Andina has been a favorite of ours for many years. Opened in 2003 it was named Restaurant of the Year for 2005 by the Oregonian newspaper. Andina is one of the busiest restaurants in Portland. Offering a menu inspired by classical and modern Peruvian cuisine, Andina has always been a rewarding dining experience. On our most recent visit, we sampled some new dishes in addition to old favorites.
A favorite appetizer is the Conchas a la Parrilla, grilled diver scallops with tamari-brown sugar butter sauce topped with crispy onions.
Our waitress recommended De Pulpo, grilled octopus with chimichuri and a caper majado de papo, and it was amazing. The octopus was literally fork tender and my knife remained motionless on the table.
For an entree, my wife selected Aroz Con Pato, a gourmet version of an iconic Peruvian dish; confit duck leg paired with cilantro infused rice, a savory/sweet passionfruit sauce, and baby carrots.
I chose the Seco a la Nortena, lamb shank slow cooked in the Northern Peruvian style, in a rich cilantro-black beer sauce, served with a classic guisso de frijoles, garlic rice, and salsa criolla.
For dessert, we shared a refreshing raspberry pomegranate sorbet.
Andina remains on our “must do” list for every visit to Portland!
