Llama Inn — New York, USA

After an influential trip to Peru seven years ago, chef Erik Ramirez — whose previous stint was as sous chef at Eleven Madison Park — made a decisive shift to focus his attention producing top quality Peruvian food. This dedication, further fuelled by his family heritage (Ramirez’s parents immigrated to the US from Peru just before he was born), is what sparked the premise for Llama Inn.
The 65-seat restaurant occupies a light-filled corner building in Williamsburg’s north side, in a once sleepy part of the neighbourhood that is now, thanks to a flurry or new residential buildings, quickly being invigorated with dining and retail establishments.
Even in this competitive area, Llama Inn stands out. Everything from the menu to the super-friendly wait staff could be described as vibrant. As is the décor by local outfit, JFD Studio, which includes overhead shelving packed with tropical plants and decorative textiles by local artist Betil Dagdelen that were commissionee for the space and handmade using traditional Andean weaving and knotting techniques.
With inventive, flavour-packed dishes such as quinoa with banana, avocado and bacon or red snapper tiradito with persimmon, yuzu and ginger, along with an inviting, unstuffy atmosphere — intended to feel like a corner barrio bar - it’s not surprising that this spot is packed every night.
If you can, get a seat at the chef’s counter, so you can see the kitchen in action and plot out the dishes you’re going to order over a Llama Del Rey (a not-too-sweet sangria-like cocktail made with pisco that’s available on draft). Or, when the weather warms, head upstairs to the restaurant’s newest addition: a rooftop lounge.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
ADDRESS
50 Withers Street
-
Japan in Milan! See the highlights of Japanese design at Milan Design Week 2025
At Milan Design Week 2025 Japanese craftsmanship was a front runner with an array of projects in the spotlight. Here are some of our highlights
By Danielle Demetriou
-
Tour the best contemporary tea houses around the world
Celebrate the world’s most unique tea houses, from Melbourne to Stockholm, with a new book by Wallpaper’s Léa Teuscher
By Léa Teuscher
-
‘Humour is foundational’: artist Ella Kruglyanskaya on painting as a ‘highly questionable’ pursuit
Ella Kruglyanskaya’s exhibition, ‘Shadows’ at Thomas Dane Gallery, is the first in a series of three this year, with openings in Basel and New York to follow
By Hannah Silver
-
Tour the best contemporary tea houses around the world
Celebrate the world’s most unique tea houses, from Melbourne to Stockholm, with a new book by Wallpaper’s Léa Teuscher
By Léa Teuscher
-
Seven things not to miss on your sunny escape to Palm Springs
It’s a prime time for Angelenos, and others, to head out to Palm Springs; here’s where to have fun on your getaway
By Carole Dixon
-
At Linden Los Angeles, classic New York comfort food gets its due
The restaurant, inspired by a stretch of boulevard bridging Brooklyn and Queens, honors legacy, community and pleasure
By Carole Dixon
-
This atmospheric New York restaurant was designed to be a ‘beautiful ruin’
At Leon’s, classic Italian fare comes with a North African accent and with a side of family history
By Anna Fixsen
-
Is a tiny tattoo the best holiday souvenir? Kimpton Hotels think so
In partnership with Tiny Zaps, Kimpton Hotels is bringing city-inspired tattoo pop-ups to five U.S. locations
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
Alba Los Angeles is an Italian vacation disguised as a restaurant
This buzzy NYC import brings a slice of la dolce vita to West Hollywood
By Carole Dixon
-
At Bar Etoile, Scandi-chic meets leisurely Los Angeles
This new Melrose Park joint mixes art-world references, French bistro vibes and an out-of-this-world martini
By Carole Dixon
-
The world's most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025
We're in for a big year for celestial events. These are the world's best hotels to see the cosmos as you've never seen it before
By Anna Solomon