Lima is one of the culinary capitals of the world. The number of restaurants can be overwhelming and almost impossible to narrow down to a small list.
In this blog, we will share our top ten restaurants based on personal preferences of the food, ambiance, service, and overall experience. Our selection will include small mom-and-pop, world-renowned restaurants, and street food vendors.
1. Maido
Located in the affluent neighborhood of Miraflores and listed in the top 10 of the 50 best restaurants in the world, Maido is the brainchild of Chef of Mitsuharu Tsumura, master of Nikkei cuisine, which mixes Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques. Maido’s décor draws you in with thick ropes hanging low from the ceiling over the tables, our mind went to Japanese bamboo forests. The walls are full of mirrors and give a dreamy depth to the whole experience. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a joyful ‘maido’, meaning welcome in Japanese. The restaurant offers the “Nikkei Experience” which has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian option), and you can add wine pairings. We tried the Nikkei Experience with pairing and definitely did not expect such an abundance of dishes and wine and spirits to go with them! Each course is not too big, but the number of dishes really makes up for it.
The food is an excellent fusion of Peruvian ingredients and techniques with Japanese ones, and every bite is a journey that evokes nostalgic taste memories. The presentation is equally stimulating. You will absolutely feel pampered.
2. Cala
Cala, is a very trendy lounge, bar, and restaurant with a magnificent view right on the pacific ocean at the bottom of Lima’s jaded coastline. Cala would be amazing any hour of the day, but it comes alive at sunset with a gorgeous view of the horizon. If you sit on the terrace, you can hear the sound of the waves right below, enjoy watching families spend a day at the beach, and take in the most breathtaking sunsets.
The cocktails are made with great care, and the cuisine is contemporary and fresh with an eye on tradition. There is a live DJ playing sexy lounge music, which we enjoyed so much with the sea breeze during pastel-colored sunsets.
We liked it so much that we went back a second time. It was on a Sunday, and families and friends were hanging out right below the restaurant on the rocky beach, enjoying the music from Cala along with the patrons of the venue, which made the whole experience even more immersive.
3. Mangos
Located in the fancy Larcomar shopping mall in Miraflores, Mangos is a big restaurant perched on the jaded coastline. Inside and outside seating is available, but we absolutely recommend sitting in the outdoor patio area with the ocean view.
The menu is extensive, as they’re open from breakfast to dinner. We went for lunch and loved their croquettas, razor clams, ceviche, and octopus. As far as drinks, instead of having the classic pisco-sour, we tried the passion fruit and mango pisco sours, and found them very refreshing in the December heat.
4. Punto Azul
Punto Azul is an authentic spot that attracts locals and tourists alike. We went for lunch on a weekday and the place was buzzing with families and professionals on lunch break.
The restaurant is known for ceviche and their rice dishes, which were both really tasty, but the other items on the menu we tried were also exceptional.
Try the Arroz con Mariscos, or the Causa de Pescado. The portions are very generous so consider sharing the plates.
5. Panchita
Panchita has many locations in Lima, but we went to the one in Miraflores. It’s is a local restaurant famous for grilled skewers, also known as Anticuchos which generally are street food. The meat is usually marinated in vinegar and spices (such as cumin, ají pepper and garlic), and while anticuchos can be prepared with any type of meat, the most popular are made of beef heart (anticuchos de corazón). We really loved them!
This restaurant is one of our favorite because you can really sample all the staple Peruvian and criollo dishes, in an informal yet homey and welcoming setting.
We loved the Papas rellenas and the Tacu Tacu as well. Portions are more than generous and enough to share!
6. Alfresco
Located in trendy Miraflores, Alfresco is an elevated neighborhood restaurant. The décor, as well as the fish market at the entrance, really give a marine vibe.
Although they are known for their fishes dishes, we were in the mood for more hearty meals so we only tried the fish in their Causa, which was delicious!
They have a good wine selection and great cocktails. We tried the Causa decomposta, the papa rellena, and the Seco de Res, which is a stewed goat, with Tacu Tacu rice, and it was delicious.
You may wonder why a sandwich chain restaurant made it into our list. But this place is a real institution. The meat, the juices, the bread, everything is so fresh and delicious and of the highest quality.
The sandwiches are incredible! The Chicharron sandwich really shines, with juicy, crispy, and well-seasoned pork meat, along with criolla sauce and their amazing fries. The décor, the lights, the open kitchen, and the excellent service make it all the more enjoyable.
With the exception of La Sanguicheria Criolla, which is primarily a walk-in place, we recommend booking in advance for all other restaurants mentioned in this list.
This place is very small, and a little bit hidden, right behind the Convento San Francisco de Lima, but you can spot it from far as there are always long lines in front of it.
For more than 50 years, they’ve been serving traditional Churros, with Dulce the Leche, Chocolate, or Cream, and these babies will have you sing hallelujah!
We tried all three flavors, and although it is hard to choose a favorite, I have a soft spot for Dulce de Leche, so that one wins for me.
If you like sweets, do not leave Lima without trying these!
Manolo is a very laid-back, local cafeteria perfect for a quick breakfast. However, this place is super famous for its delicious stuffed Churros, which they have been serving since 1968.
Manolo is close to Parque Kennedy and it’s a very nice place to sit and see locals go about their day after grabbing a cup of coffee.
10. Picarones Mary
Located in the famous Kennedy Park in Lima, you can find a very popular street cart: Picarones Mary.
Picarones are deep-fried local treats that look like donuts and they are a staple in Peru. The dough is made out of pumpkin and sweet potato. It is then shaped into a ring and fried in hot oil, then bathed with chancaca honey.
At Picarones Mary, they perfected this craft. Wash it down with a glass of the corn drink Chica Morada, while listening to the birds sings in the park! You will love it!
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