Queens Peruvian Eatery To Reopen After Yearlong Legal Battle

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — A Peruvian restaurant is moving to Jackson Heights from Astoria after a prolonged legal battle forced it to close.

Warique Restaurant is prepping for a grand reopening at the end of March in Jackson Heights, a year after its sudden closing in Astoria. The restaurant specializes in Peruvian dishes like ceviche and pisco sours, a Peruvian cocktail.

Owner Jimmy Lozano said his Astoria landlords kicked the restaurant out after a yearlong legal battle related to unpaid sales taxes and legal malpractice.

"It was an economic disaster," he said.

Warique's new location at 90-04 37th Ave. replaces Taco Mix, an acclaimed East Harlem taco joint that opened in Jackson Heights in September 2018.

The name Warique comes from the Quechua words for "hidden place" and "special food," according to the restaurant's website. Quechua was the language of the Inca empire, but millions still speak it, including in Peru.

The family-owned restaurant opened in 2008 on Manhattan's Upper West Side, then moved to 40-17 30th Ave. in Astoria in 2016.

"We are extremely excited, because we feel at home in this neighborhood," Lozano said. "We are determined to keep our customers happy and bring them a piece of Peru through our service, atmosphere and delicious cuisine."