Best Restaurants in Lima

Best Restaurants in Lima

Lima, often hailed as the gastronomic capital of South America, boasts a culinary scene that's nothing short of spectacular. With its rich cultural tapestry and diverse ingredients from the coast, Andes, and Amazon, Lima has become a global epicenter for food lovers. From humble cevicherias serving the freshest seafood to Michelin-starred dining establishments pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity, Lima offers a culinary journey like no other. In this gastronomic paradise, restaurants are more than places to dine; they are stages where Peruvian food traditions, flavors, and innovation come together to create unforgettable experiences. Join us as we explore the culinary wonders of Lima, where each restaurant tells a unique story through its dishes, inviting you to savor the essence of Peru on every plate.

Here is a list of popular and the best restaurants in Lima across various price ranges and culinary styles in Lima:

Best restaurants Lima

Expensive Restaurants:

Restaurant Central

Central has received numerous accolades and awards, including a place on the prestigious list of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants." It has consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in Latin America and the world.

Central, led by Chef Virgilio Martínez (one of Peru's most celebrated culinary talents), is internationally acclaimed for its innovative approach to Peruvian cuisine. The tasting menu takes diners through Peru's ecosystems and ingredients. Central is a renowned restaurant in Lima, Peru that has garnered international acclaim for its innovative and avant-garde approach to Peruvian cuisine. Central is a true gem in Lima's vibrant food scene and has consistently been ranked as one of the world's top restaurants.

Central's concept revolves around celebrating Peru's incredible biodiversity and the richness of its ecosystems. Virgilio Martínez, known for his dedication to sourcing indigenous ingredients, has crafted a menu that takes diners on a gastronomic journey through the country's various altitudes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and the coastal regions.

The restaurant's interior design is as creative as its cuisine. The dining area features an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary team at work, creating dishes that are not just delicious but also visually stunning.

Menu Central

Central offers a tasting menu that evolves with the changing seasons, showcasing the freshest and most unique ingredients available. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted to reflect Peru's diverse geography and culture. Expect to find dishes with ingredients like Amazonian fruits, Andean grains, high-altitude herbs, and fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. The menu is a true exploration of Peruvian biodiversity, with each course telling a story of a specific region.

Dining at Central is a culinary adventure. The restaurant's talented team aims to provide an immersive experience where guests taste exquisite dishes and gain a deeper understanding of Peru's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Due to its popularity, Central is in high demand. Make your reservations well in advance, especially if you plan to dine during the peak dining hours. Tables at Central are as in-demand as those at any Michelin-starred restaurant a world away in Paris.

Restaurant Mayta

Restaurant Maido

Maido has received widespread acclaim and recognition on the global culinary stage. The restaurant has consistently been ranked as one of Latin America's and the world's top restaurants, earning a spot on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list.

Maido, led by Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura - a talented chef born to Japanese parents in Peru -is known for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Maido is known for its exquisite fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. It stands as a culinary gem in the heart of Lima's vibrant food scene.

Maido means "welcome" in Japanese, and the restaurant offers a sleek and modern dining space that combines elements of both cultures - a testament to the harmony between Japanese precision and Peruvian creativity. The minimalist design creates an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

Menu Maido

Maido features a tasting menu that evolves with the seasons and showcases various innovative dishes. You can expect to savor dishes that incorporate fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, Amazonian ingredients, Andean grains, and an array of exotic fruits and vegetables. The artful presentation of each course is a reflection of Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura's culinary vision.

Dining at Maido is a captivating experience where you'll witness the seamless fusion of two distinct culinary traditions. The restaurant's staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring you fully appreciate each dish's intricacies. One of the highlights of the Maido experience is the open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the skilled chefs at work as they craft each plate with precision and care.

Given its popularity and limited seating, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended. Maido's reputation attracts diners worldwide, so securing a reservation ensures you don't miss out on this culinary journey in the Peruvian capital.

