Quick answers — eating in Lima
- Best restaurant overall
- Central
- Best value
- Isolina Taberna Peruana (S/100-S/200 | $25-$55)
- Strongest cuisines
- Mexican & Latin, Steak & grill
- Dishes to try
- Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Anticuchos
- Booking window
- Book at least 2-3 months in advance for Central, Maido, and Kjolle, especially for weekend dinner slots. Use their online reservation systems directly.
Booking several weeks or months in advance is essential for top restaurants. Dress codes range from smart casual to elegant, depending on the establishment. Tipping typically ranges from 10-15%, often included as a service charge. Dinner hours usually start around 7:00 PM and can extend late, especially on weekends.
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in Lima
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
Central
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Peruvian · Barranco · S/1200-S/1500 | $320-$400
Virgilio Martínez Véliz
Central is celebrated for its 'ecosystems' menu, exploring Peru's diverse altitudes and biodiversity. The culinary journey is a deep dive into the country's unique ingredients, presented with scientific precision and artistic flair in a modern, earthy setting. It consistently ranks among the world's best restaurants.
Order: Diversity of an Ecosystem; Land of Corn
Maido
Acclaimed local fine diningNikkei · Miraflores · S/995-S/1100 | $265-$295
Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura
Maido masterfully fuses Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, creating the exquisite Nikkei cuisine it's famous for. The tasting menu is a vibrant, intricate progression of dishes, served in a stylish, welcoming environment that reflects both cultures. Micha Tsumura's creativity knows no bounds.
Order: Nigiri a lo Pobre; 50-Hour Beef Short Rib
Astrid y Gastón
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Peruvian · San Isidro · S/650-S/800 | $175-$215
Gastón Acurio
A pioneering force in Peruvian gastronomy, Astrid y Gastón continues to reinvent traditional dishes with contemporary elegance. Housed in a beautifully restored hacienda, the restaurant offers an immersive experience, showcasing the depth and evolution of Peruvian flavors. It's a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity.
Order: Cuy Pekin; Chaufa de Mariscos
Kjolle
Acclaimed local fine diningPeruvian Modern · Barranco · S/990-S/1100 | $265-$295
Pía León
Kjolle, led by World's Best Female Chef Pía León, focuses on showcasing individual Peruvian ingredients in their purest form. The menu, distinct from Central (which shares the same complex), is a colorful, refined exploration of biodiversity, presented in an elegant and bright dining room. Each dish highlights unique textures and tastes.
Order: Seafood with Kiwicha and Maca; Cacao and Algarrobo
Mérito
Acclaimed local fine diningVenezuelan-Peruvian Fusion · Barranco · S/300-S/450 | $80-$120
Juan Luis González
Mérito offers a compelling fusion of Venezuelan and Peruvian culinary traditions, focusing on seasonal ingredients and meticulous execution. The small, intimate setting and open kitchen provide a vibrant atmosphere where diners can observe the creative process. It's a dynamic and exciting addition to Lima's gastronomic scene.
Order: Arepa con Cangrejo; Tiradito Nikkei
Rafael
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean-Peruvian · Miraflores · S/250-S/400 | $65-$105
Rafael Osterling
Rafael is a long-standing institution known for its sophisticated blend of Mediterranean and Peruvian influences, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The atmosphere is chic and cosmopolitan, attracting a discerning local and international clientele. It consistently delivers elegant, refined dishes with a creative twist.
Order: Ravioles de Langosta; Pulpo a la Brasa
Mayta
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Peruvian · Miraflores · S/400-S/600 | $105-$160
Jaime Pesaque
Mayta celebrates Peruvian ingredients through a modern lens, focusing on ancestral techniques and regional products. The menu presents a sophisticated journey through Peru's diverse culinary landscape, served in a stylish, minimalist setting that allows the vibrant dishes to shine. It offers a refined yet approachable fine dining experience.
Order: Pato con Arroz; Ceviche Caliente
Isolina Taberna Peruana
Acclaimed local fine diningTraditional Peruvian · Barranco · S/100-S/200 | $25-$55
José del Castillo
Isolina revives classic Peruvian 'comfort food' or 'comida criolla' in generous portions, echoing the traditional family meals of yesteryear. The lively, bustling tavern atmosphere is perfect for experiencing authentic flavors in a casual yet acclaimed setting. It's a genuine taste of Lima's culinary heritage.
Order: Cau Cau de Mondonguito; Ají de Gallina
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Lima
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
Osso Carnicería y Salumería
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse · San Isidro · S/250-S/400 | $65-$105
Renzo Garibaldi
Osso is a paradise for meat lovers, operating as both a butcher shop and a high-end restaurant. Renzo Garibaldi's expertise in dry-aging and cuts is evident in every dish, offering an unparalleled carnivorous experience. The ambiance is rustic yet refined, focusing entirely on the quality of the prime meats.
Order: Tomahawk Steak; Chorizo Artesanal
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Lima
La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla
Famous for its hearty Peruvian sandwiches ('sanguches'), especially the 'Sanguche de Lechon' (roast pork) and 'Asado'. Perfect for a quick, delicious bite. Prices around S/20-S/30.
