Satisfy your cravings for modern Peruvian cuisine and authentic Italian meals

—Whether it’s the multicultural flavors of modern Peruvian cuisine or authentic Italian dishes you’re craving, there’s something to satisfy every appetite at Mistura Restaurant and Mama’s Meatball. Located just a few steps away from each other in downtown San Luis Obispo, these long-time local favorite eateries are owned and managed by the husband and wife team of Nicola and Jackeline Allegretta.

“If you want to have the feeling of dining in that particular country – a little piece of Peru, or a little piece of Italy – you will actually feel that right here in San Luis Obispo because we take pride in making sure our restaurants have a really authentic flair,” says Chef Nicola.

Flavorful Peruvian cuisine

Loosely translated, Mistura means mix or blend and is a nod to Allegretta’s upbringing. Born in Germany, he was raised in Italy and was inspired by his mother’s cooking to obtain a degree from the Italian Culinary Institute of Bari in Puglia. Allegretta traveled the world and sharpened his skills in eateries from Italy, France, and England to Germany and the Dominican Republic.

The Mistura menus showcase this blend of cultural influences, most notably his wife’s family recipes from Peru, with its flavorful cuisine. One of the more popular dishes, the Seco de Cordero, features New Zealand free-range lamb shank marinated for 24 hours with ají panca, a mild, smoky, and fruity Peruvian chili pepper, before being cooked in a mild cilantro and chicha de jora reduction.

Be sure to try El Misti, a hot stone ceviche with shrimp, salmon, avocado, aji amarillo, cancha, sweet potato, and crispy quinoa. The Arroz con Mariscos is similar to what you’d expect in a paella, with fresh, locally sourced seafood, yet somehow the Peruvian style is a step above. A variety of quality options are featured. including Nikkei-style (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) at Mistura’s raw bar.

“We have a vast menu, and our indoor décor and design reflect our various offerings,” Allegretta said. “Mistura is a cozy place where people can find comfort and calm, but it can also be vibrant and energetic. There are so many different vibes here, from the Andes to the coast to the old jungle, and the entire interior was designed by Jackeline.”

Chef Nicola

Intimate dinner or family feast

Two separate, divided areas bring a different flair. Whether holding a business meeting, meeting friends and family for dinner, or sharing an intimate meal for two, the Mistura team strives to accommodate your needs.

“The entire atmosphere at Mistura is very unique, very nice,” Allegretta said. “There’s almost this feeling of being in a big city restaurant, but it’s right here locally. The food, the attention to the food, and the creativity, it all works together.”

Those wanting a private dining experience with Chef Nicola will be seated at the chef’s table. Aptly named The Experience, this dining option is available on a limited basis by reservation only. The decor for the chef’s table is like an oasis in Peru called the Huacacina.

“The actual chef’s table is beautiful, and we can seat between two to ten people,” he said. “So, you can reserve it as a couple or with friends and family, and enjoy a five-course or seven-course experience that I put together just for you.”

Mama’s Meatball

Find authentic, home-style Italian dishes made with slow-simmered sauces and fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Mama’s Meatball, located just steps away from Mistura. The décor reflects an Old-World style reminiscent of an outdoor plaza in Italy. Everything on the menu is available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, with many of the eatery’s signature dishes, including its famous Fettuccine Alfredo.

“Because the name is Mama’s Meatball, people tend to think it’s all about spaghetti, but there’s so much more,” Allegretta said. “I thought the name would be nice because everybody remembers their mama’s cooking, and nobody can cook as well as their mama! So, it’s an homage to all of the mamas around the world.”

One of the most requested menu items is Mama’s Famous Mac & Cheese, a four-cheese rigatoni topped with braised short ribs. The Orecchiette e Braciole is another customer favorite. This ear-shaped pasta, filled with spices, Parmesan cheese, Italian pancetta, fresh garlic, and cooked in marinara sauce, is served with top sirloin steak.

Fresh pastries, bread, and desserts

From the freshly baked garlic bread knots, cookies, and pastries to the pizza dough, all are made daily from scratch for both restaurants, without preservatives. Allegretta’s mother, Maria Deceglia, helps with the desserts.

Be sure to save room for the Suspiro Limeño at Mistura. This classic Peruvian dessert has a delightful buttery, crumbly crust filled with sweet and tangy lime filling and a fluffy meringue topping finished with cinnamon.

One of the most popular desserts at Mama’s Meatballs is the Tiramisu, uniquely made tableside and featuring Lady Fingers, espresso coffee, mascarpone cheese, and topped with cocoa. The Classic Crème Brûlée is a customer favorite with its thin, caramelized sugar crust.

Mistura Restaurant and Mama’s Meatball are located at 570 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. Mistura opens at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Monday. Mama’s Meatball is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For reservations and more information, visit misturarestaruants.com, call (805) 600-9029, or visit mamasmeatball.com, (805) 600-3809.

—Meagan Friberg