Restaurant Astrid y Gastón

Astrid y Gastón is a culinary landmark in Lima, Peru, and one of the most renowned restaurants in the country. Founded by the celebrated Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio and his German-born wife Astrid Gutsche, this restaurant has played a pivotal role in elevating Peruvian cuisine to international acclaim. Astrid y Gastón has received numerous accolades and recognitions, solidifying its status as one of the world's top restaurants. It has consistently ranked on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list. The iconic restaurant offers a mix of traditional Peruvian and international dishes in a beautifully renovated mansion.

Astrid y Gastón is more than just a restaurant; it's an institution that has helped define modern Peruvian cuisine. Founded in 1994, the restaurant has undergone various transformations and relocations over the years, always intending to push the boundaries of Peruvian gastronomy.

The restaurant's current location in San Isidro, a charming district in Lima, offers an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The dining rooms are beautifully adorned with artwork and design elements that reflect Peru's cultural heritage.

Menu Astrid y Gastón

Astrid y Gastón's menu is a culinary journey through Peru's diverse landscapes and ingredients. It skillfully combines traditional Peruvian flavors with modern cooking techniques. You can expect to find an array of seafood, including the freshest catches from the Pacific Ocean and dishes featuring Amazonian ingredients, Andean grains, and local fruits and vegetables. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring guests experience the freshest and most authentic flavors.

Dining at Astrid y Gastón is a multisensory experience showcasing Peruvian cuisine's richness. The restaurant's staff is known for their warmth and professionalism, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the exceptional food. The wine and cocktail list is equally impressive, with options that pair beautifully with the cuisine.

Due to its popularity and limited seating, reservations are highly recommended. Securing a reservation ensures that you can fully enjoy the culinary artistry of Astrid y Gastón.

Restaurant: Mayta

Mayta is a vibrant and modern restaurant located in the heart of Miraflores, founded by renowned Peruvian chef Jaime Pesaque. Mayta is a culinary gem that blends traditional Peruvian ingredients with innovative techniques to create a unique dining experience. In 2019, Mayta entered the list of "Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2020. It won the 'highest climber award, and in 2022, it became one of the "world's 50 best".

One of Mayta's highlights is its tasting menu, where you can embark on a culinary journey through Peru. This tasting menu often features seasonal ingredients and creative presentations, showcasing the chef's commitment to pushing the boundaries of Peruvian cuisine.

Restaurant Mayta Lima

Menu Mayta

The menu at Mayta is a celebration of Peru's diverse culinary heritage. Chef Jaime Pesaque takes classic Peruvian dishes and gives them a contemporary twist, resulting in flavors that are both familiar and excitingly new. From ceviches to tiraditos, anticuchos to causas, each dish is a work of art.

Mayta's ambiance is stylish and chic, with a welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The restaurant's sleek design, complemented by warm lighting and artistic touches, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seated indoors or on the terrace, the attentive staff at Mayta enhances the overall experience. They are passionate about the food they serve and can provide recommendations on dishes and wine pairings.

Given Mayta's popularity and limited seating, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak dining hours. Reserving your table ensures that you can fully savor the culinary delights offered by this exceptional restaurant.

Restaurant Rafael

Rafael Osterling's restaurant combines Mediterranean and Peruvian ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. Housed within an impeccable art-deco mansion in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood, Rafael mixes up Peruvian, Italian, and Japanese flavors and ingredients.

The most precise technique, the best product, and a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere make up the DNA of the Rafael restaurant, a republican space dressed with a celebrated collection of contemporary art, to frame a cuisine that takes care of every detail to the millimeter. The twenty years of uninterrupted success among the Lima public and its consequent international fame are based both on traditional flavors reinterpreted under a deep and cosmopolitan perspective and on innovative proposals made with known ingredients, assuming, in both cases, as natural even in the most complex preparations. The staging seeks to maximize diner satisfaction.

