Cocina Latina, a Peruvian restaurant that opened at 508 N. Euclid in 2019, recently added Mexican cuisine to its menu. At the same time, proprietor Maritza Rios unveiled an expansion of the restaurant, which transformed an adjacent space, the former Improv Shop— through clever renovation—into a charming “indoor patio.”
In 2002, Maritza Rios, above, left the restaurant business on the East Coast and moved to Jefferson County. At the time, she would have liked to open a restaurant serving her native Peruvian food, but the family decided that Mexican food, which is much more recognizable, would be more successful. In 2007, the family opened El Paisano on Watson Road which has since gained a large following.
Rios never gave up on her idea of opening a Peruvian restaurant and had her eye on the CWE as the perfect location. In 2022, three years after opening at 508 N. Euclid, Cocina Latina was named one of the Top 100 Restaurants by STL Today restaurant critic Ian Froeb.
The photo above shows the arched entrance into the adjoining space. Art has always been an important part of Rios’ decor. Shown above are paintings by St. Louis-based Jose Gomez. In the new space, there are paintings from an art school in the City of Cusco, Peru, where Machu Picchu is located.
Cocina Latina’s menu still includes Peruvian favorites with the addition of Mexican dishes such as: clockwise from top, Chicken Quesadilla, Rice & Beans, Taquitos Mexicano, Pork Carnitas, Steak Mexicano, Tacos al Pastor. Menu items photographed range from $13 to $24. A selection of burritos, taco salads, etc., not photographed, range from $9.99 to $18.99.
Mariza explained that Mexican food is her family’s “…bread and butter. In our culture there is a saying, ‘everyone has their own grandma,’ and that means that the recipes are passed down from generation to generation. In Mexican restaurants. the older generation of cooks teaches the younger generation.”
Window seating occupies the former Improv stage.
The bar in the new space.
The menu features margaritas in 4 sizes: from left, Macho Margarita, 72 oz. $28.95, Beer Rita, 46 oz. $19.95, Paisano Classic 16 oz. $10,95, House Margarita, 16 oz. 9,95.
Cocina Latina, Peruvian and Mexican cuisine, 508 N. Euclid, Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Monday.