Pikkito is absolutely phenomenal, serving some of the best Peruvian food you'll find anywhere in the Madison area.

We've been back several times over the last few months to prove it. Located at 3301 Parmenter Street in Middleton, Pikkito delivers authentic Peruvian cuisine with generous portions, incredible flavors, and a unique vibe that makes every visit memorable.

There are not very many Peruvian joints in Madison at this moment, but this one definitely deserves a place at the top of the list.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 3301 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI 53562

⏰ Hours: 11AM - 8PM Daily

💵 Price Range: $12-21 per entree

🚗 Parking: Small lot in front with street parking available

📱 Website: https://pikkito.com

☎️ Phone: (608) 820-1178

🌟 Best For: Peruvian cuisine, rotisserie chicken, generous portions, casual dining

First Impressions & Atmosphere

Pikkito has such a unique vibe being connected to a gas station. This location at 3301 Parmenter Street isn't quite as fancy as their Junction Road location, but that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, the casual roadside atmosphere reminiscent of Central and South America adds to the charm.

You walk in and immediately see a giant smiling chicken mascot adorning the walls, letting you know exactly what this place specializes in. The decor is warm and cheerful, creating a welcoming space that invites you to sit down and enjoy authentic Peruvian food without any pretense.

The staff has always been inviting and kind. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed. The owners, Daniel and Esmeralda Rodriguez, brought Peruvian cuisine to Madison with Inka Heritage back in 2007, and their experience shows in every detail at Pikkito.

We have never had a problem finding parking or a table to sit at. There are a few spots right in front of the door, and the casual nature of the space means you can usually find seating even during busier times.

The Food: What We've Ordered

Over our multiple visits to Pikkito, we've worked through a good portion of the menu. The chicken is their specialty and it is wonderful. The rotisserie chicken arrives with crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned to perfection. You can order it by the quarter, half, or whole, and it comes with your choice of sides like cilantro rice, sweet plantains, black beans, yucas, or french fries. Every piece is cooked evenly, tender throughout, and bursting with flavor.

But my favorite dish so far has been the Lomo Saltado. This Peruvian-style stir fry features tender Angus beef with sautéed onions and tomatoes in a juicy soy sauce, served with french fries and cilantro rice. The meat itself has always been tender, but it's the combination of all the flavors that gets me. The savory soy sauce, the slight char on the vegetables, the way the fries soak up that incredible sauce. Everything works together in perfect harmony. At $21, the portion sizes are really good, as they should be. You're getting a generous serving that leaves you satisfied without feeling overstuffed.

The desserts at Pikkito are a must. The flan is silky smooth with that perfect caramel sweetness, and the tres leches cake is phenomenal. Moist, sweet, and exactly what you want after a flavorful Peruvian meal. Don't skip dessert here.

Every dish we've tried has been packed with flavor and made with care. The portions are consistently generous, the seasoning is always spot on, and nothing has disappointed.

What Makes Pikkito Special

In a Madison dining scene dominated by American, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, Pikkito brings something genuinely different to the table. Authentic Peruvian food is hard to find in this area, and Pikkito executes it beautifully.

The Rodriguez family's experience shows in every aspect of the restaurant. From Inka Heritage to Estacion Inka, they've been introducing Madison to Peruvian cuisine for nearly two decades. Pikkito represents their more casual approach, focusing on their specialty rotisserie chicken while offering traditional Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado and Ceviche.

The commitment to traditional preparation methods sets Pikkito apart. The chicken is rotisserie-cooked to achieve that perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat. The Lomo Saltado uses quality Angus beef. The plantains are fried to golden perfection. These aren't shortcuts or approximations. This is the real deal.

The casual atmosphere connected to a gas station might seem unusual, but it actually adds to the authenticity. This feels like the kind of roadside spot you'd discover while traveling through Peru, where the focus is entirely on the food rather than fancy surroundings.

The Verdict: Is Pikkito Worth It?

Absolutely, and we've proven it by going back several times over the last few months. This is perfect for anyone looking to try authentic Peruvian cuisine, families wanting generous portions of quality food, or anyone who appreciates perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken. The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

The Lomo Saltado alone is worth the visit, and those desserts seal the deal. We're already planning our next trip to try more of the menu.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Small parking lot directly in front with additional street parking available. We've never had trouble finding a spot.

⏱️ Best time to visit: Open daily from 11AM to 8PM. Weekday lunches tend to be quieter if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

💡 Insider tips: Don't leave without trying the flan or tres leches. The Lomo Saltado is a must-order. If you're getting chicken, ask about the house-made sauces to try with it.

♿ Accessibility: Accessible entrance from the parking lot.

👥 Good for groups?: The casual setup works well for groups. Order a whole chicken to share and sample multiple sides.

📶 Dining style: Casual counter service with table seating. Order at the counter, find your seat, and your food will be brought out. Takeout is also popular here.

Final Thoughts

Pikkito has become one of our go-to spots in the Madison area, and for good reason. The rotisserie chicken is wonderful, the Lomo Saltado is my personal favorite with its perfect combination of tender beef and flavorful sauce, and those desserts are absolutely worth saving room for. The generous portions, consistent quality, and welcoming service make every visit enjoyable.

The unique vibe of being connected to a gas station just adds character. This isn't about fancy presentation or Instagram-worthy decor. This is about authentic Peruvian food done right, generous portions at fair prices, and a family who genuinely cares about sharing their culture through cuisine.

There aren't many Peruvian restaurants in Madison, but Pikkito definitely deserves a place at the top of the list. If you're looking for something different from the usual dining options, craving perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken, or want to experience authentic Peruvian flavors, Pikkito on Parmenter Street is calling your name. Come hungry, order the Lomo Saltado, and save room for tres leches. I know we'll be back soon.

Looking for more Madison area restaurant reviews? Check out my complete guide to the best dining spots in Madison and Middleton.

I paid for this meal myself. All opinions are my own.

Last updated: November 2025

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