New Peruvian Eatery Madre Selva Transports Diners Abroad
Coastal flavors and a zest for life collide at the Latin-inspired hot spot in Uptown Atlanta
Embark on a Latin culinary tour—no passport needed. Located in Uptown Atlanta, Peruvian restaurant and ceviche bar Madre Selva offers an unforgettable immersive experience.
The first U.S. restaurant debut of owners Juan Segura and Francisco Puerta, Madre Selva fills a gap in the city’s culinary scene. “Atlanta needed this,” says Segura. “There’s only a handful of restaurants like this in the city, and in this area we are one of the first.” With Selvasana, a swanky smoothie spot in Chattahoochee Food Works, and a restaurant in Colombia—where Segura is from—the owners are blazing a new trail, bringing in talent and influence from across the globe.
Colombian-style doors set the tone for the captivating evening to come. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a hand-cleansing ritual of water and essential oils. Translated to “mother of the jungle,” Madre Selva abounds with bold color and culture. “We wanted to bring a piece of Latin America to Atlanta—it is more than just Peruvian,” says Segura. The medley of Latin influence stems from the restaurant’s top-tier talents, hailing from Peru to Colombia and Miami.
Peruvian cuisine can be characterized by its freshness and unique mix of flavors. “Peru has influences from Asia, not just Japanese but also Chinese,” says Segura. “Because of this we’re doing everything from ceviche to tiradito and even sushi rolls soon.” With market-fresh fish bought almost daily, Madre Selva’s selection of seafood dishes shines bright—particularly at the cold bar where guests can indulge in delicious raw offerings.
On the dinner menu, executive chef Carlos Enriquez stuns with his creamy Octopus Tiradito with olive leche de tigre, avocado, red onion, and aji limo. “This is my favorite dish,” says Segura, “and it’s actually one of the reasons Carlos ended up getting the job—because I loved the octopus!” Another instant classic and Peruvian staple, the Lomo Saltado features stir-fried tenderloin beef, onions, and aji amarillo served with Peruvian potatoes and white rice with choclo. “Everything in the kitchen is done with charcoal, so it gives it a unique smoky taste,” says Segura. For indecisive diners, order the Ceviche Trio.
From house-crafted infusions to frothy Pisco Sours, the drink menu adds another layer of showmanship thanks to beverage director Alex Holender—who moved to Atlanta from Peru just eight months ago. Based on an ancient ritual, the Echoes of Chavin cocktail brings health and good fortune. Crafted with tequila, herbal kombucha, and sage, the smoky display is a can’t-miss indulgence.
Summer evenings are elevated by the breezy patio where alfresco dining is the cure for any long day. Handcrafted Colombian elements—from shady patio umbrellas to whimsical light fixtures—dot the interiors. Adding further artistry, a vibrant jungle mural spans the back wall and was handpainted by artist Camilo Pareja over the course of 10 days.
Never straying from their vision, the team at Madre Selva offers a vibrant getaway. “I want to transport guests to our house in the middle of the Amazon Jungle,” says Segura, “and where everybody in our little town comes together to celebrate life.” madreselva.restaurant