By Brittah Springer, Southwind Senior Marketing Specialist
The kitchens of Lima are heating up. Peru’s capital finds itself in the midst of a culinary renaissance. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the prestigious ranking of Central at #1. This vibrant city continues to redefine itself as a gastronomic hub, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its diverse culinary offerings, from traditional cevicherías to innovative fine dining establishments. National Geographic highlights Lima’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Peru.
Combining its deep traditions dating back from centuries of rich history with plentiful and fresh native ingredients, international influences and top-notch talent, Lima offers an exquisite and innovative ‘fusion’ cuisine lead by a new generation of professional chefs. The first thing people think of when they hear “Peru” is Machu Picchu. Today, a close second is food.
Below find our list of highly-recommended restaurants for your visit to Lima. For all of these top restaurants Reservations in advance are recommended. Visit their websites for current opening hours, availability, reservation procedures, and more.
Miraflores
This exclusive residential and commercial neighborhood in Lima features a six-mile stretch of Ocean view parks known as El Malecon, and is home to some of the best restaurants in the city.
Huaca Pucllana
Dine with a view of ancient ruins at this unique restaurant. Huaca Pucllana is adjacent to a pre-Hispanic pyramid set in the midst of Miraflores. The restaurant’s exclusive real estate is impeccable, giving way to the illuminated ruins at night.
Here you’ll find national flavors delicately prepared with contemporary style, all using Peru’s cornucopia of local ingredients. Try their grilled alpaca in a porcino mushroom sauce with corn soufflé. This restaurant was listed in Time Magazine’s “10 Things to Do In Lima.”
Website: http://www.resthuacapucllana.com
Phone number: +51 1 445-4042
Address: General Borgoño cdra. 8, Huaca Pucllana – Miraflores
Price range: $$$$
Note: Spectacular nighttime ambiance, ideal for a romantic dinner
Maido
One of the world’s 50 best restaurants in 2024, Maido, under chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, masterfully blends Japanese and Peruvian cuisines—a must for food connoisseur visiting Lima. Artfully constructed dishes are the result of Japanese techniques combined with local high-quality natural ingredients. Maido features a superb wine list, as well as artisanal Peruvian beers and an excellent Pisco Sour.
Website: http://www.maido.pe/
Phone: +51 1 313-5100
Address: Calle San Martin 399 – Miraflores
Price range: $$$$
Note: Offers both à la carte and tasting menu options
Rafael
Chef Rafael Osterling’s restaurant is a local favorite that is celebrated for its creative international spin on Peruvian dishes. Chef Rafael recently became the first Peruvian to receive a Gourmand World Cookbook Award for his book Rafael, El Chef. We recommend their grilled octopus with pimento chimichurri, Kalamata olives and garlic confit. Enjoy!
Website: https://www.rafaelosterling.pe/
Phone: +51 966-409-797
Address: Calle San Martin 300 – Miraflores
Price range: $$$$
Note: Excellent cocktail menu, perfect for pre-dinner drinks
El Señorio de Sulco
Nestled in the heart of Miraflores with stunning views of the park and ocean, offers an exquisite journey through traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern flair. Under the guidance of renowned chef Flavio Solórzano, the restaurant specializes in a variety of dishes, including ceviches, seafood stews, and vibrant salads, all crafted to showcase the rich flavors of Peru.
Website: http://www.senoriodesulco.com/
Phone: +51 1 441-0183 / 441-0389
Address: Malecón L. Cisneros 1470 – Miraflores
Price range: $$$$
Note: Beautiful sea views with al fresco seating. A la carte menu available for a personalized dining experience.
Mayta
Helmed by renowned chef Jaime Pesaque, offers an exquisite journey through contemporary Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Miraflores. Ranked #41 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024, Mayta showcases innovative dishes that celebrate Peru’s rich biodiversity, from Amazonian ceviche to paiche fish prepared in various creative ways. The restaurant’s 11-course Yachay tasting menu takes diners on a culinary adventure featuring artistic presentations of local ingredients, while the à la carte options provide flexibility for those seeking a more casual experience.
Website: https://www.maytalima.com
Phone: +51 1 422-6708
Address: Av. Mariscal La Mar 1285, Miraflores
Price Range: $$$
Note: Offers various pairing options, including regional and non-alcoholic pairings
Pescados Capitales
Pescados Capitales, a culinary gem in Miraflores, continues to be a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts seeking an authentic coastal dining experience in Lima. The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring a wide array of fresh seafood, from their renowned ceviche to expertly prepared octopus, squid, clams, shellfish, crabs, and shrimp, all crafted with innovative Limeño techniques.
Website: https://www.pescadoscapitales.com
Phone: +51 1 441-0389
Address: Av. Mariscal La Mar 1337, Miraflores
Price Range: $$$
Note: generally, in high demand during lunch hours
La Rosa Nautica
An iconic restaurant perched on a pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores, continues to enchant diners with its romantic ambiance and exquisite cuisine since 1983. Recently revitalized under the guidance of renowned Chef Miguel Schiaffino, the menu now emphasizes fresh seafood and contemporary Peruvian flavors while maintaining its classic charm. The restaurant’s Victorian-style architecture, combined with panoramic ocean views and the soothing sound of crashing waves, creates an unparalleled dining experience that perfectly complements Lima’s culinary scene.
Website: www.larosanautica.com
Phone: +51 1 445-0149
Address: Espigón 4 Circuito de Playas, Miraflores
Price Range: $$$$
Note: enjoy a sunset dining experience.
