Ricardo Zarate is a celebrated Peruvian chef, restaurateur, and culinary innovator credited with introducing modern Peruvian cuisine to Los Angeles. A Food & Wine Best New Chef, he earned acclaim for restaurants including Mo-Chica, Picca, and Paiche, blending Peruvian, Japanese, Chinese, and European influences into contemporary dishes. Born in Lima and trained in London, Zarate is renowned for his inventive approach to ceviche and Nikkei-inspired cuisine. Widely recognized as a pioneer of Peruvian gastronomy in the U.S., he continues to showcase Peru’s rich culinary heritage through restaurants, pop-ups, and consulting projects.
