*

Located in Union Square, this 600 sq. ft., 24 seat Peruvian restaurant, has certainly made a name for itself. Since its opening, spring of 2018, it’s been featured in The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Eater Boston, Improper Bostonian, and listed in Esquire as a top 20 best new restaurants in America.

Upon entering the restaurant, the bar and kitchen are front and center, and seating is located to the left and right of the entrance. It’s small, open, bright, and yet, intimate, but very trendy. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and offer fantastic knowledge and service.

The main ingredients of Peru are corn, potatoes, and the aji chili pepper. There are also Spanish and Asian influences which are reflected on the menu. For instance, the spicy potato, avocado and tomato terrine, called causa, it’s layered, served cold, and is topped with multiple spicy sauces including a sauce made with the aji chili pepper, similar to patatas bravas from Spain.

The Asian influences come from China, and Japan. In the dish lomo saltado, strip steak stir fried with onions and tomatoes and soy sauce, influenced by Cantonese flavors and is also referred to as Chifa Cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors.

Other dishes offered are ceviche with blue cod and other seafood, and stews, like potatoes and pork, carapulcra. More traditional dishes like chicken and rice, arroz con pollo, and steamed fish, sudado de pescado, are also offered.

Check out the list of beverages to accompany your dinner with, local craft beers along with wines from various regions and specialty cocktails. It should also be noted that Celeste is a semi-finalist for best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.

Make sure you call well in advance for reservations.

Appetizers $8 – $18
Entrees $16 – $25
Desserts $8

21 Bow Street (Union Square)
Somerville, MA 02143
617-616-5319
www.celesteunionsquare.com

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Visit Dorothy’s website at http://ddimarzo2002.wix.