La Limeña, one of the best-known Peruvian restaurants in our area, has gone dark after 15 years at Rockville’s Ritchie Center. “The pandemic changed everything, and it just wasn’t affordable to keep it open,” says spokesman Rodolfo Elmore. Owner Emma Perez will now turn her full attention to La Limeña Grill, the upscale sister restaurant that she opened four years ago on Rockville Pike. The newer space is about twice as big, with outdoor seating and many of the same menu items. “Emma really wanted to serve upgraded Peruvian food, and she built this place with love,” Elmore says. Meanwhile, Ritchie Center has a new spot for Latin cuisine: Pupuseria Mamá Emilia, offering Salvadoran dishes, opened its doors this week.