La Gloria
A celebrated restaurant in Miraflores, it has been a staple of the Lima dining scene since 1994, known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a Peruvian twist. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored Miraflores mansion, with sleek, modern décor and a charming bar, perfect for enjoying cocktails and snacks. Owner Oscar Velarde has curated a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients, including specialties such as lamb, suckling pig, and fish of the day. All paired with an unmissable wine selection.
Website: https://www.lagloria.pe/
Phone: +51 922-051-131
Address: Atahualpa 201, Miraflores
Price Range: $$$
Fiesta Gourmet
Fiesta Gourmet has been a cornerstone of northern Peruvian cuisine in Lima since its establishment in 1996. Known for its vibrant and authentic dishes, the restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring specialties like the renowned Arroz con Pato (duck and cilantro rice) and kid goat seco, both celebrated for their rich flavors and traditional preparation. Guests can also enjoy a trendy Pisco Sour, expertly crafted tableside, enhancing the dining experience. With its warm atmosphere and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, Fiesta Gourmet continues to be a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking a true taste of northern Peru.
Website: fiestagourmet.com
Phone: +51 1 242-9009
Address: Av. Reducto 1278, Miraflores
Price Range: $$$
San Isidro
San Isidro is the major financial district of Lima, as well as a quite exclusive residential area with a traditional past. Here you’ll find exclusive shops, inviting bars, 1st-class hotels and excellent restaurants.
Astrid & Gaston’s Casa Moreyra
The flagship restaurant of culinary icon Gastón Acurio, continues to redefine Peruvian gastronomy from its stunning home in Casa Moreyra, a beautifully restored 17th-century hacienda in San Isidro. The restaurant’s elegant setting, complete with multiple dining areas, a bar, and an on-site garden, provides a multifaceted experience that goes beyond mere dining, offering guests a journey through Peru’s culinary landscape. With its commitment to sustainability, use of indigenous ingredients, and world-class service, Astrid y Gastón remains a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
Website: https://www.astridygaston.com/
Phone: +51 1 442-2775
Address: Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro
Price Range: $$$$$
Note: Offers vegetarian and vegan tasting menu options
Malabar
Malabar, helmed by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, continues to be a culinary gem in Lima’s San Isidro district, showcasing the diverse flavors of Peru with a focus on Amazonian ingredients. Chef Schiaffino’s commitment to sourcing unique ingredients from the Amazon rainforest results in extraordinary dishes that surprise and delight diners, such as paiche fish with wild cilantro or heart of palm ceviche. With its elegant ambiance and dedication to exploring Peru’s rich biodiversity, Malabar provides an unforgettable journey through the country’s lesser-known flavors and culinary traditions.
Website: https://malabar.com.pe/
Phone: +51 1 440-5200
Address: Av. Camino Real 101, San Isidro
Price Range: $$$$
Note: offers both à la carte and tasting menu options
Barranco
Adjacent to Miraflores, Barranco is an emerging tourist district in the city with trendy boutique hotels, high-end souvenir shops, art galleries and gourmet restaurants. Visitors can enjoy dining options, from casual cevicherías to upscale tasting menu experiences, all while admiring the district’s charming colonial architecture and colorful street art. With its relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, Barranco offers a unique opportunity to savor Lima’s renowned gastronomy in a setting that captures Peru’s artistic spirit.
Central
Central, the flagship restaurant of acclaimed chef Virgilio Martínez, has solidified its position as a global culinary powerhouse, ranking #1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. Central offers an unparalleled dining experience that showcases Peru’s incredible biodiversity through its innovative “vertical ecological monitoring” concept. The restaurant’s tasting menu, Mater Elevations, takes diners on a journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems, from below sea level to high in the Andes. With its stunning presentation, glass-walled kitchen, and commitment to indigenous ingredients, Central continues to push the boundaries of Peruvian cuisine, making reservations essential and often requiring booking months in advance.
Website: https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/default.html
Phone: +51 1 242-8515
Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco
Price Range: $$$$$
Note: offers a non-alcoholic pairing option alongside traditional wine pairings
Kjolle
The brainchild of acclaimed chef Pía León, has quickly become a culinary sensation in Lima’s bohemian Barranco district, ranking #16 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Named after an Andean flower that thrives at high altitudes, Kjolle showcases Peru’s incredible biodiversity through innovative dishes that celebrate indigenous ingredients from across the country. The restaurant offers an exquisite 8-course tasting menu called the ‘Kjolle Experience,’ which changes seasonally to reflect León’s current inspirations and the bounty of Peru’s diverse ecosystems. With its warm, open dining room and more relaxed atmosphere this restaurant provides an unforgettable gastronomic journey that captures the essence of modern Peruvian cuisine.
Website: https://kjolle.com/default.html
Phone: +51 1 242-8575
Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco
Price Range: $$$$
Note: their tasting menu starts at $125 per person
Cala
Located in the Costa Verde of Barranco, Cala, an avant-garde and sea front restaurant fused with excellent seafood cuisine, under a philosophy of respect for the product and flavors offers a mesmerizing dining experience that tantalizes both the palate and the eyes. This chic gem serves up contemporary Peruvian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, perfectly complementing its breathtaking ocean views. As the sun dips below the horizon, diners can savor innovative dishes like Chita Crocante (Crusted Thai-style snapper) or indulge in the “Love is Sharing” menu.
Website: https://calarestaurante.com/en/
Phone: +51 1 477-2020
Address: Circuito de playas, espigon B2, Barranquito Beach.
Price Range: $$$$
Note: Cala boasts one of Lima’s finest waterfront dining options.
Buen provecho!