PukaSoncco : Art, flavor and family tradition in Paracas

In Paracas, PukaSoncco is much more than just a restaurant. It is a small family space where art and cuisine meet. We spoke with its owner, Iris, to discover the moving story of this unique place, a tribute to her late husband, culinary passion and living art gallery.

1. Can you tell us the story of PukaSoncco? How and why was this project born?

PukaSoncco opened its doors in 2016. It was a shared dream with my husband, who was a craftsman. We wanted to create a small family space in Paracas where art and cuisine would meet. He painted, I cooked. The name "PukaSoncco" comes from Quechua and means "red heart", a way to represent our common passion for art and food.

2. Are the artworks decorating the restaurant yours or your late husband's?

They are all my husband's. He was an artist. Each painting tells a little about pre-Columbian culture and Paracas culture, its colors and light. The restaurant has become a living gallery where the art he left behind is displayed: wood carvings, oil paintings, handicrafts, etc.

3. We sadly learned that your husband passed away five months ago. What gave you the strength to keep the restaurant going?

It has been very difficult. But our children now help me manage the restaurant. Continuing PukaSoncco is also keeping his art alive. I couldn't close that door. All his works are here.

4. Is there a space in the restaurant dedicated to crafts or special objects?

Yes, in the back we have a small artisan shop space where we sell stones, pearls and objects made by my husband and me. Most are his creations, and a few are mine.

5. Many travelers say that PukaSoncco is not just a restaurant, but a "family and artistic experience." What makes this experience unique?

Here, customers eat in our small family room. I cook like at home, with fresh products. The walls are covered with my husband's paintings. Sometimes they hear our conversations in the kitchen. People come for the food, but leave with an emotion.

6. What dishes do your customers order most often?

Our specialty is fish. Customers love ceviche de lenguado, tiradito, leche de tigre, fillet of lenguado with vegetables and fillet of lenguado in garlic sauce. We also prepare a good lomo saltado and homemade ají de pollo.

7. Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, I have vegetarian options like vegetarian chaufa, vegetable ceviche, vegetable saltado and papa a la huancaína. For vegans, I can also adapt some dishes.

8. How do you select fresh products? Do you have local suppliers?

I go early in the morning to buy fish directly from artisanal fishermen. Vegetables come from small local producers. For me, it's important that the food is simple, fresh and authentic.

9. Many visitors say your restaurant is a bit "hidden." Is that intentional?

No, it's not intentional. It's the reality of the neighborhood. We are in the Asentamiento Humano General Don José de San Martín, in front of the modelo school. It's not the tourist center, and that might be part of our charm. Once people find us, they come back.

10. What are your current opening hours? Do you open every day?

We open every day from 7am to 9pm. In the morning, we serve a criollo breakfast. The rest of the day is the full menu.

11. How can our readers contact you or make a reservation?

They can call or write via WhatsApp at 934 600 708. We answer during the day.

12. What makes you most proud of what you have built with PukaSoncco?

Seeing the smiles of customers. And knowing that my husband, wherever he is, would know that his art still lives on with his family and customers, his beloved paintings and his shared cuisine. It's our legacy, and my children carry it with me.

13. If you had to describe PukaSoncco in three words for someone who has never been, what would they be?

Heart, art and flavor.

14. A final message for travelers hesitating to step into your small family restaurant?

Just come in. You won't eat in a luxurious restaurant, but you will eat in our home. You will leave with a full heart and a full stomach. As our name says: "red heart".

💬 A heartfelt thank you to Iris for giving us her time and sharing such a touching story. This interview reflects the soul of PukaSoncco: a place where art, family and Peruvian cuisine become one. A must-visit address in Paracas for an authentic and emotional experience.