Punto Azul
A popular spot for excellent, fresh ceviche and other seafood dishes in a casual setting. Try the 'Ceviche Mixto' or 'Arroz con Mariscos'. Expect to pay S/40-S/70 per person.
anticuchos (street food)
Find excellent anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) from street vendors or small 'anticucherías'. Served with boiled potato and corn, it's a quintessential Lima experience. Prices around S/10-S/15 per skewer.
Tanta
A more casual restaurant from Gastón Acurio, offering a wide range of Peruvian staples like 'lomo saltado', 'ajá de gallina', and delicious desserts. Great for a relaxed meal. Prices around S/40-S/70 per dish.
Mercado de Surquillo N°1
For an authentic local experience, visit the market for fresh fruit juices, 'ceviche al paso' (quick ceviche), or 'Papa Rellena' from various stalls. Very affordable, typically S/10-S/30.
Local dishes
What to eat in Lima
Ceviche
Ceviche is Peru's national dish, featuring fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices (traditionally lime), mixed with aji (chili peppers), red onion, and cilantro. It's often served with sweet potato and choclo (large-kernel corn). The bright, zesty flavors are quintessential Peruvian. Find excellent versions at La Mar Cebichería Peruana or any reputable cebichería along the coast.
Lomo Saltado
A classic Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) dish, Lomo Saltado consists of stir-fried beef tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, and aji amarillo, all tossed in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. It's typically served with crispy French fries and a side of white rice. The combination of savory, tangy, and umami flavors is incredibly satisfying and comforting.
Aji de Gallina
A rich and creamy chicken stew, Aji de Gallina is made with shredded chicken simmered in a thick sauce of aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper), ground walnuts, cheese, and milk. It's usually served over white rice, often garnished with black olives and a hard-boiled egg. This comforting dish embodies the depth of Peruvian Creole cuisine.
Anticuchos
Anticuchos are marinated skewers, most famously made with beef heart (anticuchos de corazón), grilled over charcoal. The marinade, typically featuring aji panca, garlic, and vinegar, gives them a distinct smoky and savory flavor. Often served with boiled potatoes and a spicy sauce, they are a beloved street food and restaurant appetizer, especially from places like Tío Mario in Barranco.
Causa Rellena
Causa Rellena is a colorful and flavorful layered potato dish. It features seasoned mashed yellow potatoes (often mixed with aji amarillo and lime) forming a base, filled with ingredients like shredded chicken or tuna salad, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs. It's served chilled and is a refreshing appetizer, frequently found at restaurants like Punto Azul.
Arroz con Mariscos
This is a Peruvian seafood rice dish, similar to paella but distinctly Peruvian in its seasoning. It features rice cooked with a variety of fresh seafood (shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels) and a flavorful broth infused with aji amarillo, aji panca, and other spices. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, showcasing the abundance of Peru's Pacific coast.
Pollo a la Brasa
Pollo a la Brasa is Peru's famed rotisserie chicken, marinated in a special blend of spices (including cumin, garlic, and Peruvian aji) and then slow-roasted over coals, resulting in incredibly juicy meat and crispy skin. It's typically served with French fries and a simple salad, often accompanied by aji sauces. Pardos Chicken is a popular chain for this dish.
Pisco Sour
The national cocktail of Peru, a Pisco Sour is made with Pisco (a grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Shaken until frothy and served chilled, it offers a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and potent flavors. Enjoy one at any reputable bar or restaurant in Lima to truly experience this iconic drink.
How to book a table in Lima
- · Book at least 2-3 months in advance for Central, Maido, and Kjolle, especially for weekend dinner slots. Use their online reservation systems directly.
- · Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, which is processed upon booking to secure your table.
- · Consider trying lunch menus at acclaimed restaurants; they often offer a slightly more accessible price point for a similar culinary experience and are sometimes easier to book.
- · Strict cancellation policies are common; notify the restaurant well in advance (usually 48-72 hours) to avoid charges for no-shows or late cancellations.
FAQ
Lima restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Lima?
Central in Barranco is the benchmark table — Contemporary Peruvian, led by Virgilio Martínez Véliz, acclaimed local fine dining, around S/1200-S/1500 | $320-$400 per person. Order the Diversity of an Ecosystem; Land of Corn
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Lima?
Central in Barranco is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in Lima (S/1200-S/1500 | $320-$400 per person). Other strong options: Maido, Astrid y Gastón, Kjolle.
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Lima?
Osso Carnicería y Salumería in San Isidro is the steak and grill table to book in Lima (S/250-S/400 | $65-$105 per person).
Where can I eat well in Lima without spending a fortune?
Isolina Taberna Peruana is the best-value table on this list at roughly S/100-S/200 | $25-$55 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla, Punto Azul, anticuchos (street food).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Lima?
Book at least 2-3 months in advance for Central, Maido, and Kjolle, especially for weekend dinner slots. Use their online reservation systems directly. Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, which is processed upon booking to secure your table.
What food is Lima famous for?
Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Anticuchos, Causa Rellena — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Ceviche is Peru's national dish, featuring fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices (traditionally lime), mixed with aji (chili peppers), red onion, and cilantro. It's often served with sweet potato and choclo (large-kernel corn). The bright, zesty flavors are quintessential Peruvian. Find excellent versions at La Mar Cebichería Peruana or any reputable cebichería along the coast.
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