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 Masala Heaven. Encouraging residents to support local business and venture outside of their usual taste palettes. My stop, Inkas, a rising favorite in the heart of Downtown Syracuse located at 201 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202. Opened in 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 was told by friends that it is a great place to meet for drinks and appetizers. Inkas offers a wide selection of sharable 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 sharable 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 after taste 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 that was 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 of a fiery spice. 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 is what makes this dish so heavy and sharable. A blend of textures you will experience both a blend 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 of 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 displays beautiful greenery, bright fluorescent colors, and whimsical chandeliers draped in floral arrangements. The bar area also offers an instagramable 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-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 and affordable prices.
