I believe 80% of the best food in America is served in from a strip mall. Lima Virreynal is a prime example, located in a run-down strip mall just off the freeway. Outside a dreary parking lot, inside a hospitable retreat from the LA freeways. They offer most of the familiar Peruvian dishes except one of my favorites, Aja De Gallania, but I still managed to have a wonderful lunch. The Papa La Huiciana, sliced potatoes with a mustardy cheese sauce is excellent.

The Peruvian Salsa proved perfect for dipping french fries and bread. You can tell a great South/Central American restaurant by their Chili Verde, and so it is with Peruvian Salsa – I really like the one served here. For my entrees, I had a linguini with salsa verde and chicken, and Sudado de Maricos – shrimp in a tomato broth. The restaurant is clean, the decor is modest and the service is excellent.

I have only been here several times, and am certain to return soon. They are conveniently located just one block East of the 605 Freeway, a perfect reprieve on my southerly drive home from Los Angeles.

What To Order: Papas a la Huancaina, Causa Relleno de Palta, Sudado de Maricos, Rotisserie chicken