Norky's

The BEST Peruvian restaurant in Tampa. Yes, better than Terra Sur... Norky's is one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. I don't like rotisserie chicken, however when I tasted their chicken, I quickly changed my mind. They serve it with a cold, green chile hot sauce, called Aji. The Aji has the right amount of heat and a ton of flavor. The chicken is marinated 24 hours before putting it in their hand-built brick rotisserie. The chicken is so tasty because the marinade is in between the skin and the meat. Chicken is served with rice or french fries and a simple garden salad with a mayo based dressing. I always order both the rice and the fries, because the combination of both starches with their chicken is outstanding. One can never have too many carbs in one meal, but that's just me... >) Home-made mayo also comes with the meal and is very good on the fries.

They have the BEST Ceviche, (marinated diced grouper filet in spicy lemon juice,) in town. It is served with large kernel corn two ways; boiled and deepfried. The Ceviche is also served with half a boiled sweet potato and half a boiled white potato. It is generously served with marinated onions atop the Ceviche. I order mine medium spicy. Delicious!

The Arroz Chaufa de Carne, (Peruvian beef fried rice,) is also the BEST in town. Yes, better than Terra Sur. Firstly, the price is right. A larger portion at Norky's will run you $9.99. At Terra Sur, it will cost $15. Secondly, the amount of beef in the Norky's plate is cut smaller, but they are much more generous with the total amount of beef in the dish. Lastly, it's all about taste. Norky's seasons their beef AND their rice. Terra Sur's meat did not have as much flavor.

The Agaudito, (chicken rice soup with cilantro,) is amazing if you don't mind organ meats and neck bones. This soup is homemade, stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Flavor, flavor, flavor! So good. Really.

One more thing... Let's talk about the Papa Rellena, (fried mashed potato stuffed with ground beef, olive, and boiled egg topped with marinated spicy onions.) I ordered this dish at both Norky's and Terra Sur. Hands down, Norky's has more flavor; one larger portion as opposed to 2 smaller versions, and the accompanying side of marinated onions is more flavorful at Norky's. Don't get me wrong, I like Terra Sur; but I LOVE Norky's! Go try both places and tell me what you think.

I should mention that Norky's is a hole-in-the-wall with seating for about 15-20 people in a very modest space; while Terra Sur is beautifully decorated with art and has wine and beer available for patrons. I'm not much of a drinker, so I don't really know if you can purchase alcoholic beverages at Norky's;*** however, you can order a sweet drink made from purple maize (corn,) pineapple, cinnamon, clove, and sugar called Chicha Morada. Delicious!

Ok, one more thing, and I'll stop. Crema Volteada, (Peruvian flan.) It's more airy than other flans and it's INCREDIBLE!

***Norky's does serve a small selection of bottled beers. >)

Excellent! we went on a Monday but everything turn out to be great, service is friendly and food is on point. As a born and raised peruvian I can tell you this place is authentic. Sauces are not watered down and the rostisserie chicken is better here than bother peruvian places I've tried. We ordered Aguadito, salchipapas, chaufa, anticuchos, rost. Chicken and ocopa, I'm not even kidding you when I tell you each one of them was great! I sent compliments to the chef that day. We were impressed. Will be back

Very good, authentic Peruvian food. Definitely recommend the Lomo Saltado. The ladies were friendly, the place was clean. It was perfect.

The food was good and the staff was very helpful and nice. I will definitely come back.

Good food and great service. Got that homey feeling and friendliness. I would eat there again!

I’m giving this place a 5 star ONLY for the chicken. The chicken is delicious. I have gone to many Peruvian chicken rotisserie restaurants. Miami was always my go to for good chicken. This place has topped all the places I have gone to. I few cons with this location that I hope the owner makes changes. Every peruvian restaurant that has rotisserie chicken always serves the Huancaina sauce. This place charges almost $9 for the sauce (insane) The chicken meal comes with fries and salad. I can swap one side for rice only. It would be great to be able to swap for tostones, maduros and etc for no extra charge. (Again many restaurants do allow this, this place doesn’t) Lastly, again the chicken here is extremely delicious, but the prices here are more expensive that Miami, I find that bizarre. Especially having the limitations I listed above.