Llama Inn

Come to Llama Inn’s Shoreditch rooftop on a sunny day, squint your eyes, hear a server’s American twang and, after a gulp (or four) of sledgehammer pisco sour, you may well think you’re part of the Lena Dunham extended universe. That’s kind of the point of this modern Peruvian restaurant that’s come over from Williamsburg. 

photo credit: Llama Inn

photo credit: Llama Inn

The crowd is unsurprisingly vibe-centric, given its location on top of The Hoxton hotel. Preened sorts, possible influencers, and digital prophets pose for pictures in half-moon booths or on the outdoor terrace, while friends in groups pick at sharing plates. The menu’s glossary, which explains the likes of furikake, aji rocoto, huacatay, and more, goes some way to show the potential of the food. And when things are good here, like with the chicken anticuchos or the scallop ceviche, they are very good. But that can’t be said for everything.

The bigger the plates are at Llama Inn, the more forgettable things get. This is OK if you’re in a big cocktail-heavy group (as many people here are), and happy to share lomo saltado and load up scallion pancakes with sopping bits of marinated sirloin, chips, and rice. Still, if you stick to the pisco sours, snacks, and small plates, you’ll be happy.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Llama Inn

Anticuchos

Of these three little skewers, the charred cabbage and slow-cooked chicken are extremely worthwhile. One bite of the saikyo miso-topped cabbage anticucho will let you know that when the textures and flavours of Llama Inn work, they really work. And the same goes for the tender, smoky chicken topped with shiso vinaigrette and aji verde.

photo credit: Llama Inn

Scallop Ceviche, Dragonfruit, Yuzu Kosho Tiger’s Milk, Nori Crisps

This is the best thing on the menu. It’s creamy, spicy, and unerringly vibrant. The yuzu kosho tiger’s milk is simultaneously cooling and fiery, while the scallop melts in your mouth. A perfectly balanced spoon with a chunk of dragon fruit and a crunch of nori crisps is a genuine explosion of flavour. It’s brilliant.

photo credit: Llama Inn

'Lomo Saltado'

On paper this is probably Llama Inn’s most appealing dish. A build-it-yourself sirloin stir-fry with scallion pancakes, chips, and rice? Yes please. In reality, it’s a little sloppy. And while the tart, salty, aji amarillo sauce is nice, the whole thing overpowers the steak alongside chips and rice on top. It’s a fun party dish, but nothing special.