Tucked inside the dynamic Avanti Food & Beverage food hall on Pearl Street, Peko Peko brings a fresh take on classic Japanese comfort food.
Japanese Favorites Get a Modern Home at Peko Peko
With a menu that balances hand rolls, ramen bowls, donburi rice dishes, and snackable sides, it offers an approachable but chef-led culinary experience in one of Boulder’s most communal dining spaces.
Opened in June 2024 by a trio of respected culinary figures, Peko Peko quickly earned praise for its flavor-forward ramen, vegan options, and grab-and-go appeal. Whether you’re craving something warm and rich like pork belly shoyu ramen or prefer a light cold sesame noodle bowl on a summer day, this spot delivers.
For a broader overview of the food hall and its vendors, don’t miss our complete guide to Avanti Boulder.
Where It’s Located & What to Expect
📍 Peko Peko at Avanti Boulder
1401 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
📞 (303) 949‑3348
🕒 Open Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM
🌐 Menu available via Avanti’s Boulder location page
Operating as a counter-service stall inside Avanti, Peko Peko invites diners to order up their favorites and take a seat either inside the lively food hall or out on the rooftop patio. The setting is casual and vibrant, often filled with a mix of remote workers, students, and weekend foodies enjoying the diverse options.
It’s a perfect place to grab a warming ramen on a winter afternoon—or a chilled donburi bowl with a Japanese soda when the rooftop is in full summer swing.
The Concept: Japanese Soul Food with a Modern Twist
Peko Peko, which loosely translates to “hungry” in Japanese, delivers a well-curated menu of traditional staples with a few creative flairs. The venture is led by Darren Chang, Travis Masar (also behind Pig & Tiger), and Executive Chef Scott Walton. Their mission? To make Japanese fare feel comforting, elevated, and always craveable.
Boulder Weekly’s spring preview called Peko Peko one of the best new food additions at Avanti, noting its seamless blend of classic technique and fast-casual execution.
What to Order: Top Menu Items at Peko Peko
Peko Peko offers a rotating yet consistently tight lineup of bowls, ramen, temaki hand rolls, and snacks—many of which are gluten-free or vegetarian.
🍜 Ramen
Shoyu Ramen: Soy broth, pork belly, noodles A soul-warming classic that reviewers say “soothes the soul” on cold days.
Karamiso Ramen: Spicy miso base, pork belly This one brings a kick and is a go-to for spice lovers.
Tonyu Ramen (Vegan): Soy milk broth with mushrooms A rare vegan ramen option with a creamy, umami-rich base.
Cold Sesame Ramen (Vegetarian): Creamy sesame dressing, noodles, veggies. Perfect for summer, this cold noodle dish is a favorite among light eaters and vegetarians.
🍚 Donburi (Rice Bowls)
Braised Pork Belly Donburi: Decadent and deeply savory, it’s the most talked-about rice bowl on the menu.
Roasted Mushroom Donburi (Vegetarian): A meat-free option with plenty of depth.
Seared Tuna Donburi: Fresh and clean, this is a hit with diners looking for something lean but filling.
🍣 Temaki (Hand Rolls)
All hand rolls are gluten-free and wrapped in crisp nori:
Spicy Tuna Smoked Salmon Snow Crab
Each comes with flavorful, house-prepared ingredients that rival sit-down sushi spots.
🥢 Snacks, Sips & Sweets
Sunomono (Cucumber Salad) California Onigiri Edamame Miso Soup Mochi Ice Cream Ube or Yuzu Cheesecake Japanese Sodas & Yuzu Sparkling Water
Peko Peko also offers a happy hour deal:
🕑 Edamame for $5 during Mon–Fri 2–6 PM and all day Sunday.
What the Reviews Say
Peko Peko may be one of Avanti’s newer vendors, but feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive:
TripAdvisor: Diners mention that Peko Peko’s braised pork donburi is “a must” and call the spicy ramen “top-tier for a food stall.” Yelp Comments: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients and note the cold sesame noodles as “so damn good.” MapQuest: Early ratings average 4.0 stars, with standout mentions for ramen texture and sushi roll quality.
While some reviewers note that noise and wait times during peak hours are part of the food hall experience, most agree that Peko Peko is worth it—especially for a satisfying solo lunch or casual dinner with friends.
Accessibility & Audience
Peko Peko is popular with a wide audience:
Students and remote workers appreciate the speed and affordability. Families enjoy the familiar yet adventurous options. Japanese food lovers see it as one of Boulder’s better casual Japanese options.
It’s located within Avanti’s accessible, elevator-equipped space, and offers shared communal seating both indoors and on the rooftop.
Why Peko Peko Is Worth the Visit
Peko Peko excels by doing the simple things really well. With its tightly focused menu, chef-led execution, and warm but no-frills vibe, it offers consistent quality without fuss. It’s not trying to be a full sushi bar or a formal ramen shop—it’s giving Boulder diners high-quality Japanese fare in a casual, quick-service format.
Whether you’re craving ramen, sushi, or a hearty rice bowl, Peko Peko delivers—with flavor, integrity, and convenience.
Discover the other culinary gems inside this beloved food hall with our complete guide to Avanti Boulder.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, editor at Colorado Food Reviews. David compiles trusted food coverage across Boulder and the Front Range by reviewing verified customer experiences, vendor menus, and public feedback to spotlight the region’s most consistent and flavorful eats.
👉 More from David: coloradofoodreviews.com/author/david-lanketh
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