flavors in a unique and unexpected manner, the experience would have been much much better. The service was excellent (our server explained the dishes thoroughly and were patient with all our questions) the ambiance was equally good, the pricing could have been better (the Inca Cola was $6 a bottle!!!!). I would still encourage everyone to give it a try but be cautioned that the hype is a bit much for this place. Read more

On snowy and extremely cold day, we decided to pop in for lunch on weekend. No brunch menu, just the regular dinner menu with excellent food. Creative sharing plates with a few, but well curated entrees. Fresh ingredients and dishes are not over-salted (yay). Clean, modern but warm ... interiors with large floor-ceiling windows, so lovely to sit on wintry day and just watch snow falling and great for people-watching. Also like the earthy ceramic dishes on which good is served. We are lucky to have restaurant of this quality in the neighbourhood. Read more

Absolutely one of the best Peruvian restaurant in town (there aren't that many). Very hip decor, great music, outstanding service and delicious food. What else can you ask really? Loved the cozy seating arrangement, trendy bar and wall to ceiling glass walls gives it that open, airy yet chic vibe. ... Our server William seemed knowledgeable about the menu, items, pairing and even some light history. Drinks were very well prepared, tried Chicha Sour (chicha and pisco sour) and a couple more. Finished with some delicious desserts which were top notch. Definitely deserves a revisit. Read more

Nice Peruvian restaurant in town. Food taste is incredible and service is top-notch. My only concern was with the menu variety. I found it a bit too small and therefore not a lot of options to choose from. kitchen staff is already doing an amazing job and I know, by ... experience, that they can offer way more dishes on their menu. Overall, great restaurant to try. Read more

Great staff and ambience! Love the food, especially the ceviche which was outstanding. Did not like the causa de atún very much though...They have a full bar. Remember to reserve as it is ALWAYS full. Even with reservation we had to wait 30 min, but totally worth it! Recommend to ... dine and have a good time with friends :) Read more