La Fina Estampa Awaiting Stamp of Approval

Defunct Peruvian restaurant plans to make a comeback this week. Fina Estampa was the second Peruvian restaurant to open in San Francisco (Alejandro’s was the first in 1979). Debuting on Mission street in 1989, and later expanding with a second location on Van Ness Avenue in 1996. That last restaurant closed in 2010, when owner Julio Gustavo Shinzato retired after more than 40 years in the restaurant business.

Now the next generation wants to revive the Shinzato family’s restaurant business. Daughter Veronica plans to open her “La” Fina Estampa on 1407 Bush Street, as soon as permits are approved later this week. The business name was derived from a very famous old Peruvian Waltz, by songwriter Chabuca Granda. It’s one of the most popular names for Peruvian restaurants around the world.

Similar to its previous incarnations, seafood predominates the menu. Featuring traditional dishes like ceviche, saltado de mariscos (seafood stir fry), camarones al ajo (shrimp in garlic sauce), lomo saltado, and many more. Prices are in the $8-$11 range. Pending approval, hours will be: Wed-Mon 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm. Closed Tuesdays.