Top 5 restaurants, Lima, Peru
Peru is one of the world’s most geographically varied countries and it’s no surprise that Peruvian food reflects this dazzling diversity in its many restaurants.
Here are Andean Trails’ top tips for places to eat in coastal Lima, fast becoming the culinary capital of South America.
Lima is famed for its seafood and ceviche – raw fish marinated with onions – plus new fusions with Japanese cuisine.
Top 5 restaurants in Lima
La Rosa Náutica
$$$
The classic: you sit above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, while the efficient staff serve you arguably Peru’s top ceviche.
There are ceviche and pisco sour making classes during the day, which are great, but the main attraction is the perfectly prepared seafood.
Astrid y Gastón
$$$
You have to book ahead – weeks, maybe months – and the best advice is to reserve as soon as you book your flights.
The hot plate of Peruvian cuisine. Expensive, but worth it. The Diners Club has ranked Astrid y Gastón number 14 in its Top 50 Restaurants in the World.
Central Restaurant
$$$
Innovative chefs give you a taste of almost every part of Peru.
You need to book ahead and be prepared to try new combinations, as they often serve unusual dishes. Each is fantastically prepared and delicious.
Malabar
$$$
You’ll taste a touch of the Amazon here, with dishes so varied and daring that the friendly waiters will often explain them in detail.
Portions can be on the small side, so take that into account when ordering.
Madam Tusan
$$
One of the new breed of confident restaurants in Lima, serving a Chinese–Peruvian fusion.
Chinese restaurants are often known for being cheap and filling but light on flavour. Madam Tusan is successfully changing that perception.
Still hungry? OK, here are two more!
Edo Sushi Bar
$$
Japanese and Peruvian cuisines blend perfectly here. Not the prettiest restaurant, but your taste buds won’t mind.
The sushi is often rated better than that found in some Japanese restaurants. Expect it to be busy from around 18.00 onwards.
Empanadas Paulistas
$
If you want a quick bite and something very Peruvian, Empanadas Paulistas is the place.
Locals flock here for tasty empanadas – similar to pasties – with a wide range of meat, seafood and vegetarian fillings.
The hardest part is choosing from the large menu, which includes empanada versions of classic Peruvian dishes such as anticucho and tamal.
¡Buen provecho!
