10 Best Restaurants in Lima (How to Actually Dine at Them)

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“Have you been to Maido?”

It’s inevitably one of the first things I hear when I mention Lima travel

But whether it’s Maido, it used to be Central, or another name off The World’s 50 Best list, people jump straight to the restaurant rankings. And sure — these spots are internationally recognized for a reason. But they’re also expensive, hard to book, and not always a fit for every traveler’s style.

And while I admit fancy pants dining isn’t really my thing, I do love helping people plan their best trip to Lima. And that means helping them to actually get the culinary experiences they crave.

This guide breaks down Lima’s 10 best-ranked restaurants — with clear booking tips, price ranges, and even alternatives if your first choice doesn’t work out. Because Lima’s food scene is deep, delicious, and absolutely worth doing on your terms.

 Quick Snapshot

Restaurant	Menu Style	Cost	Booking Window
Central	Tasting only	$$$$	3–4 months ahead
Maido	Tasting + À la carte	$$$$	2–3 months ahead
Kjolle	Tasting + À la carte	$$$	A few weeks ahead
Mayta	Tasting + À la carte	$$$	2–3 weeks ahead
Mérito	À la carte	$$$	1–2 weeks ahead
Astrid y Gastón	À la carte	$$$	Easier for lunch
Cosme	À la carte	$$–$$$	1–2 weeks ahead
El Mercado	À la carte	$$$	3–5 days ahead
La Mar	À la carte	$$–$$$	No reservations
Isolina	À la carte	$$	Lunch often available

World-Class Icons: The Best Restaurants

These are the biggies — the world-class experiences that put Lima on the map. If you’re booking them, plan ahead and pace yourself.

1. Maido | $$$$

• Ranking: #1 in the World (2025)
• Cuisine: Nikkei (Japanese–Peruvian fusion)
• Menu: Tasting + à la carte
• Booking Tips:
  • Reserve a table at Maido 2–3 months in advance
  • Check the day before for cancellations
  • Try walking in without expectations — sometimes it works
• Why Go: Every dish is a masterclass in contrast and technique. You can go all-in or opt for a shorter à la carte experience.

2. Central | $$$$

• Ranking: #1 in the World (2023)
• Cuisine: Ecosystem-based Peruvian tasting
• Menu: Tasting only
• Booking Tips: Book Central 3–4 months ahead
• Why Go: It’s not just food. It’s a journey through Peru’s geography — from sea level to 4,000 meters.

3. Kjolle | $$$

• Ranking: #9 in the World (2025)
• Cuisine: Seasonal, rooted, colorful
• Menu: Tasting + à la carte
• Booking Tips:
  • Easier to book for lunch
  • A friend scored a last-minute table through their hotel concierge — it’s worth a shot
• Why Go: Less intense than Central but just as creative. Sister restaurant to Central, it’s joyful and beautifully executed.

4. Mayta | $$$

• Ranking: #39 in the World (2025)
• Cuisine: Modern Peruvian
• Menu: Tasting + à la carte
• Booking Tips: Book 2–3 weeks ahead via Mesa 24 or directly
• Why Go: Elegant yet relaxed. Whether you go tasting or à la carte, you’ll leave impressed.

Just as Good (and Easier to Book)

If Central or Maido is full — or not your vibe — don’t sweat it. These restaurants are still world-class and often easier to access.

5. Mérito | $$$

• Ranking: #26 in the World (2025)
• Cuisine: Venezuelan–Peruvian fusion
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips: Book 1–2 weeks in advance
• Why Go: Intimate, inventive, and welcoming. Plus: Demo, Merito’s cafe next door has incredible pastries and coffee.

6. Astrid y Gastón | $$$

• Legacy: Helped put Lima on the foodie map; consistently ranked top 50
• Cuisine: Refined Peruvian classics
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips: Easier to get a lunch table
• Why Go: Gorgeous setting, seasonal menu, and yes — you can enjoy a fabulous meal here for under $75 per person.

À la Carte, Still Elevated

These restaurants offer more flexibility — great for a relaxed lunch or night out without the 10-course commitment.

7. Cosme | $$–$$$

• Ranking: #28 in Latin America (2024)
• Cuisine: Fresh, creative Peruvian
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips: Book 1–2 weeks out
• Why Go: Stylish but unpretentious. Popular with locals, not packed with tourists.

8. El Mercado | $$$

• Recognition: 50 Best Discovery listing
• Cuisine: Seafood, ceviche, crudos
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips: Book 3–5 days ahead via Mesa 24 or the restaurant’s website
• Why Go: Sleek terrace, lively crowd, and top-tier seafood in a relaxed setting.

9. La Mar Cebichería | $$–$$$

• Ranking: #30 in Latin America (2024)
• Cuisine: Peruvian seafood
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips: No reservations — ever
• How to Get In: Arrive by 11:45am and queue — it’s lunch-only and closes by 5pm
• Why Go: Bold, fresh, and full of life. Come hungry and try everything.

10. Isolina Taberna Criolla | $$

• Cuisine: Classic Peruvian comfort food
• Menu: À la carte
• Booking Tips:
  • Easier to get in for lunch
  • Book online and choose Barranco or their local spot for a more neighborhood feel
• Why Go: Big portions, big flavor, big heart. Like eating at your favorite aunt’s — if she was a master chef.

Booking Tips (Read This Before You Panic)

• Start early — especially for tasting menus (Central, Maido, Kjolle)
• Use Mesa 24 to book multiple spots with ease
• Check for cancellations the night before — last-minute tables do open up
• Try a walk-in — especially for lunch or earlier service
• Don’t double up on tasting menus — one a day is plenty
• Ask your hotel concierge — they often have access to hidden availability

Final Word

Yes, Lima is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. But your trip doesn’t have to be a race for reservations or a marathon of tasting menus. Plan a little. Flex a lot. Let the food — whether it’s ceviche on a patio or 12 unforgettable courses — tell the story of this city.

And here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all. There are so many incredible restaurants in Lima.