Ottawa's culinary scene has welcomed a vibrant new addition with the opening of Tayanti, a Peruvian bar and dining room on Clarence Street in the historic ByWard Market. The restaurant, which opened in the summer of 2025, fills a notable gap for authentic Peruvian cuisine in the capital.
A Taste of Peru in the Heart of Ottawa
Journalist Peter Hum, writing in early January 2026, highlighted his experience at Tayanti, noting it joins a select group of Peruvian establishments in the region. This includes chef Lizardo Becerra's fine-dining spot Raphael Peruvian Cuisine on Elgin Street and two established Gatineau restaurants, Petit Peru and Amazonas.
Tayanti occupies the former space of Il Vicolo pizzeria. The venue features a narrow bar area seating about 20 people, leading to a larger, 40-seat dining room. The menu focuses on homier, traditional Peruvian dishes, offering Ottawans a genuine taste of the South American nation's celebrated cuisine.
Signature Dishes That Shine
A standout item is the pan con chicharrón, a pork belly sandwich that Hum missed during a trip to Lima in early November 2025. This dish was recently crowned "the world's best breakfast" in a social media popularity contest across South America, garnering 12.8 million votes and beating out Venezuela's arepas.
At Tayanti, the classic Peruvian ceviche is a must-try. Diners can opt for the "trilogia" ($34), featuring fish with three distinct sauces, or the "natural" version for $26. A "mixto" ceviche ($28) adds shrimp, calamari, octopus, and scallops. For a more potent experience, the leche de tigre clasica ($18) offers a punchier, savory dressing with raw fish.
Another highlight is the anticuchos ($24 for three skewers)—juicy, grilled beef heart morsels served with a zingy dipping sauce. For a main course, the lomo saltado, a wok-seared beef tenderloin stir-fry, is served with tacu-tacu, a mix of rice and beans.
Expanding Ottawa's International Palate
Tayanti's arrival provides Ottawa food lovers with a convenient and delicious portal to Peruvian flavors, from ceviches and stir-fries to hearty sandwiches. It represents a growing appreciation for global cuisines within the city's dining landscape, offering dishes that celebrate Peru's unique produce and culinary traditions right in the ByWard Market.
With its focus on traditional recipes and a welcoming atmosphere, Tayanti is poised to become a go-to destination for those seeking an authentic and satisfying Peruvian meal in the nation's capital.
