The Best Restaurants in Lima for foodies

Lima is famous worldwide for its restaurants and food culture worldwide. Here we will give you a taste of the fine cuisine on offer in the capital of Peru, Lima.

1. Central Restaurant—Revolutionary Indigenous Gastronomy

Central Restaurant, located in Lima, Peru, is renowned for its innovative and groundbreaking approach to Peruvian cuisine. Headed by acclaimed chef Virgilio Martínez, Central takes diners on a culinary journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems, showcasing ingredients from the Amazon, Andes, and Pacific coast.

The dining experience at Central is both a visual and gastronomic delight, with dishes artfully presented to reflect the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Peru. Central has consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the world, earning accolades for its creativity, sustainability, and dedication to celebrating Peru’s rich culinary traditions.
Each course at Central corresponds to a specific altitude, showcasing ingredients native to that region. From the coastal ingredients of Lima to the high-altitude produce of Cusco, the diverse range of components is both intriguing and rewarding.

2. Maido—Exquisite Haute Nikkei Cuisine

Maido, a renowned restaurant in Lima by acclaimed chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, offers diners a sophisticated dining experience that showcases the unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, known as Nikkei cuisine. The restaurant combines fresh local ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques to create dishes that are both visually stunning and rich in flavor.

Indulge in a fusion twist on the classic Peruvian ceviche with Maidos Nikkei Ceviche, featuring fresh fish marinated in a tangy sauce enhanced with soy or miso and garnished with Peruvian corn and yuzu. For a savory delight, try the Lamb Yakiniku—grilled lamb rack served with yakiniku sauce, nikkei chimichurri, chickpea cream, and olluco pickle. Finish your meal with a decadent dessert.

Maido offers a sophisticated and inviting ambiance that reflects both modern elegance and Peruvian heritage. The interior design combines sleek, contemporary elements with traditional Peruvian touches, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere.

3. Astrid y Gaston—A Culinary Gem in Lima's Gastronomic Scene

Astrid y Gastón is an iconic restaurant located in Lima and one of Lima’s top dining options. It's known for its innovative approach to traditional Peruvian cuisine. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion in the San Isidro district, Astrid & Gastón offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience.

To truly appreciate the restaurant, it's essential to learn about its founders, celebrated chefs Gastón Acurio and Astrid Gutsche. Gaston met Astrid while attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and the two later relocated to Peru to establish a French restaurant. Today, Acurio is a prominent ambassador of Peruvian culture, cuisine, and biodiversity, and he owns 11 restaurants and chains in cities worldwide, including Miami, Paris, and Doha, Qatar.

While establishing a French restaurant was their initial plan, they couldn't ignore the distinctive spices, ingredients, and culinary techniques that Peru has to offer. They replaced the cream and butter with combinations of aguaymanto (goldenberry), ají amarillo (spicy yellow pepper), native Peruvian quinoa, and other local ingredients.

With its exceptional food, impeccable service, and inviting atmosphere, Astrid y Gastón remains a top choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Lima.

4. Isolina—Authentic Peruvian Cuisine in a Classy Setting

Isolina, one of the best traditional Peruvian restaurants, located in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, is celebrated for its authentic Peruvian cuisine served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant prides itself on offering traditional dishes that highlight the richness of Peru's culinary heritage. With a menu curated by chef José del Castillo, Isolina showcases hearty and flavorful plates. The menu features a variety of dishes, from papa rellena—mashed potatoes shaped into a ball or oval and stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and spices.

Isolina’s chef, José del Castillo, drew inspiration from his mother, Isolina Vargas, who was the esteemed proprietor of La Red, a Lima culinary institution, from 1981 to 2009. In homage to her legacy, Castillo opened Isolina, where he resurrects and celebrates Lima’s cherished traditional recipes.

5. Kjolle—A Culinary Journey of Peruvian Innovation

A rising star in Lima's culinary scene, Kjolle is renowned for its innovative and contemporary approach to Peruvian cuisine. Led by acclaimed Chef Pía León, co-owner of Central Restaurant, Kjolle provides a unique dining experience that celebrates Peru's diverse ingredients and rich culinary traditions. The restaurant's name, inspired by an Andean tree, signifies its dedication to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients.
Kjolle’s menu is a culinary exploration of Peru's rich biodiversity, featuring dishes that showcase the vibrant colors and bold flavors of the region. Each dish is crafted with creativity and precision, offering diners a fresh perspective on traditional Peruvian fare. Diners can choose between a tasting menu and an a la carte menu. The tasting menu at Kjolle typically features dishes that highlight native Peruvian ingredients, with an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability. The à la carte menu features dishes ranging from sea bass and clams, which pairs the delicate, flaky texture of seabass with the briny, succulent taste of fresh clams, to cow rib, a dish that highlights the rich, tender flavors of slow-cooked cow rib, enhanced by Kjolle's unique approach to flavor and presentation.

The atmosphere at Kjolle Restaurant is modern and inviting, blending contemporary elegance with a relaxed and welcoming vibe, and the staff are attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that each guest has a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.

6. Huaca Pucllana—Dining with History in Lima

Huaca Pucllana Restaurant is situated next to the ancient ceremonial pyramid, Huaca Pucllana, built around 500 CE by the Lima Culture (200–700 CE). In the evening, the illuminated adobe structures create a stunning display, highlighting this remarkable historical site.

Huaca Pucllana Restaurant rents space and contributes a portion of its revenue to the upkeep and research of the ruins. It consistently ranks among Lima's top dining options, not only for its remarkable archaeological views but also for the exceptional quality of its cuisine.

Savor the traditional flavors of ceviche or rocoto relleno—a spicy pepper stuffed with savory minced beef, baked to perfection, and topped with melted cheese. Discover the innovative side of Peruvian cuisine with dishes like Alpaca Tonnato—featuring roasted alpaca flakes paired with a creamy tuna sauce and capers. For dessert, indulge in the unforgettable Suspiro de Limeña Merengado, a classic Peruvian treat with a luscious caramel custard base, crowned with light, airy meringue.

7. La Mar—Premier Ceviche Destination

For chef and restaurateur Gaston Acurio, a restaurant transcends being merely a dining establishment. It embodies a social and cultural tapestry woven from the efforts of many: the fishermen's daily catch, the farmers' care in growing and harvesting produce, the chef's passionate preparation of each meal, and the waiter's engaging presentation. At La Mar, you can savor this journey of production and reciprocity.

La Mar Cevichería represents Gaston Acurio's effort to globalize Peruvian cuisine through its iconic dish: ceviche. Acurio aims to introduce Peruvian flavors to North American diners and has expanded with La Mar franchises in California and Florida. In the Lima flagship restaurant, guests can anticipate enjoying top-tier cuisine synonymous with Acurio's esteemed reputation.

At La Mar, guests can indulge in generous portions of ceviche, a vibrant and tangy dish made from fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. They can also explore creative twists on the traditional Peruvian causa—a layered mashed potato casserole enriched with seafood, ají sauces, and local herbs—all in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Balance the tangy ceviches with the decadent flavors of chocolate-lucuma cake—lucuma being a tropical Peruvian fruit with a creamy texture and sweet, maple-like taste—or refresh your palate with a vibrant mango-passionfruit sorbet.

An experience that will not disappoint be sure to experience the Lima food scene.

Date: 2025-05-01