Cocina Latina now open in the Central West End

A new Latin American restaurant, Cocina Latina, quietly opened this week in the Central West End, at 508 N. Euclid, near Evangeline's.

Owned and operated by restaurateur Maritza Rios, the restaurant serves Peruvian, Cuban, and Colombian cuisine. Entrées range from $10–$16 and include ropa vieja, fajitas, and ají de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew). Cocina Latina will also have daily specials and desserts. "We did a basic menu to start but we’ll add to it as we go along," she said.

Rios opened her first restaurant, El Paisano, 18 years ago in Jefferson County. It expanded to other locations in Olivette and along Delmar, though those locations have since closed. A South City location, at 3315 Watson, remains open.

Cocina Latina marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rios. When she saw an opening for a restaurant in the Central West End, she knew she “had to make it happen,” Rios said in a statement.“This neighborhood is so vibrant and diverse," she said. "I’m excited to bring a taste of Latin America to the community.”

Colorful artwork throughout the restaurant was created by Jose Gomez, a local artist originally from Honduras. "The space is very nice for this type of art work," Rios said. "The walls are very tall and you really get to admire all the nice colors. I’d be happy to have another artist from the area contribute as well."

This morning she told SLM that Cocina Latina is a family business. "My sister, my husband, my child, and I are all working together," she said. "We really like the area and we want to stay forever. It’s a dream come true. It took us a long time to get it open but finally it's here."

Cocina Latina will be open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m.–10 p.m.