Restaurant
Pastuso
19 AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Pastuso
19 AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Pastuso
AC/DC Lane hides Melbourne’s sharpest hit of modern Peruvian cooking. Settle by the open counter to watch chefs prep kingfish ceviche bathed in smoky sauce alongside skewers of wagyu anticuchos straight off the fire. Regulars point straight to the sweet corn pastel de choclo before letting the floor staff steer the table through the Journey to Peru tasting courses. The room hums with laneway energy, tempered by unhurried hospitality and frothy pisco sours poured over cracked ice.
- Peruvian Woodfire & Ceviche: Kingfish ceviche, charred wagyu anticuchos, and sweet corn pastel de choclo anchor the South American menu.
- Open Kitchen Counter: Counter seats overlook the kitchen team as they slice raw seafood and dress plates with precision.
- Curated Tasting Journeys: Multi-course options like the Journey to Peru menu take the guesswork out of ordering for couples and lively groups.
- Signature Pisco & Laneway Vibe: Attentive floor staff pair authentic pisco sours with tailored menu guidance across the energetic laneway dining room.
What's On at Pastuso
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at Pastuso
Discover modern Peruvian dining, signature pisco cocktails, and unhurried hospitality in Melbourne's vibrant laneway.
Immersive Journey Through Peruvian Cuisine
Knowledgeable servers guide guests through classic Peruvian dishes such as fresh ceviche, anticucho skewers, and signature pisco sours in an energetic laneway dining room.
Pastuso isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a sensory experience. Colour, culture, and cuisine collide in the best way possible.
Mark Kentwell Curated Multi-Course Tasting Menus
Curated multi-course menus like the Journey to Peru provide a balanced progression of authentic ceviches, steaks, and desserts for first-time and returning diners.
We had never tried Peruvian food before so we decided to try the journey to Peru for $95 per person. This was a great choice to try a mix of things
Lewis Scott Unhurried, Attentive Milestone Care
Front-of-house staff create a warm, attentive dining rhythm where guests can celebrate special milestones without feeling rushed or crowded.
We didn't feel rushed, we didn't feel crowded, it was a lovely experience.
Dorota Ferens Thoughtful and Personable Hospitality
Diners are warmly welcomed and treated to caring, personalized service that turns celebratory dinners into seamless occasions.
Nothing was too much trouble, and she made us feel genuinely looked after.
Jocelyn Hew Generous Feasting for Celebrations
Generously portioned set menus and celebratory hospitality accommodate large group gatherings, civil wedding lunches, and birthdays comfortably.
The portions were generous, and everyone in our group left happy and satisfied.
Sheyla Solis Vibrant Yet Balanced Gathering Space
A thoughtfully arranged dining room provides ample space for group tables, preserving an energetic atmosphere while remaining easy to converse in.
The restaurant itself is beautifully set up, just the perfect balance of space and cosiness. It was busy but not noisy.
Mel Mendonca
Most popular items
Customer-favorite staples of modern Peruvian dining
Ceviche
The kingfish ceviche was absolutely sensational. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the smoky sauce it was paired with was divine — such a unique combination of flavours.
Bettina Pisco Sour
The pisco sours were bangin'!
Jennifer Perry Anticuchos
Wagyu Anticuchos (skewers), they were super yummy!
Ashley Pek Flan
And the flan.
Ben Ashley
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality gestures and experiential touches that elevate the Peruvian dining journey.
Celebratory Welcome Toast
Couples celebrating post-ceremony milestones are greeted with a complimentary celebratory drink upon arrival to mark the special occasion.
Milestone Birthday Dessert Candle
Guests marking birthdays receive their dessert presented with a celebratory candle, creating a thoughtful finale to group meals.
Front-Row Kitchen Prep Observation
Diners seated at the bar can directly observe chefs and kitchen staff carefully assembling dishes and plating with precision.
Peruvian Pisco & Culture Masterclass
Guests can engage in an educational masterclass focused on the origins and cultural traditions of Peru alongside pisco cocktail preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to order for a first visit?
First-timers often opt for the multi-course tasting menu (such as the Journey to Peru) to sample a curated selection of dishes, though staff also guide à la carte sharing with highlights like kingfish ceviche, wagyu skewers (anticuchos), and pastel de choclo.
Should you make a reservation?
Yes, Pastuso accepts reservations. Guests celebrating occasions or visiting in larger groups often recommend booking ahead to secure a spot.
Can you sit at the bar to watch the food preparation?
Yes, counter seating at the bar is available and allows diners to watch the chefs prepare dishes up close.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, Pastuso serves vegetarian options, and reviewers note selections catering to vegetarian and vegan preferences across the menu.
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