First things first: Sam Fonseca, owner of recently opened Ochos Latin Vibes restaurant on Kapahulu Avenue, says the eatery is not a fusion spot. Rather, it offers both Mexican and Peruvian cuisine.
“We’re not putting carne asada with lomo saltado,” he says. “They are two different things. We want people to enjoy the Peruvian, and (also) enjoy a great burrito and taco.”
Ochos Latin Vibes opened last month on Kapahulu Avenue in the former space of La Ola Taqueria and Alejandro’s Mexican Food. Fonseca remembers going to the restaurant while it was still La Ola.
“I don’t know why, but this restaurant had some draw to me; I thought it had so much potential,” he says.
He met with the owner, only to find out that the eatery was closing in about a month.
“That’s when I called my wife and said, ‘I think I’m sitting at our restaurant,” Fonseca says.
Growing up in L.A., Fonseca said he’s always craved tacos and burritos, so he intended for his restaurant to serve Mexican food. However, once he and his wife tasted the food from Peruvian Corner — based in Waialua — they fell in love with the flavors.
“We went to eat there and were blown away by how great their food tasted,” he says. “Not only did their food taste great, but they had the same core values as us — taking care of the customer and connecting with the customer. When they found out we had this space, they said, ‘Hey, why don’t we do something together?’”
Fonseca had the chef from Peruvian Corner come up with the restaurant’s Peruvian menu, while he and his wife created the Mexican menu. As for the restaurant name, Fonseca says the number eight has great significance to him.
“My grandmother went to heaven in January 1988, and a couple months later, my twin brothers were born,” he says. “My family has always had this connection with eight. We wanted to name it (the restaurant) on behalf of my grandmother’s legacy. She was the person who has most impacted our family.”
Start with appetizers like nachos or loaded fries ($15), Yucca fries ($12) or Parmesan scallops ($23). The latter features a platter of Peruvian-style bay scallops served on the half shell. They’re prepared with parmesan, herbs and butter, are broiled to perfection and feature an impressive flaming presentation. The fiery display makes the cheese melt quickly, resulting in an ultra-savory dish.
The eatery offers a variety of Peruvian-style ceviches. Customers can choose from cubed fish or tiraditos, which features thinly sliced pieces of fish, similar to Japanese-style sashimi. Customers can choose their desired spice level for any of the ceviche dishes.
If you want something light and refreshing, go for the acevichado ($23) — hamachi was featured during the time of our visit — which features thinly sliced fresh raw fish served with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce. We loved the light, bright flavors, along with the fresh fish. You can add truffles to this dish for an additional charge ($5); highly recommend if you want a bolder flavor and to enhance its umami profile.
Other popular options include the classic ceviche ($23) — cubed, fresh, raw fish served with sweet potatoes, corn and topped with a citrus sauce — and Nikkei ceviche ($23). The latter consists of cubed, fresh, raw fish served with a spicy, citrus oyster sauce.
The eatery prides itself on making everything from scratch, including its fresh salsas and sauces.
Entrees consist of tacos ($15), burrito ($17), lomo saltado ($24), fajitas ($28), steak and noodles ($24) and more.
The tacos are highly recommended, and come with your choice of steak, carnitas or grilled chicken. They’re topped with house salsa, cilantro, pico de gallo and onions, and served with pinto beans and Mexican rice.
The shredded carnitas are tender with a nice citrusy flavor, but it’s the grilled chicken that’s surprising. It’s juicy — not dry in the least — and boasts a slight spice.
Our server recommends the steak and noodles ($24) as one of the eatery’s more unique options. This Peruvian dish is commonly known as tallarin saltado; it consists of noodles and your choice of beef or chicken. In this case, it’s fettucine bathed in a turmeric sauce with Parmesan. It’s creamy and flavorful, but not heavy.
The eatery also offers beers, non-alcoholic options like Jarritos ($5.50) and agua fresca ($7) and cocktails ($15 each). Choose from the popular 888 classic margarita — made with Ochos tequila, fresh lime juice, agave and triple sec — Mai Tai, and pineapple sour. The latter includes Pisco, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, bitters and egg whites.
The eatery is currently open from 7 a.m. on Sundays to show all the NFL games during football season. Customers can enjoy breakfast burritos and tacos while watching the games.
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CONTACT
Ochos Latin Vibes
949 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu
Instagram: @ochos888honolulu
Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (open from 7 a.m. on football Sundays)
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
