An Evening At Inkas

Downtown Syracuse dining week offered over 54 select limited-time menu deals and venues serving flavorful cuisine, offering classic Syracuse staples like Pastabilities and Dinosaur BBQ, and more unique international fusion restaurants like Inkas, Erma’s Bistro, and Malasa Heaven. Encouraging residents to support local businesses and venture outside of their usual taste palettes.  My stop, Inkas, a rising favorite in the heart of Downtown Syracuse, is located at  201 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202. Opened in the summer of 2025 and owned by Alejandro Gonzalez, Jose Avalos-Rios, Mario Vigil, and Mikayla McCandles. This Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant pairs unique flavors, textures, and spices together in an inviting and enchantingly decorated environment. Being a newer restaurant, I did not see many reviews before visiting, yet I was told by friends that it is a great place to meet for drinks and appetizers. Inkas offers a wide selection of shareable appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Price points for the venue fall between $30-$50, reservation may be needed. 

  The dining week menu featured one appetizer, entree, and dessert. Joined by my bestie, one meal was definitely shareable for a group outing or a date night on the town. My evening started out with a refreshing beverage. The Moradina cocktail, inclusive of pisco. Pisco is a South American brandy, typically enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the famous Pisco Sour, and is the national spirit of both Peru and Chile, with distinct production styles. The drink was prepared with a delicious blend of warm honey, purple corn, tangy citrus, and a blend of spices. The drink was served with a delicate and tasteful rose-shaped ice cube with a shimmering ruby red hue that appeared like a magical elixir. The drink was mildly sweet yet flavorful with a distinct aftertaste of festive cinnamon and licorice. Not much of an alcohol drinker? The Chicha Mordana is an excellent alternative with the same warm and punchy flavors.

  In a toss-up for appetizers, we decided to try two items. Starting with the Croquetas de Yuca, a popular appetizer recommended by our waiter. The dish offered Creamy mashed Yuka with an outer layer of crisp dough paired with aji pollero sauce. The sauce was the star of the show, with flavors similar to a spicy mustard, yet less tart and more fiery. Next, we tried the Steak Anticuchos De Hongos – Charcoal-grilled skewers served with potatoes,  house Peruvian marinade, and ají amarillo sauce. The meat was tender, buttery, and smoky, melting the skewer perfectly.  

  For our main course, we opted for a chicken-based meal of  Aji De Gallina – shredded chicken breast smothered in a creamy huancaina sauce, served over potatoes, boiled egg, and rice. This was the most filling meal I have eaten in a while. The thick sauce, cheese, protein, and starches are what make this dish so heavy and shareable. A blend of textures, you will experience both a rich broth, such as a bisque or an alfredo and crunch from the assorted nuts. The sauce itself was very mild, milky, and tasty. Having not previously tried a similar dish, I was originally hesitant about this dish’s texture, but adjusted to it over time. It reminded me of somewhere between a rich pasta sauce and curry- a plain but still good. 

Finally, for dessert, we ended our meal with a chocolate Homemade Tres Leches cake –  a moist, fluffy sponge cake, soaked in a blend of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. The cake was topped with a fresh raspberry. The team was kind enough to top my cake with a candle as it was my birthday during my visit. The cake was decadent, creamy, and full; one slice was just enough to experience the rich and sweet flavors. 

The ambiance of Inkas is one of my favorite features. The ceiling architecture and design display beautiful greenery, bright fluorescent colors, and whimsical chandeliers draped in floral arrangements. The bar area also offers an Instagrammable green wall with an endearing neon light with the words “Mi Amor,” the perfect place to capture memories after your visit. The dining area is small to medium-sized, offering additional seating in the bar area. 

  Overall, Inkas is a unique venue offering amazing service, menu insight from the restaurant staff, beautiful ambiance, and flavorful meals. It is a great way to explore a new cuisine in a relaxed environment at affordable prices.