
Erik Ramirez
Creative Chef
Erik is the chef and partner behind NYC’s acclaimed restaurants Llama Inn, Llama San, and Llama Inn Madrid. A Peruvian American raised in Paterson, NJ, he began his culinary journey 20 years ago, inspired by his grandmother, who introduced him to Peruvian and Nikkei cuisines.
After working in top NYC kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park, Erik played a key role in bringing Peruvian cuisine to global prominence through his creativity and dedication. Today, he is fully immersed in cultivating his unique flavor profiles at Llama Inn and Llama San—both deeply personal projects that celebrate Peru’s diverse culinary heritage and the vibrant city he calls home, NYC. His accolades include a five-star review from The New York Times and a James Beard Foundation finalist nomination.