Pepe Osaka’s Fish Taco Tequila Bar & Grill – A Great Grand County Restaurant
Looking for a Great Grand County Restaurant? Here is a Spectacular Eatery Packed with Flavorful Culinary Creativity
By Sarah Mock
Tucked in the heart of downtown Winter Park is a restaurant that has quietly become a cornerstone of the Grand County dining scene. Pepe Osaka’s Fish Taco Tequila Bar & Grill isn’t just a place to grab an après adventure snack – it’s a celebration of vivid flavors, heartfelt hospitality and the kind of community spirit that makes this small mountain town so special.
Often described as a “Latin-Asian hybrid,” Pepe’s is a culinary hidden gem in Grand County. This restaurant blends fresh, homemade ingredients with ethnic flavors and playful creativity on classic dishes. The story behind Pepe’s is just as rich as the menu.
The concept for Pepe’s began with co-owner Fernan DeLeon, a longtime restaurateur who previously owned a sushi bar in Winter Park. Though Fernan is from Mexico, he learned the art of sushi while attending school in Texas, where his roommate was from Japan. Wanting to stay true to his roots while honoring what he’d learned, he began experimenting – mixing tacos with sushi fusions. Suddenly, an idea was born!
At the time, Nanda Usseglio was one of the sushi bar’s most beloved servers. With her Peruvian background and hospitality management degree from Lima, Peru, she brought both heart and ample experience to the table. After tasting Fernan’s first fish tacos, she was invited to join as a partner. Pepe’s opened their doors on June 6, 2013.
Food has always been central to both owners’ lives. Nanda grew up in a large family where cooking and gathering were central to everything. Two of her aunts owned a Chinese-Peruvian restaurant and catering business, while today, her mother still runs a restaurant in Lima featuring cuisine from their hometown of Arequipa. Fernan draws inspiration from his grandmothers’ cooking and the flavors of his childhood. That deep sense of tradition shows up in every Pepe’s dish.
The menu is a reflection of memories and culinary creativity. Fernan’s signature salsa is inspired by his grandmother’s recipe. The octopus dishes nod to Nanda’s favorite Peruvian classic, Pulpo Olivo. Even one of the newest additions to Pepe’s, the ramen bar, was inspired by the owners’ shared love of the anime Naruto, where ramen fuels the hero’s adventures.
If there’s one dish that defines Pepe’s, it’s their award-winning fish tacos. They’ve been there since day one and still capture the heart of the restaurant: bold, fresh, comforting and unforgettable.
From humble beginnings on their opening day – with just four tacos, four appetizers, and three margaritas served in a 20-seat space – Pepe’s has grown steadily. Over the years, they have expanded the dining room, added a bar, launched a merchandise space, elevated their cocktail menu, and have introduced everything from sushi burritos to mezcal-forward margaritas. Yet somehow, it’s always kept the same heart and soul shared by the owners with the town.
Behind the scenes is a tight-knit team led by Fernan, Nanda, General Manager Rolando DeLeon, and key leaders including Rafa, Rosio, and David. Their restaurant culture success is built on kindness, consistency and genuine care – for the guests that walk through the door and the family they’ve built within.
Pepe’s also gives back in meaningful ways to Winter Park and Grand County, by: supporting local nonprofits, local radio, offering locals night and BOGO Thursdays, providing affordable employee housing to their staff and creating a workplace where people are celebrated.
After more than 12 years, countless awards (including Best Margarita for seven years running), and even national recognition, Pepe’s remains what it has always been. A staple of downtown Winter Park, where vibrant dishes, warm hospitality, and community come together—one taco at a time.
Address: 78707 US-40, Winter Park, CO 80482
Website: pepeosakasfishtaco.com
For More Great Restaurants in Colorado Mountain Towns CLICK HERE
Post Sponsored by
MTN Town Media Productions | Celebrating the Colorado mountain lifestyle for over 14 Years
Copyright 2026 MTN Town Media Productions all rights reserved.
