With a collection of global restaurants, a compilation of cookbooks to his name and his own TV show in his home country of Peru, chef Gaston Acurio can singlehandedly be credit for bringing Peruvian cuisine to the world’s attention.
His latest opening is the eagerly-awaited Manko- his first Peruvian eatery in France. Named after Manco Cápac, Son of the Inca Sun God, the restaurant’s location on Avenue Montaigne in Paris' Golden Triangle is particularly appropriate.
With raw leather banquettes, plush velvet teal chairs alternated with furnishings dressed in traditional Inca prints and vivid gold accents, designer Laura Gonzalez’s inspiration for the interiors was diamond in the rough. ‘This epitomises modern Peru to me. We used materials in their natural state, such as marble, oak, leather and two hundred-year-old terracotta floor tiles sourced in Provence,’ she says. ‘As it's on the lower ground floor, lighting was paramount. We designed bronze lampshades to create a golden glow, to make diners look their very sexiest.'
Acurio's convivial and generous personality is reflected in the wide oak tables encouraging groups of diners to order large dishes for sharing, while the kitchen is open and appropriately at diner’s eye level.
The menu places emphasis on sustainably sourced fish, served as ceviches or tiraditos marinated in leche de tigre (lime juice, fish fumet, coriander, onion and yellow chilli pepper). There is also smoky charcoal grilled beef, accompanied by a selection of Peruvian vegetables including quinoa, asparagus, choclo (Peruvian corn) and yellow and purple potatoes.
Afterwards, it's just a short climb up the golden Art Deco staircase to visit the Manko Cabaret.
ADDRESS
15 avenue Montaigne
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressingPart of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationshipAnnouncing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craftThe heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
-
Sun-soaked European destinations to visit in springDreaming of Florentine palazzos and Greek islands now that the weather is starting to turn? Check into one of these beautiful European hotels and holiday homes
-
The warmth and comfort of Paris restaurant Margaux: ‘It’s like feasting at grandma’s’Located on the 16th arrondissement, Margaux dishes up timeless French classics in a setting that feels like home
-
Saint Laurent unveils Sushi Park Paris: the Los Angeles omakase’s new outpostA beloved Californian restaurant finds a second home at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite flagship, merging the worlds of haute couture and high-end gastronomy
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Night at the museum: the best art hotels to book nowSleep amid surrealists at London’s Broadwick Soho, or wake up to contemporary favourites at New Hotel in Athens – indulge in an immersive art hotel experience
-
Shop hyperlocal gifts, from Harlem to Hawaii, at R Finds’ global online storeWallpaper* goes shopping with R Finds, Renaissance Hotels’ digital marketplace, which connects travellers – and armchair travellers – with local makers and stores, one gift at a time
-
This Italian Bistrot in Paris offers all-year-round ‘felicità’A diminutive of the Italian word for family, Miglia is a cosy trattoria radiating warmth, friendliness, and traditional flavours
