Southern African Eatery, Peri-Peri, Set to Open in Torrey Highlands This March

February 18, 2014

San Diego will welcome a Southern African restaurant concept to its growing ethnic food scene this spring, as Peri-Peri will make its debut March 1 in the Torrey Highlands Village Center with a unique menu offering the flavorful and aromatic specialties of Southern Africa. Owner William Sussman previously announced the opening of Peri-Peri in 2012, as it was set to take over the former Vigilucci's space in La Jolla (now occupied by Iberico Spanish Bistro), but plans fell through at that location.
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, will 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 will offer 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 looking forward to 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 will offer 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. 

Peri-Peri is located at 7845 Highland Village Place Suite C101 in the Torrey Highlands Village Center and will be open daily from 11 am. For more information, menu and hours for Peri-Peri, visit PeriPeriSD.com or call 858-538-2282.