Food Costs in Lima Peru: What to Expect in 2025

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Playing “Guess the Check” in Lima

When dining out in Lima, one of my family’s favorite traditions is playing Guess the Check. Either my husband or I will grab the bill and make everyone at the table guess how much the meal cost.

With very few exceptions, even though we order copious amounts of food for four people—my husband, son, me, and Erik, our driver-turned-family friend—the bill starts with a 4, typically falling between 400-500 soles ($107-$135 USD).

That’s not nothing; but the food costs in Lima Peru compare to the same meal in the U.S. easily cost $400-$500.

Now, I may not be talking about the tasting menu at Central (fancy nouvelle cuisine isn’t really my thing anyway), but I am talking about exceptional restaurants like:

• Troppo – Italian
• Hanzo – Japanese/Nikkei sushi
• El Hornero – Steakhouse
• Panchita – Traditional Peruvian cuisine

A combination of lower labor costs, abundant local ingredients, and a favorable exchange rate makes food costs in Lima Peru significantly more affordable than in the U.S.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru and wondering about food costs in Lima, this guide will help you plan your meals and make the most of the city’s dining scene.

Food Costs in Lima Peru: What You Can Expect

Food prices vary depending on where and what you eat. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget accordingly.

Dining Out in Lima

Lima is an international culinary destination, offering everything from authentic Peruvian dishes to Michelin-worthy fine dining.

Casual Dining ($5-$15 per person)

A meal at a local cevichería, a chifa (Peruvian-Chinese), a local chain or pollería (rotisserie chicken spot) will cost around S/.18-55 ($5-$15 USD) per person

• Siete Sopas – Popular Lima chain serving Peruvian soups & stews
• Primo’s Chicken Bar – Some of the best rotisserie chicken in town

Mid-Range Restaurants ($30-$50 for two people)

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages S/.120-150 ($30-$40 USD).

• La Mar – The ceviche institution
• Isolina – Elevated Peruvian comfort food

Fine Dining ($50-$100 per person)

At high-end restaurants, expect to pay S/.200-400 ($50-$100 per person), depending on wine and extra courses.

• Astrid y Gastón – Peruvian haute cuisine
• Merito – Intimate space with an Andean-Venezuelan twist

Gastronomic Destination Restaurants ($350+ per person)

For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, Lima’s top-ranked restaurants rival the best in the world. Expect to pay $350 per person and up for a full tasting menu.

• Central – Globally ranked, a deep dive into Peru’s ecosystems
• Maido – World-famous Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine

Fast Food & Coffee Prices in Lima

Peru is all about fresh, incredible food, but sometimes you just need something quick and reliable.

All the well-known international chains are here—McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Papa John’s and Starbucks—but if you’re going for fast food, I highly recommend Bembos instead. Consider a local coffee to-go as well!

Bembos is a Peruvian fast-food chain that blends international fast food with local flavors. It’s also better quality than its American counterparts.

Fast Food Prices in Lima

• McDonald’s Combo Meal – S/.25 ($6.50 USD)
• Starbucks Cappuccino – S/.10-14 ($2.50-$3.50 USD)
• Bembos Burger Combo – S/.28-35 ($7.50-$9 USD)

If you need something quick, give Bembos a try—you’ll get a taste of Peru in a familiar format.

Grocery Shopping in Lima

While we usually stay in hotels, I know apartment rentals through Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com are a popular choice—especially for families or long-term travelers.

Lima’s high-quality ingredients and relatively low prices make grocery shopping a great option.

Best Grocery Stores in Lima

The first time I went grocery shopping in Lima, I expected a basic, third-world grocery store experience—I was completely wrong.

Lima has modern, well-stocked supermarkets that rival those in the U.S., plus incredible specialty grocers for gourmet shoppers.

• Plaza Vea & Tottus – Everyday essentials, similar to Walmart or Target
• Wong & Vivanda – Premium selection, comparable to Whole Foods
• Flora & Fauna – Boutique organic and sustainable products
• Beli & Co. – A mom-and-pop deli with high-end cheeses, prosciutto, olive oil, and even Captain Crunch! They are also pet-friendly. 

Grocery Prices in Lima

• Milk (1 gallon) – S/.19.47 ($5 USD)
• Loaf of Bread (1 lb) – S/.8.58 ($2.25 USD)
• Eggs (12 count) – S/.10.28 ($2.65 USD) Don’t be surprised, they aren’t refrigerated!
• Rice (1 lb) – S/.2.23 ($0.60 USD)
• Chicken Fillets (1 lb) – S/.8.92 ($2.30 USD)
• Beef (1 lb) – S/.18.00 ($4.70 USD)

Fruits & Vegetables

• Bananas – S/.1.91 ($0.50 USD) per pound
• Potatoes – S/.2.07 ($0.55 USD) per pound

For the freshest produce, meats, and specialty items, visit Mercado de Surquillo—a local market where Lima’s top chefs shop.

Making the Most of Lima’s Food Scene

Lima’s culinary reputation is well-earned. The city offers an unparalleled blend of tradition, creativity, and refinement.

How to Dine Well in Lima

• Go Beyond the Tourist Hotspots – Seek out chef-driven local gems for world-class food without long reservation lists.
• Shop Smart – Plaza Vea is great for essentials, while Wong, Vivanda, and Beli & Co. cater to gourmet shoppers.
• Indulge in the Best – Splurge on a fine dining experience at Astrid y Gastón or Merito—they’re worth every sol.
• Experience a Tasting Menu – If you love innovative cuisine, don’t miss Central or Maido—they’re bucket-list restaurants for a reason.
• Carry Cash – Many small restaurants and specialty markets only accept cash, so be prepared.

Final Thoughts: Quality, Creativity, and Incredible Value

Lima isn’t just an affordable food city—it’s a world-class dining destination. The best part? You can experience top-tier culinary excellence at a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S.

From an impeccable ceviche at La Mar to a masterfully curated tasting menu at Maido, food costs in Lima Peru offer exceptional quality at every point.

Which of Lima’s incredible restaurants would you love to experience first? Let me know in the comments!