The bar has its own identity and is usually described as an attraction in itself among cocktail lovers. The restaurant regularly grabs a starring role among Latin America's 50 Best.

Restaurant Rafael Lima

Medium-Priced Restaurants in Lima

La Rosa Nautica (seafood)

La Rosa Nautica is a Culinary Gem by the Sea in Lima. Perched gracefully on the picturesque shores of the Pacific Ocean in Lima, Peru, the iconic La Rosa Nautica restaurant is a true testament to the city's rich culinary heritage and breathtaking coastal beauty. This elegant dining establishment has been a symbol of Lima's culinary excellence for decades, and its unique location makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers.

As you approach La Rosa Nautica, you'll be immediately struck by its stunning architecture, characterized by a charming Victorian-style wooden structure that extends gracefully over the water. The interior of the restaurant is equally impressive. Rich wood accents, crystal chandeliers, and fine linens create an ambiance of refined elegance. The large windows provide breathtaking views of the Pacific, allowing you to dine while watching the waves crash against the shore—a truly enchanting experience.

La Rosa Nautica: menu

La Rosa Nautica's menu is a culinary journey through Peru's diverse and exquisite flavors. Known for its impeccable seafood, the restaurant offers an array of dishes featuring the freshest catches from the ocean. Ceviche, a beloved Peruvian specialty, is a must-try here, prepared with precision and bursting with zesty citrus notes. In addition to seafood, La Rosa Nautica offers a variety of other Peruvian classics and international dishes. From tender cuts of grilled meats to flavorful pasta dishes, there's something to please every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your meal with a selection from the restaurant's extensive wine list.

La Rosa Nautica isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply to savor exceptional cuisine by the sea, this iconic establishment never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Rosa nautica Lima Peru

Restaurant la Mar

Another brainchild of the renowned Gaston Acurio, La Mar stands as a global beacon of exceptional ceviche culture. With several branches gracing cities worldwide, it effortlessly bridges the gap between upscale seafood dining and the relaxed charm of contemporary settings. The service here sets a high bar in Lima's culinary landscape, ensuring a dining experience that's both memorable and inviting.

While La Mar has earned its stellar reputation on the back of its spectacular ceviche, its culinary prowess extends beyond. The menu boasts delights such as paella, the freshest catch of the day, and the beloved causa. Should you find yourself in a culinary conundrum, don't hesitate to turn to your knowledgeable server for guidance; their recommendations are like culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Rest assured, your dining desires will be expertly fulfilled.

Restaurant Kjolle

Located above her renowned husband Virgilio Martínez's restaurant Central, Chef Pia León's Kjolle ('koy-ay') is a culinary gem that harnesses the power of scientific research and a deep understanding of ingredients sourced from the enchanting landscapes of Peru and South America. With an impressive track record, including being awarded Latin America's Best Female Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants, Chef León brings innovation to both traditional and unconventional elements, resulting in a gastronomic journey that showcases some of Peru's most exquisitely crafted dishes. To embark on this flavor adventure, diners can savor León's culinary wizardry during lunch service from 12:00 to 14:00 or indulge in the evening's dinner service from 20:00 to 22:00. Kjolle promises a dining experience that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Pescados Capitales (Seafood)

Pescados Capitales is known for its creative seafood dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla (Sandwiches)

This popular chain serves delicious sandwiches, including the classic Peruvian butifarra.

El Mercado (Seafood and Peruvian)

El Mercado offers fresh seafood and traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist.

Affordable Restaurants in Lima:

Canta Rana (Peruvian and International)

Canta Rana is a casual spot offering a mix of Peruvian and international comfort food.

Picanteria Lima Peru

Tanta (Peruvian and International)

Tanta, by Gastón Acurio, serves affordable yet delicious Peruvian and international dishes.

La Picanteria (Cevicheria)

La Picanteria is a popular cevicheria where you can enjoy fresh and affordable ceviche.