Martin Castillo and his three brothers and mother opened this tiny Mission spot last year, and proceeded to do for Peruvian food what Charles Phan at Slanted Door did for Vietnamese. They're turning scores of diners on to the vibrant flavors of this underrated cuisine. The storefront interior looks pretty modest, but walls of lemon yellow and tangerine orange and lime green help to give the place a needed spark.
Cuisine: Peruvian Specialities: Ceviche with seafood, lime, yam and Peruvian corn; deep-fried chicken nuggets; sirloin sauteed with onions, tomatoes and fries; pan-seared halibut. Seats: 40 Prices: $11.25-$15.95 Parking: Street (difficult) Vitals: 3316 17th St. (between Mission and Valencia), San Francisco; (415) 252-0918. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations for four or more. Credit cards accepted.
