Plazita Limeña Opened New Location in Hato

Continuing a Long Culinary Journey

Xp Bonaire IslandLife Feature Story

After years of dedication, perseverance, and community support, Plazita Limeña — the Peruvian restaurant owned by Zaida and Juan Gutierrez-Meneses — has opened its doors in a new and more spacious location at Sand Dollar Shopping Mall in Hato.

The opening marks the latest chapter in a journey that spans countries, family sacrifices, and decades of hard work. For many residents of Bonaire, Zaida is a familiar face, known since her earliest days on the island as a hardworking, friendly presence and, over time, as a respected name in Peruvian cuisine.

From a Small Stall to a Larger Space

Before moving into the new restaurant, Plazita Limeña operated from a small food stall at Isidel Public Park in Hato. The decision to start small was intentional.

“We wanted to be hands-on,” Zaida explains. “Juan and I wanted to cook ourselves, talk directly with our guests, and hear what they thought about the food. That was the best way to shape the menu.”

The response quickly exceeded expectations. The stall became popular with locals who remembered Zaida’s cooking from earlier years and appreciated the personal interaction and care put into each dish.

“It worked better than we expected,” she says. “Very quickly, we outgrew the place.”

Moving to Sand Dollar Shopping Mall allowed them to welcome more guests while maintaining the same personal approach and focus on quality.

Leaving Peru for Safety

Zaida Gutierrez-Meneses was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where she studied to become a teacher for young children and lived near the governmental district. She describes her life there as stable and comfortable.

“I was happy in Peru,” she says. “I had a good life and a nice middle-class family.”

That stability changed as the political situation became increasingly dangerous. In 1999, Zaida decided to leave Peru alone to look for safety and work opportunities. Her husband Juan and their two children joined her on Bonaire a year later.

“When the situation became dangerous, I wanted my family to be safe,” she explains.

Starting from Zero on Bonaire

Zaida’s first job on Bonaire was housekeeping at the Plaza Hotel. At the time, she spoke very little English and never imagined she would need it.

“I loved Peru,” she says. “I never thought I would stay somewhere else.”

She recalls how her father had tried to prepare her for life beyond Peru.

“My father always told me to learn English and see other places,” Zaida says. “He bought me books and CDs to study. I put them away. I wasn’t interested.”

Those same books later became essential. “I told Juan to bring them with him,” she says. “I realized I really needed English.”

Learning in the Kitchen

After her first job, Zaida worked at several restaurants across the island, including Amadeus (now Hooked by Sunset), Bongo’s, and La Guernica. She cleaned, assisted chefs, and learned by doing.

“For some people, kitchen work is just routine,” she says. “But for others, it’s art and creativity. That’s why I still work in the kitchen.”

In 2006, Zaida and Juan opened their first restaurant, which became well known for Peruvian food and rotisserie chicken and developed a loyal following. In 2016, they sold the business to focus on their children’s education, who moved to Puerto Rico.

“Money is not the most important thing when you have to make decisions for your family,” Zaida says. “Juan and I took turns being with the children.”

Today, their son works in the aviation field, and their daughter studies international law and works on Barbados — achievements Zaida mentions with quiet pride.

A Thoughtful Return

With their children grown and settled, Zaida and Juan felt ready to return to Bonaire and begin again, this time with a clearer sense of what mattered most.

Plazita Limeña follows a self-service concept that allows them to remain present in the kitchen and on the floor, interacting with guests and ensuring every dish meets their standards.

“It’s about being there,” Zaida says. “Cooking with care and sharing the experience with people.”

The name Plazita Limeña reflects that philosophy. It is inspired by the food festivals held in the plazas of Lima, where dishes from different regions of Peru come together. The goal was to recreate that feeling on Bonaire — a small plaza of flavors in one place.

Explaining Peruvian Cuisine

Peruvian cuisine blends indigenous traditions with Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences.

Dishes such as Papa a la Huancaína, Papa Rellena, and Causa Limeña are staples, alongside ceviche — a dish Zaida calls the heart of Peruvian food.

“Leche de Tigre is the soul of it,” she says.

Main dishes include Lomito Saltado, Arroz con Mariscos, and Pescado a lo Macho, while popular street-food favorites such as Pollo a la Brasa, Mostrito, and Salchipapas remain central to the menu.

Continuing the Story

The move from a small park stall to a full restaurant reflects steady growth rather than sudden change.

“I never stopped working,” Zaida says simply.

From Lima to Bonaire, from survival to creativity, Plazita Limeña continues — shaped by experience, guided by family, and shared one plate at a time.

INFORMATION

Plazita Limeña

Address: Debrot 79, Sand Dollar Shopping Mall #1, Hato

Open: 7 days a week|  Lunch & Dinner |  10.30 am – 10.30 pm  

Phone: +599 770 7010

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