Ever since Puerto 511 opened downtown, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. I’ve tried a few Peruvian dishes before, but I had never been to a true Peruvian restaurant. My girlfriend and I were in the mood to try something new, so we finally made reservations at Puerto 511 — and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

Puerto 511

The space at Puerto 511 is small and cozy — maybe twenty seats in total — and it’s tucked away on a quiet street with minimal signage. It’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” places, but once you find it, you know you’re in for something special.

We started with the Clasico Ceviche, a vibrant dish featuring black sea bass in leche de tigre with cilantro, red onion, lime, aji limo (chili peppers), glazed sweet potato, Andean corn, and cancha (corn nuts).

The leche de tigre — literally “tiger’s milk” — is the citrus-based marinade that “cooks” the seafood, giving it a bright, zesty flavor. The balance of acidity, spice, and sweetness made this ceviche stand out. It was easily one of the freshest, most flavorful ceviche dishes I’ve ever had.

Clasico Ceviche

My girlfriend ordered the Arroz Con Mariscos, often described as Peruvian paella. The dish came packed with shrimp, octopus, squid, and mussels, all tossed with rice cooked in a red pepper paste and white wine reduction. It was rich, hearty, and filled with flavor — not overly spicy, but deeply satisfying.

If you love seafood and paella-style dishes, this is a must-order at Puerto 511.

Arroz Con Mariscos

I couldn’t resist ordering the Corderito de los Andes, a standout entrée featuring mint-crusted lamb chops served with bacon potatoes and a huacatay-ocopa sauce, then finished with a balsamic drizzle.

The sauce, made with Peruvian black mint (huacatay), had this wonderful basil-meets-mint flavor that paired perfectly with the lamb. Every bite was rich, aromatic, and full of depth — easily some of the best lamb chops I’ve had in Baltimore.

Corderito de los Andes

Puerto 511 is one of those restaurants that feels like a secret — intimate, authentic, and full of flavor. Between the warm atmosphere, creative dishes, and beautifully balanced flavors, it’s a place that truly showcases the best of Peruvian cuisine.

If you’re looking for something different in Baltimore and want a dining experience that feels special from start to finish, make a reservation at Puerto 511. You’ll thank yourself later.

Puerto 511 is located at 102 Clay St in Baltimore.

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