Experience the Flavors of Peru, Colombia & Ecuador

A culinary journey inspired by the traditions and flavors that stretch along the 78th meridian across South America.

A Destination Along the 78th Meridian

Stretch a line across the globe along the 78th meridian and you’ll pass through some of South America’s most vibrant culinary landscapes. From the bold coastal flavors of Peru to the rich traditions of Colombia and the soulful dishes of Ecuador, this line connects cultures shaped by mountains, jungles, and ocean shores.

Meridian 78 was inspired by that journey.

Each dish on our menu represents a stop along the meridian—bringing the authentic flavors of Peruvian, Colombian, and Ecuadorian cuisine to one table.

Savor the bright citrus and seafood traditions of Peru.
Experience the warm, comforting recipes of Colombia.
Discover the vibrant, deeply rooted flavors of Ecuador.

Every recipe is prepared with respect for its origins, honoring the ingredients, techniques, and traditions passed down through generations.

We don’t blend these cultures together.

We celebrate them individually—just as they exist along the meridian itself.

At Meridian 78, dining becomes a journey across South America. One table. Three countries. Countless stories shared through food, culture, and the joy of gathering together.

The Meridian Journey

Three countries. Three culinary traditions. One unforgettable table.

Peruvian flag with red vertical stripes on the sides and a white vertical stripe in the middle.

PERU

Bright Coastal Flavors

Peruvian cuisine is known for its vibrant seafood, citrus-forward dishes, and bold culinary traditions shaped by the Pacific coast.

Signature Dish

Lomo Saltado

Flag with horizontal stripes of yellow, blue, and red.

COLOMBIA

Hearty Traditions

Colombian cuisine celebrates comfort, abundance, and family gatherings with generous platters and slow-simmered recipes.

Signature Dish

Bandeja Paisa

Flag of Ecuador with yellow, blue, and red horizontal stripes and the country's coat of arms in the center.

ECUADOR

Coastal & Andean Heritage

Ecuadorian cuisine blends coastal seafood traditions with the ingredients of the Andes. Dishes like encebollado reflect generations of culinary heritage.

Signature Dish

Encebollado

Meet the Chef

Chef Juan Esteban Maldonado brings more than three decades of culinary experience to Meridian 78, celebrating the traditions of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.

A man in a white chef's jacket standing outdoors in front of a green leafy hedge and plants.

Featured DIshes

Plate of French fries, a scoop of rice, and a beef stir-fry with vegetables, served with a small cup of dipping sauce.

Lomo Saltado

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with onions and tomatoes, served with crispy fries and rice. A bold Peruvian classic that blends rich flavor with tradition.

Traditional Mexican breakfast platter with fried eggs, plantains, sausage, beans, avocado, and toast, served on a black plate.

bANDEJA pAISA

A generous Colombian classic featuring rice, beans, grilled meats, crispy chicharrón, plantain, egg, and arepa. A bold and satisfying dish rooted in tradition.

A bowl of creamy seafood soup garnished with sliced red onions, herbs, and a lime wedge, with a spoon and rolled chips in the background.

Encebollado

Ecuador’s beloved coastal fish soup with tender tuna, cassava, and pickled red onions. Comforting, vibrant, and deeply tied to Ecuadorian culinary heritage.

Visit Meridian 78

BARLETT

772 W Bartlett Rd
Bartlett, IL 60103

restaurant@meridian78@gmail.com

A variety of South American dishes on a white table, including shrimp, ceviche, grilled meats, soups, and various sides with lime wedges and dipping sauces.

Your Journey Along the Meridian

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Your Journey Along the Meridian 〰️