Popular, authentic, family-run CT restaurant to open new ‘flagship’ eatery

It’s a Connecticut restaurant known for its “from-scratch cuisine.”

Coracora, an award-winning, authentic, family-run Peruvian restaurant will open a flagship location later this year in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, it was announced Tuesday.

“We’re excited to grow Coracora and become an integral part of West Hartford’s vibrant Blue Back Square,” Grecia Ludena, co-owner of Coracora, said through a statement from Blue Back Square. “The upscale, vibrant scene there will perfectly complement Coracora’s new flagship location, and we can’t wait to enhance our existing and future customers’ experiences.”

The restaurant was named both the 2023 Best Restaurant in Connecticut and in Hartford County by the Connecticut Restaurant Association at the annual CRAzies awards, according to the company.

A three-time James Beard Award semifinalist in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and finalist in 2023 for Outstanding Restaurant, Coracora has become a well-known culinary destination across the state, according to the company.

The new restaurant will be located at 51 Isham Road in the heart of Blue Back Square. Coracora will take the space formerly occupied by Rosa Mexicano which recently closed its doors in West Hartford.

Now in its second generation of family ownership, Coracora is led by sisters, Chef Macarena Ludena and Grecia Ludena.

The restaurant was opened in 2011 by their parents Luisa Jimenez and Hector Ludena.

Coracora has maintained three main pillars: high-quality ingredients, a warm and welcoming family-like experience, and top-notch customer service, the company said in a statement.

All dishes are made in house and without artificial preservatives.

“Coracora’s flair for serving up authentic Peruvian cuisine within an upscale, stylish atmosphere has made it a household name in the West Hartford community,” Paul Brandes, principal with Brand Street Properties, said in the statement.

“We couldn’t be more excited for Blue Back Square to be home to their new flagship location as we grow our lineup of unique dining, retail, and entertainment offerings.”