Best Peruvian Restaurant


Important: This article was last updated on September 21, 2005. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.

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Totoritas Peruvian Cuisine
7665 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954/894-1828

 Not much has changed at this Peruvian café since it opened as a small standalone in the late '90s, and that's a good thing. Totoritas' prices are still as modest as its décor, and the menu remains true to the traditions of coastal Peru. The signature item is the seviche, a mix of fresh, raw seafood -- including shrimp, squid, octopus and whitefish -- marinated in lemon juice and served with a sweet potato, Peruvian corn on the cob and cancha, an addictive fried popcorn. The restaurant offers 10 types of seviche in individual and family-size portions, and the refreshing dish gets a hint of heat with a seasoning that includes cilantro and chile peppers. Totoritas also scores with its grilled sirloin steak, chicken and seafood entrées, as well as sides such as yuca or potatoes in a cream that combines milk, feta cheese, oil and chile peppers.