Peru is a mecca for adventurous eaters, but not everyone is so eager to eat a baked rodent on a stick (i.e. cuy). While Peru is better known for its selection of beef, fish, and poultry dishes, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any options for the vegetarian or selective eater. Lima restaurants, in particular, are increasingly specializing and expanding their menus to cater to the growing vegetarian and vegan niche.
If a no-meat take on ceviche (a classic coastal dish typically prepared with fish) or a filling quinoa salad is what you crave, check out these five not-to-miss vegetarian restaurants in Lima. All of them have something delicious to satisfy your hungry vegetarian heart and even impress your meat-eating travel companions.
A few OG vegetarian restaurants in Lima have closed their doors, so we refreshed our list of veggie spots in November of 2019. Check out our not-to-miss vegetarian restaurants in the city’s popular Barranco and Miraflores districts featured below, and discover more recommendations in our guide to eating vegetarian in Peru.
Vegetarian Restaurants in Lima
- In Barranco: Germinando Vida
- In Miraflores: El Paraiso
- In Miraflores: El Vegetariano
- In Barranco: Las Vecinas
- In Miraflores: La Verde
Germinando Vida
The culinary team at Germinando Vida approaches Peruvian classics with a vegetarian spin. Grilled portobello mushrooms replace strips of sirloin in a meat-free interpretation of Lomo Saltado, a classic stir-fry dish accompanied with aji peppers, onions, and tomatoes and served with rice and fries. It’s listed as Portobellos Saltados on the restaurant’s main course menu along with other vegetarian-prepared dishes from Peru, such as Tacu-Tacu, Chupe de Quinoa (a delicious soup typically made with shrimp), and Ceviche prepared with mushrooms.
Germinando Vida is located a few doors down from the south-west corner of Barranco’s Parque Principal. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance makes it a great spot to stop by for a casual, healthy meal. Enjoy the breakfast menu until noon with selections like fruit, cocoa, and a chia-topped acai bowl or come later for lunchtime or dinnertime.
Address: Avenida Grau 209-A, Barranco
Hours: Monday to Tuesday from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday to Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Germinandovi/
El Paraiso
This delightful vegetarian restaurant and health food shop offer a different daily menu that includes soup, salad, and main plate. It’s a popular lunch spot for both visitors and locals alike, but finding a table isn’t usually a problem. I recommend the vegetarian lasagna, followed by one of their numerous guilt-free and healthy desserts. There are two restaurants at this restaurant location: One is only open for lunch, while the other across the street is more of a juice, dessert, and ice cream parlor that’s open in the evenings.
Address: Alcanfores 453-416, Miraflores (near Tarata, a half block from Calle Schell)
Hours: 12 noon to 2:30 pm (lunch); and until 9 pm (for desserts and ice cream)
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El Vegetariano
El Vegetariano is a quiet restaurant in Miraflores that’s owned by a guy who used to work for Bircher Benner. As a result, the menus are very similar, but El Vegetariano is a bit more economical. One of the most notable things about El Vegetariano is that all of the staff are very helpful when it comes to explaining the dishes as well as substitutes if you are a strict vegan. If you want to change something about your meal, do not hesitate to ask. El Vegetariano is an excellent place for lunch.
*Now closed, Bircher Brenner was one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Lima.
Address: Cantuarias 285, Miraflores (at the corner of Avenida La Paz)
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday closed
Website: https://www.elvegetarianosayel.com/
Las Vecinas
Las Vecinas serves delicious organic and small vegetarian plates, as well as fresh juices and desserts. It’s perfect for all-day breakfasts, lunch, or a light dinner. From the extensive menu, order the Veggie King with baked eggplant and zucchini, roasted red pepper, melted gouda cheese, and rosemary pesto. Stock up on daily veggies with the Farmer’s Market Salad or the Guacamole and Tortilla Andina appetizers to share. Sample one of the refreshing regional microbrews.
Housed in a colonial-style building, the restaurant’s cozy two-level interior, appointed with potted plants, chalkboard signs, and wood tables, is part of its undeniable charm. A small organic and health food shop is connected to Las Vencinas too.
Address: Jiron Domeyer 219, Barranco
Hours: Monday from 9 am to 9 pm, Tuesday closed, Wednesday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm, Friday from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm
Website: http://www.lasvecinascafe.com/
La Verde Bio Factoria
La Verde opened its doors a few years ago as the fresh new face of the culinary team behind the delicious vegetarian food served at AlmaZen. Stylish and cozy sums up the ambiance at La Verde. Sit at one of the wood tables and skim the restaurant’s menu of main course veggie dishes with some eye-catching options for vegans and gluten-free eaters. Try the vegan ramen, Solterito La Verde salad served with fried yucca, spinach empanadas, or a house classic Lasagna de Berenjenas (an eggplant lasagna).
Desserts are standout at La Verde. Gluten-free strawberry and raspberry cake, chocolate and pistachio nut mousse, and matcha alfajores filled with chocolate truffle are among the creative and savory options. Perhaps the only downfall to this vegetarian eatery is that it’s not open on the weekends!
Hours: Monday from 9:30 am to 9 pm, Tuesday from 8 am to 11 pm, Wednesday 8 am to 9 pm, Thursday 8:30 am to 9 pm, and Friday 8:30 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday closed
Addresses: Calle Gral. Recavarren 315, Miraflores (a few blocks from Parque Kennedy)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/La-Verde-882426118502872/
Tantalize Your Tastebuds on a Tour of Peru
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Katy is no stranger to the life of an international traveler. After graduate school, Kathleen worked in California in the legal field, but later realized that life was calling her in a different direction. After a short time in Peru, she fell in love with the culture, the people, the food, and the way of life. Now Kathleen calls Lima her “home away from home,” although she frequently visits the warm, sunny northern Peru to see friends and surf.
