A new Peruvian spot is gearing up to open in Santa Monica. PonTu will open at 3117 Ocean Park Blvd, the previous home to longstanding The OP Cafe.
Richie Lopez is behind the forthcoming spot. Lopez has worked with various restaurant groups and concepts over the years, and now he wants to open his own restaurant.
“It was a natural evolution of the years,” Lopez told What Now Los Angeles. “Santa Monica has always been part of my life as a cook, so I found this place and I’m excited to move in.”
The intimate space will offer a neighborhood-oriented atmosphere. Lopez plans to serve both a lunch and dinner program, focusing on “cooking with the memory of Peru.” Menu items will focus on seasonal Peruvian cuisine with California coastal elements. Expect plenty of seafood options such as ceviches and tiraditos.
There is still no set opening timeline, as the team is waiting on permits. Lopez said he hopes to open soon.
“I hope that it’s something the community feels attached to,” Lopez said. “We want people to get together and share, and we hope we bring something that can make people happy.”
