El Mercado

El Mercado –launched in May 2010– stands in the corner of Unanue and Mendiburu streets, the very same neighborhood of La Mar and Pescados Capitales, two of the best cebicherías and seafood restaurants in town. Moreover, it’s the latest project by Rafael Osterling, the chef/owner of the renowned Rafael restaurant. Expectations were therefore very high. El Mercado does not disappoint a bit.      

El Mercado takes inspiration from the myriad of humble cevichería stands inside Lima’s food markets. It occupies a former auto repair garage, wisely transformed by architect Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos into a comfortable and attractive locale of high open ceilings, wooden decks, iron beams, and naked brick walls.      

The cuisine is homely but stylized. The menu includes all the classic dishes, with a sophistication twist, such as the Galactic Ceviche that combines sole, crab, tramboyo (a rock fish), shellfish, and a cream of ajíes; or the Ceviche Mercado, with fried calamari.

El Mercado has everything to rise to the very top of Lima’s demanding gastronomic scene: excellent food, great service, and a nice atmosphere. Definitively deserves a visit.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5pm.    

Go back to Cevicherías in Lima.