An introduction to restaurants in Lima, Peru

Gastronomy has always been, since the days of the Spanish viceroyalty, an essential aspect of life in Lima. During the last few years, however, the city's dining scene has experimented a huge leap, probably because we have become aware of the exceptionality of Peruvian cuisine. The offer in Lima is nowadays most varied and covers a wide range of types and cuisines, both regional and international.

Notwithstanding the wide range of choice in Lima's many restaurants, ceviche is surely number one on the list of dishes you must taste. There is at least one cevichería in every neighbourhood, so it won't be hard to find one. Moreover, most criollo restaurants include ceviche on their menus; indeed, many restaurants do, even the more upscale nouveau-cuisine.

A second must goes to Asian cuisine, both Chinese and Japanese, which, predictably, has a strong Peruvian influence. Chifas -that is, Chinese restaurants-, which can be counted by the hundreds if not thousands, are usually down-to-earth neighbourhood eateries, offering a fare rich in seafood and chicken. Japanese restaurants and sushi bars, on the contrary, are less widespread, and more upscale and expensive. Their forte is, of course, a year-round supply of the freshest and most variegated seafood, which is delightfully transformed into sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

Most of the best restaurants in Lima are located in Miraflores, though some are to be found in San Isidro, Surco, and Barranco. Although most restaurants aren't usually crowded during weekdays, it's a good idea to make reservations for Fridays and Saturdays.

Limeños tend to have dinner a bit late for North American and European standards, between 9pm and 10pm. While food is most reasonably priced -at least compared to North American and European standards- wine is still quite expensive in Lima, specially imported bottles. Nothing to worry about: beer is the ideal drink for Ceviche, Criollo, Chinese and Japanese fares.

Some of our favourite restaurants include:

Restaurant Huaca Pucllana This great restaurant is located in a breathtaking setting: within the ruins of an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD by the early inhabitants of Lima. Their cuisine is a reinterpretation of Peruvian Criollo tradition, and features such dishes as ceviche de camarones a la piedra (stone prawn ceviche) and locro de costillas de cordero (lamb-ribs with a pumpkin stew).
More reviews of Criollo & Traditional restaurants in Lima Peru

Pescados Capitales This lunch-only seafood restaurant is one of the best places in town for initiating in the pleasures of ceviches, tiraditos, and causas.
More reviews of Cevicherías & Seafood restaurants in Lima Peru

Matsuei By far the best sushi bar in Lima, it began as a small eatery in an unattractive part of town. It was co-founded by a certain Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the same guy that was later to open the Nobu restaurants around the globe, partnering with such celebrities as Robert DeNiro and Giorgio Armani. A must for Japanese-cuisine lovers.
More reviews of Asian restaurants in Lima Peru

Astrid & Gastón Founded in 1994 by husband-and-wife couple Gastón Acurio and Astrid Gutsche, initially the restaurant's cuisine was largely French. Gradually, though, as they rediscovered Peruvian flavours and culinary traditions, the kitchen began to incorporate local dishes and ingredients, moving towards the current Criollo-French concept that characterizes the restaurant today. In any case, regardless of this evolution -or precisely because of it-, consider Astrid & Gastón one of the highest notes in the Peruvian culinary scene.
More reviews of International restaurants in Lima Peru

Rafael A minimalist yet warm restaurant, located in a colonial mansion in the old part of Miraflores, it surprises for the delicate fusion of Peruvian and Mediterranean traditions.
More reviews of Mediterranean restaurants in Lima Peru

Dalmacia Situated in a quiet square of Miraflores, not 200 metres from the cliffs that overlook the ocean, it is the sort of eclectic and cosy café-bar-restaurant that makes it a pleasant stay anytime: at mid afternoon for a coffee, at dinner, or at night for some drinks. It is, in every case, one of Lima's favourite spots for a chatty good time among friends.
More reviews of Cafés in Lima Peru