Peri-Peri Restaurant Has Opened in Torrey Pines

San Diego has welcomed a Southern African restaurant concept to its growing ethnic foodie scene this spring: Peri-Peri made its debut in early March in the Torrey Highlands Village Center (7845 Highland Village Place suite C101) with a unique menu offering the flavorful and aromatic specialties of Southern Africa.

Mozambique, located on the east coast of Southern Africa, is the inspiration for the restaurant’s signature dish, peri-peri, which is a spicy sauce used in the preparation of shellfish and chicken. The early South African settlers’ cooking traditions, from Portugal, Malaysia and India, also play a role in the menu inspiration.

At the restaurant, located inside the village center, guests can choose from signature peri-peri dishes featuring prawns and chicken, as well as traditional South African curry dishes, including a vegan-friendly curry. The lunch menu features sandwiches, salads and light entrees, ranging from $7 - $12, while a separate dinner menu offers entrées ranging in price from $15 with most dishes being under $20.

 “The popularity of ethnic restaurants and the variety of concepts for food in San Diego is growing on a daily basis,” said William Sussman, Owner of Peri-Peri. “Having been raised in South Africa, I wanted to introduce the flavors of peri-peri to San Diegans without losing the authenticity and traditions that my family and I grew up with.”

Sussman has been a restaurateur for over 20 years with a number of successful, local and foreign eateries in his repertoire, such as Kalahari Café in the Gaslamp Quarter. Working with Sussman to introduce his concept is Peri-Peri’s Head Chef Kenny Raponi; a graduate from the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America at Napa.

Peri-Peri’s casual 3,000 square foot space includes a full service dining area, bar and outdoor dining area for guests to enjoy the San Diego weather.

While South African and Californian selections make up the majority of Peri-Peri’s wine list, the restaurant offers other select wines from alternative regions. Peri-Peri will also have a selection of beers on tap and bottled beers from regions of Africa. Sussman’s daughter, Megan, a sommelier for over eight years, chose the wine list.

“We’re giving San Diego’s South African community a taste of the traditions they love, whilst introducing these new, vibrant flavors to the local San Diego community and creating a hub of gastronomical goodness for everyone to enjoy,” said Sussman.

In addition to its signature peri-peri and curries, Peri-Peri offers many other classic South African dishes, including sosaties (a curried lamb kebab), boerewors (a traditional beef sausage flavored with coriander) and savory cottage pie.

Peri-Peri is committed to using the finest and freshest ingredients, offering a daily ‘catch-of-the-day’ and other specials.

For more information, menu and hours for Peri-Peri, visit www.PeriPeriSD.com or call 858-538-2282.