Yapa: A little something extra from Peru to Little Tokyo
Within the multicultural hub that is DTLA, the beloved neighborhood pocket that is Little Tokyo, has risen as one of the most influential gastronomical destinations in all of Los Angeles. However, it is not merely deep-rooted in Japanese traditions; Little Tokyo has a unique mix of cultures if you know where to look.
One of those culture-combos, if you will, is Peruvian. It may be news to you but the South American country, home to the magnificent Machu Picchu, is widely accustomed to traditional Japanese cuisine, traditions, and way of life. Thanks to a large influx of Japanese migrants to Peru in 1899, that influence has established roots in DTLA. A new player in the Little Tokyo ensemble is Chef Ricardo Lopez, whose recently opened restaurant, Yapa, is already a force to be reckoned with.
Born in Lima, Peru, Chef Ricardo’s cuisine is widely influenced by his Peruvian upbringing and early cooking lessons from his grandma, as well as his past expertise in French kitchens. The name “Yapa” is derived from the Quechua word meaning “a litlte something extra”, and when dining at Yapa, trust me, you’re going to be asking for more.
The space is casual yet intimate, thanks to low lighting and wood panels that warm the place up. There are two gardens: one inside hanging above a table and one outside adorning their patio. The address being on Los Angeles St. and the proximity to Little Tokyo is what led Chef Ricardo and his team to believe this was it — their new home.
The concept is certainly bold and daring— working with Jess Starwood, a forager who comes by every Monday to drop off a fresh batch of who-knows-what for Chef Ricardo to get creative with. Some dishes change, some don’t, some get a new version of an ingredient, and some don’t make the cut altogether. It’s a way to keep things new and exciting for his team and his patrons. It is also incorporated into the other half of Yapa’s menu — the drinks.
Headed by Soigné Group’s Josh Goldman, the drink menu at Yapa is easy to digest, fun to order, and just as creative as the food. The duo collaborates with the forager on both fronts, which inevitably keeps their lives exciting as they face a new and exciting challenge every Monday. Using liquors traditional to Peru like Pisco and some not so traditional like Arak, Josh has managed to make the cocktails a centerpiece of their own.
Both menus are plenty to make you want to stay at Yapa for longer than anticipated, and a new menu every week is certainly reason enough to revisit, but it’s the feeling of home and welcoming conversation from the point of entry to the end of the experience that’ll have you returning to Yapa time and time again.
yapa.la | 236 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Video by Jake Frank | Music Siesta by Jahzzar
