Zig Zag is a fusion of cuisine from the Andes and the Alps.

I wanted a light meal and ordered the trout appetizer, which comes coated in perfectly crunchy kiwicha. I also ordered one of their signature cocktails, the Arequipeñaso. This is a Pisco-based drink, with purple corn, coconut cream and passion fruit. I am not a fan of Pisco, though I do love a good Peruvian chicha morada. These kinds of cocktails are usually too sweet for me, so I was pleasantly surprised by the Arequipeñaso.

The trout was exactly what I wanted. The fish was fresh, moist and tender. The kiwicha coating was a fun and healthy alternative to breading or tempura. The sauce served with it reminded me a bit of maple syrup, though the server assured me it was simply cane syrup.

The menu was creative and I wished I had been there for dinner with a large group, so I could taste more of the dishes. Zig Zag is at the top of my list for places to go back to on my next trip to Arequipa.

The maitre’d explained that the menu had been more extensive, especially the imported wine selection, before the pandemic. As with all restaurants around the world, the pandemic has negatively impacted Zig Zag. Restaurants were closed for so long in Peru that the staff of 40 was reduced to 14. Also, supply chain problems have halted their import of French and German wines and cheeses. As supply chains are expected to normalize in 2022, they expect to get the menu back to normal as well.

One aspect of the restaurant has been a big advantage during the pandemic. It is an old building and the upstairs of both sides is made of several smaller rooms. With many people not wanting to take their masks off near others, this has helped guests feel more comfortable at Zig Zag compared with other restaurants that are one large room.

The staff was exceptionally polite and helpful, taking the time to answer all my questions, despite being in the process of getting ready for the dinner crowd. The most popular dishes are the Classic Trio (beef, alpaca and chicken) and the Special Trio (beef, alpaca and lamb), along with the Ramillete (a choice of four meats). The most popular desserts are the chocolate mousse and the chocolate delight. (A friend tried the chocolate mousse and told me it was the best dessert she’s had in Arequipa).