Welcome to PAPA LLAMA
PAPA LLAMA is an intimate culinary gem located at 2840 Curry Ford Rd in Orlando, FL. Operated by the husband-and-wife duo, Maria and Kevin, this restaurant offers a thoughtfully crafted prix fixe menu that showcases modern takes on Peruvian classics. Guests rave about the fresh flavors and the remarkable attention to detail in every dish, especially the shrimp anticuchero and delightful cucumber salad. The cozy, homey ambiance enhances the dining experience, making it feel personal. With an impressive wine selection and warm, attentive service, PAPA LLAMA promises not just a meal but an unforgettable culinary journey. Highly recommended for adventurous palates!
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2840 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806, United States Hotline:
Welcome to PAPA LLAMA, a hidden gem nestled in a strip mall at 2840 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL. While the exterior may seem unassuming, step inside, and you’ll be embraced by a warm ambiance that feels reminiscent of a cozy kitchen at home. Owners Maria and Kevin have meticulously crafted a dining experience that transcends ordinary expectations.
What sets PAPA LLAMA apart? For starters, it’s a two-person operation, with Maria fronting the service and Kevin working his magic in the kitchen. This intimate duo’s dedication to quality and innovation shines through in their thoughtfully curated prix fixe menu. Guests rave about the delightful culinary journey that includes standout dishes like the succulent u10 shrimp and the refreshing cucumber salad. The shrimp, in particular, is often described as the best they’ve ever tasted, perfectly charred and bursting with flavor.
The attention to detail here is palpable. Each dish not only delights the palate but also pleases the eye, showcasing an impressive presentation—a true testament to the couple’s passion for their craft. Beyond the food, the restaurant boasts a carefully chosen wine selection, including unique options like orange wines rarely found elsewhere, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The atmosphere at PAPA LLAMA is both intimate and relaxed, intensified by soothing Latin music that complements the meal beautifully. Dine at one of the seven tables, and feel the warmth and hospitality exuding from Maria, who ensures each guest feels welcomed and appreciated. Customers have described it as a refreshing alternative to more formal Michelin-star restaurants, favoring the warm and unpretentious environment.
While some may have experienced more sophisticated plating at higher-star establishments, the flavor at PAPA LLAMA is consistently rated as outstanding, leading many to place it high on their lists of favorite dining spots in Orlando. The creativity and inspiration behind their Peruvian classics, combined with modern twists and impeccable wine pairings, evoke a sense of adventure in every bite.
For those looking for a special dining experience that prioritizes quality and genuine hospitality, look no further than PAPA LLAMA. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry that leaves patrons eagerly anticipating their next visit. Join the growing number of food enthusiasts who are not just dining, but truly experiencing the heart and soul of this charming restaurant.
This was simply a delightful experience from start to finish. Sitting in a strip mall it is deceptively simple from the outside. But the inside is very tastefully decorated and feels so homey; like you're sitting in someone's kitchen at home. The food was delicious, but my personal favorites were the starter dishes: the cucumber salad and the u10 shrimp. The shrimp may be the best I've ever tasted with a spectacular char. The salad had a delicious dressing. But every course was really something. Had a great wine selection and Maria was so knowledgeable about the different opinions. I loved that they had several options of Orange wine, which is not very common! It's basically a two-man show, which is even more impressive. Very deserving of their first Michelin star and can't wait to go back!
We came here last night for my birthday dinner. It was my first time and most certainly will not be my last! We were blown away by every dish of the prix fixe. The combination of flavors and impeccable presentation was delectable! I respect the thoughtful attention to detail. Not only that, but they accommodated my dietary restrictions which I greatly appreciated. Truly an amazing culinary experience. Maria and Kevin have something so special here. I am excited to see their continued growth and success!!
We loved Papa Llama for several reasons! First of all, the food was really tasty. Five dishes over 3 courses were super fresh and well balanced. I especially loved the shrimp anticuchero. The ambiance is cozy and unpretentious. From the playlist to the appetizer toothpicks, everything was done with intention and a lot of attention to detail. Maria was friendly and welcoming, making the entire dining experience all the more enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Out of the 10 1-star Michelin places we’ve dined in across the globe, this place lands at #3! The decor and atmosphere were pleasant with the small footprint of only 7 tables accompanied by soothing Latin music. The one server took care of all tables with ease and a smile as she explained the menu and answered any questions. Of note- not only is there only 1 server, there is only 1 chef. What a delight and treat to see something this sophisticated in motion. We opted for the wine pairing which paired nicely with the flavorful dishes. While the presentation of some dishes may not have been to the level of the more renowned 2 and 3-star Michelin restaurants, they were still plated quite beautifully and more importantly the flavor was outstanding! This establishment may be another favorite of ours in Orlando and we are already making plans to return!
Very good meal with the highlight being the plump shrimp anticuchero. Everything was good to great. Natural wine wasn't a huge hit for me but my partner loved the pairing. What's most impressive is the entire restaurant is run only by the husband and wife team. I can't think of any starred restaurants anywhere around the world that can share that achievement.
This is the best dining experience in Orlando. If you have the time and the money, this is worth every penny. It is a fixed menu which I think is a great treat, not having to pour over pages of a menu to find out what it good. You have to be a little adventurous to trust the menu but I can easily say that every dish, every bite was perfect. Husband and wife owned, they seem to do everything right. My wife did the wine pairing with dinner and they really took care of her. Yes, it is expensive and you have to book out a little bit in advance to make it work but YOU HAVE TO GO! DO IT! you will not regret it.
What an absolutely delicious experience!!! Everything tasted so incredibly fresh. And what a fun, relaxing experience which is refreshing compared to other Michelin star restaurants we’ve been to. Loved the intimate setting. Cannot wait to try what they come up with next, will definitely add this to one of our regular stops when we’re in town. We chose to have the drink pairing with the meal which I definitely recommend- several courses you’d get 2 different types of wines so it was a good value for the amount. And I LOVED that they offered to box up your left overs. It’s served family style with generous portions so come hungry. All of the staff was extremely welcoming and the owners were so sweet and I loved how involved they were.
A very well thought out menu of Peruvian classics with a modern approach, and it couldn’t have been more perfect with their carefully selected wine pairings. You can tell Maria and Kevin put their heart and soul into their dishes, so much so that they’ve concocted such a wonderful vibe, service and of course, incredible food. I love that Maria & Kevin are a husband-wife team whom you can tell care for the guests dining at their establishment; they’re so friendly and made the experience truly a wholesome one. This is most certainly the place you tell your friends to dine at. Thank you again for such a beautiful night, I cannot wait for the next time. Edit: allow me to say, they deserve way more than 4.5 stars. Kindly do not let a silly numerical rating dictate a thing from dining here. If you’re reading this, please give this local hidden gem a go because you will NOT regret it.