Pensacola’s East Pensacola Heights neighborhood is about to get a taste of Peru with the arrival of Don Cha Peruvian Food, a new restaurant opening at 3103 E. Strong St. This location, formerly occupied by Los Cebollines Mexican Restaurant and before that, Horizen Sushi Restaurant for two decades, is being transformed into a vibrant hub for authentic Peruvian cuisine. Don Cha is poised to introduce a unique dining experience to the area, filling a gap in Pensacola’s diverse culinary scene.
Don Cha: A Taste of Peru in Florida
Don Cha Peruvian Food isn’t new to the Florida panhandle. The Pensacola location is modeled after a successful restaurant of the same name in Fort Walton Beach, which opened in 2017 and boasts glowing online reviews, including a 4.7-star average on Yelp. Owner Pedro Jose Ramirez Flores established Don Cha to share the traditional dishes of his homeland, Peru, creating a nostalgic dining experience that transports customers back to the kitchens of their childhoods. The Fort Walton Beach restaurant is adorned with Peruvian decor and imagery, a theme likely to be carried over to the Pensacola location, further immersing diners in the Peruvian culture.
Exploring the Don Cha Menu: A Culinary Journey Through Peru
The extensive menu at Don Cha features a wide array of authentic Peruvian dishes. From classic causas (Peruvian mashed potatoes infused with lime and chili pepper) to savory saltados (stir-fries), flavorful chaufas (fried rice), refreshing ceviche (marinated raw fish), and hearty tarrines (Peruvian pasta), there’s something for every palate.
The menu extends beyond these staples to include a diverse selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. With over 70 items on the Fort Walton Beach menu, ranging in price from affordable sandwiches under $10 to whole snapper plates for $29, Don Cha offers a truly comprehensive Peruvian dining experience.
Some must-try dishes include:
- Ceviche de Langostinos Especial: A delectable shrimp ceviche accompanied by fried plantains and avocado ($18.50).
- Lomo Saltado: Tender steak strips sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served with French fries and white rice ($15.50).
- Chanco al Cilindro: Smoked pork with a sweet and spicy glaze, served with rice, salad, and potatoes ($14.50).
- Chaufa de la casa: A flavorful fried rice dish with shrimp, chicken, pineapple, bean sprouts, and egg, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds ($17).
- Fettuccine al Pesto o a la Huancaina con Bistec o MIlanesa de pollo: Fettuccine pasta in pesto or huancaina sauce, served with your choice of steak or breaded chicken ($17.50).
- Pan con Chicharron: A hearty sandwich filled with pork, fried sweet potatoes, and seasoned red onion ($8.50).
Drinks at Don Cha: Complementing the Peruvian Flavors
Don Cha offers a full bar with a selection of alcoholic beverages, as well as unique non-alcoholic drinks like maracuya (passion fruit juice) and chicha morada (a traditional Peruvian beverage made from purple corn).
Filling the Void: Peruvian Cuisine in Pensacola
While Pensacola boasts a thriving Latin American food scene, dedicated Peruvian restaurants are few and far between. Don Cha’s arrival is a significant addition, offering a truly authentic Peruvian dining experience. While establishments like Mr. Pollo offer Peruvian-style charcoal chicken and Latin-inspired sides, and the Jumping Lomo food truck serves traditional dishes like the namesake Jumping Lomo, Don Cha provides a comprehensive exploration of Peruvian cuisine in a full-service restaurant setting.
For the latest updates on Don Cha’s opening in Pensacola, visit the Don Cha Peruvian Food Facebook page. This new restaurant promises to be a welcome addition to the local dining scene, bringing the vibrant flavors of Peru to the heart of East Pensacola Heights.
