South of the Equator

Marcel Vizcarra takes us from Peru's coast all the way to the [urban] jungle.

By Kit Keating

Photo by Kit Klein

Chef Marcel Vizcarra loves to share deliciousness. Hailing from Peru, Chef Marcel was educated at Le Cordon Bleu in Lima. And it shows.

He opened Llama restaurant back in 2016. Word about the restaurant spread quickly. His accolades and awards are many, and include top 100 restaurants in the nation on Open Table in 2022 and 2024 and Diners Choice every year from 2017 to 2023.

His mentors include his mother, the late Hiro Nakagawa (who taught him Japanese techniques, culinary, mystique, and discipline), and his wife, Staci Cleveland, his partner in the fabulous Maracuya by Llama.

Llama is an extraordinarily intimate restaurant, with just enough seats to provide a select clientele with a supreme dining experience. He brings his entire homeland of Peru to the table in many, many ways. The flavor inspirations range from the cold Pacific Ocean in Peru's west through the cool Andes mountains, to the jungles of the east - and the menu tastefully showcases all these areas incredibly deeply and well.

Starters of octopus carpaccio, beef hearts, and mango ceviche give a glimpse of what’s to come. An Andean style roast rack of lamb is marinated with mountain herbs and spices. Grouper is wrapped in plantain leaves and cooked over hot coals served with yucca, plantains, and other jungle delights. A spectacular surf and turf beckons. A selection of incredibly unique desserts and a well-rounded wine list make for a very entertaining dining experience.

Chef Marcel has recently expanded the restaurant, effectively doubling its size. I noted that the new restrooms were extraordinarily modern, and I found myself smiling at the depth of his vision. I was happy that he did not change the decor in his original dining area, and in fact the sleek charm of the new expansion is a marked and fascinating difference in look and feel from the Classic Llama we know and love.

But as we hinted at earlier his offerings don’t end there. Back in late 2023, he and his wife Staci opened Maracuya by Llama on St. Augustine's West King Street. This tropical oasis serves premium coffees, tropical beverages, and lovely desserts. Select beers and wines are also on the menu.

It truly is difficult to imagine something that Chef Marcel cannot do with imagination and flavors. Chef, you have our complete attention.

"Beyond the Plate" March 11, 2026