Yaku Restaurant

- 352 Midland Ave, Rye, NY 10580

If you are searching for an exceptional and authentic dining experience that transports your palate straight to South America, look no further than Yaku Restaurant in Rye, NY. This acclaimed Westchester establishment has quickly become a local favorite, offering a sophisticated and elevated take on Peruvian cuisine. More than just a meal, Yaku provides a cultural journey, expertly blending traditional Peruvian flavors, rich with multicultural history, with premium, high-quality American ingredients. The restaurant's name, “Yaku,” means “water” in Quechua, one of Peru's Indigenous languages, a beautiful nod to both Peru's Pacific coast and the restaurant's close proximity to the Long Island Sound in Rye.

Under the creative direction of Lima-born Chef Erick Rosado, who grew up locally in Westchester, Yaku aims to weave together the bold flavors and traditional spices of Peru with familiar proteins and upscale American ingredients. This commitment results in a menu that is both authentic and approachable, designed to resonate with local diners while staying true to its roots. The culinary philosophy embraces the complexity of Peruvian food, which, much like New York City itself, is a rich blend of global influences, including European, Japanese (Nikkei), and Chinese (Chifa) traditions. This blending of flavors is what makes the food at Yaku so dynamic and celebrated.

Yaku is not just another restaurant; it's the realization of a personal dream by owner Teofilo Matias Huyhua, a longtime Rye resident and lifelong pastry chef. He opened Yaku in a location that holds significant local history—the former space of Belluscio's, a beloved Italian restaurant for nearly a century. Huyhua made deliberate efforts to honor and preserve the spirit of the previous establishment, keeping elements like the original bar, vintage light fixtures, and stained glass, ensuring that the new Peruvian eatery retained the "heart" and community soul of the building.

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The atmosphere at Yaku is designed to be warmly appointed and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for an evening out or a weekend lunch. The interior features vibrant wall murals by contemporary Peruvian artist Rudolf Castro, adding an authentic and artistic layer to the sophisticated setting. The restaurant emphasizes a clean environment, a welcoming atmosphere, and a highly detailed structure that would be found in Michelin-starred establishments, focusing on high-level care in every aspect of the dining experience. Guests are invited to discover an international dining style that feels distinctly like a cherished part of the Rye community.

The menu is designed to offer a truly upscale Peruvian experience. You can expect to find classic staples that Peruvian customers identify with, like ceviche, anticuchos (marinated skewers), and the invigorating leche de tigre (the citrus-based marinade used in ceviche), alongside dishes reflecting the aforementioned global fusion, such as Nikkei, a style of cooking that blends Peruvian ingredients and Japanese techniques. Key Peruvian ingredients like ají amarillo (yellow pepper) and ají rojo (red pepper) are featured prominently, but Chef Rosado masterfully balances the heat with mild yet flavorful herbs. The restaurant also prides itself on using premium cuts and proteins like ají-spiced ribeye, halibut ceviche, salmon, and filet mignon, deliberately moving away from some of the more traditional, less familiar Peruvian proteins like guinea pig or llama to better suit the American diner's preference. The price range for appetizers and main courses typically falls between $18 and $55, reflecting the commitment to premium ingredients and an elevated dining presentation.

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### Location and Accessibility

Yaku Restaurant is conveniently situated in the heart of Rye, making it an accessible destination for residents across Westchester County and neighboring communities in the New York region. Its location offers a quaint neighborhood feel while providing a sophisticated dining experience.

The restaurant's hours are set to accommodate both mid-week dinners and full weekend dining:

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This schedule is perfect for those looking for a later lunch on the weekends or an upscale dinner during the week. Potential plans are also underway to add outdoor seating with an awning in the back during warmer seasons, further enhancing the dining options.

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### Services Offered

Yaku Restaurant provides multiple service options to ensure every guest can enjoy their exceptional Peruvian cuisine, whether at home or in the welcoming dining room. The range of options emphasizes convenience and flexibility.

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### Features / Highlights

The distinguishing elements of Yaku Restaurant make it a must-try destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality international cuisine.

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### Contact Information

Yaku Restaurant invites you to experience the rich flavors of Peru right here in Westchester.

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### What is Worth Choosing

For local diners in the New York area, choosing Yaku Restaurant is choosing to experience a vibrant, complex, and elevated segment of world cuisine without leaving Westchester. What makes it truly worthwhile is the unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. One customer review perfectly summarized this feeling: “The food is authentic!!!! I am very fascinated with this restaurant, the food transferred me to my country, I am Peruvian and I can really identify the taste.” This high praise from a native Peruvian speaks volumes about the genuine nature of the food. Furthermore, the combination of traditional cuisine with the use of premium, familiar American ingredients ensures that the experience is both new and comforting. It is an excellent choice for a date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply for anyone interested in exploring the depth of Peruvian food, which is often considered one of the world's great fusion cuisines. The friendly service, the historically rich location, the artistic ambiance, and the spectacular, authentic cocktails like the Pisco Sour all combine to make Yaku a standout choice for an unforgettable dining adventure in Rye, New York.

Yaku Restaurant

352 Midland Ave, Rye, NY 10580, USA