Lima Restaurants

Unifying Limeños, irrespective of background or ancestry, is their love of their national dishes, which are increasingly gaining international acclaim after being the country’s best-kept secret for countless years. As varied as the cultures which comprise it, Peruvian cuisine is readily accessible to food-loving visitors from all over the world, and appreciated by even the most demanding professional palate. Aside from the numerous museums and colonial era churches and cathedrals in Historic City Center (1988 UNESCO declared World Heritage Site), the mouth-watering local fare is guaranteed to make an impression.

Lima is hands down the best place to sample Peru’s wonderfully varied cuisine, which is incorporates the huge variety of ingredients from coastal, mountain, and Amazon regions. Those who know about good cuisine will agree that Lima’s restaurants offer some of the best value dining experiences in the world. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, and below is a list of a few we recommend for their great food, good service, and clean facilities.

Astrid & Gaston, Cantaurias 175, Miraflores, Tel: +51 (01) 4441496, $15 and over

Hidden discreetly behind the nonchalant facade of an antique colonial house, on a busy side street leading to Parque Kennedy, sits this warm and elegant restaurant, featuring high white peaked ceilings and orange walls decorated with colorful modern art. The restaurant includes a cozy bar and secluded wine-salon dining room. The place is sophisticated and chic but low-key, a good description of its clientele too. Part owner Gastón Acurio is the celebrity chef of the moment, with a burgeoning empire of fine-dining restaurants around the world and a cooking show on TV. The list of desserts is nearly as long as the main course menu, and they are simply spectacular. The menu here is best described as criollo-Mediterranean: Peruvian with a slight twist. Try the spicy roasted baby goat or the fish dish called noble robado, served in miso sauce with crunchy oysters.

Malabar, Camino Real 101, San Isidro, Tel: +51 (01) 440 5200 / 440 5300, Average $15

The philosophy behind Malabar’s menu is to create unique dishes featuring Peru’s extraordinary native ingredients from the Andes and the Amazon. The successful result is one of the most interesting culinary styles in the country, a fusion that goes to the roots of what it means to be Peruvian, integrating elements from other cuisines in order to create unique specialities. Porcon mushrooms, exotic jungle ingredients, and a selection of superb Peruvian cheeses paired with a choice of fruit piscos are included on the menu. The restaurant also has a well-stocked bar and serves traditional pisco sours.

Casa Hacienda Moreyra, Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Tel: +51 (01) 444 3979 / 444 4022, Average $25

This 18th century Hacienda style restaurant is probably one of the very few Lima restaurants where beautifully kept colonial architecture meets excellent food and service. The décor is characterized by colonial era paintings, furniture, and sculptures, all belonging to the National Institute of Culture, carefully restored and proudly exhibited here. The menu carefully recreates traditional flavors and scents from dishes belonging to past eras, and is well complemented by an exquisite selection of drinks and liqueurs.

Chala, Bajada de Baños 343, Barranco, Tel: +51 (01) 252 8515, Average $15

This sleek restaurant and lounge down by the “bridge of sighs” in Barranco is a must if you are seeking the ultimate dining experience in the capital city. Delivering “costa fusion,” meaning adaptations of Peruvian coastal and Limeño dishes with largely Mediterranean influences, this chic, colorful restaurant is coolly international, and features a gorgeous long outdoor deck under an old wooden ceiling, tall trees, squawking birds, and a great tropical feel - no small feat in Lima!

El T’anta,  Av. 28 de Julio 888, Miraflores, Tel: +51 (01) 447 8377, Average $5-$10

This is the successful brainchild of Astrid (the dessert wizard of Astrid y Gastón fame). Chic and modern, featuring poured concrete walls and an angled glass wall; this stylish yet informal deli/market serves delicious, casual fare as well as prepared foods to go, and is sure to satisfy you no matter what you’re in the mood for. With its full list of creative cocktails (such as the maricucha or aguaymanto sour), it is also now a great spot for drinks. And as always, the desserts are definitely worth writing home about.

La Mar, Avda. La Mar 670, Miraflores, Tel: +51 (01) 4213365, Average $10

This upscale cevichería, courtesy of hot chef Gastón Acurio is a fashionable, stylishly designed, and moderately priced venue in which to sample some classic ceviche, as well as other seafood dishes made in the traditional Limeño style, but with an edge. The airy, plant-filled space has a chic, modern touch, with an angular, poured concrete facade, bamboo roof, turquoise chairs, and cement floors. The fish -- choose from a couple dozen types of ceviche, as well as rice-based seafood dishes and whole fish -- is always fresh and carefully prepared. Make sure to arrive early, or fashionably late, as reservations are not taken.

Matsuei Sushi Bar, Manuel Bañon 260, San Isidro, Tel: +51 (01) 422 4323 /4228561, Average $10

Considered by many to be the best in Lima, this sushi bar was co-founded by Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the same highly acclaimed chef that later opened the Nobu restaurants worldwide, partnering with celebrities such as Robert DeNiro and Giorgio Armani. With over three decades in business, the menu at Matsuei reveals a delicate balance between Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, a style that creates some of the most delectable maki rolls in Lima.

Restaurante Huaca Pucllana, General Borgoño, Miraflores, Tel: +51 (01) 444 4042, Average $15-$20

Situated within the breathtaking ruins of Pucllana, an important ceremonial and administrative site dating back to the 5th century, this fine establishment has the long running reputation of serving fare that combines local flavors and ingredients with contemporary techniques, and boasts colonial country house-inspired décor.

La Bodega de La Trattoria, Almendariz 299, Miraflores Tel: +51 (01) 446-5672; General Borgoño 784, Miraflores Tel: +51 (01) 241-6899, Average $10

With two equally convenient locations, this authentic Italian-style restaurant serves delicious pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches in a relaxed setting. Understandably, the one situated right in front of the Huaca Pucllana has a more favorable position, as diners are rewarded with wonderful views of this archeological complex as they enjoy their meal.