Ultimate Food Guide in Lima Peru: Dishes to Dining in 2025

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From Ceviche to Chaufa: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Eats in Lima

Whenever I tell people I spend a lot of time in Lima, they say, “OMG, the food!” And they’re right.

If you love food, Lima, Peru, should be at the top of your travel list. It’s not only the gastronomic capital of Latin America; it’s a global hotspot for innovative food trends.

So whether you’re a foodie chasing the latest globally-ranked tasting menu or want to indulge in a simple meal of perfectly prepared pollo a la brasa—rotisserie chicken– Lima has something for every appetite and budget.

But with so many options, where do you even begin? Don’t worry—I have you covered.

This Lima, Peru food guide will take you through must-try Peruvian dishes, the best restaurants in Lima, and how to find excellent street food.

Must-Try Foods in Lima

Lima’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are a few essential Peruvian dishes you can’t leave without trying, plus where to eat them in Lima, Peru.

Ceviche

Ceviche is Peru’s most famous dish, and in Lima, it’s taken to another level. Fresh fish—typically sea bass or flounder—is “cooked” in lime juice and tossed with red onion, chili, sweet potato, and corn. The lime juice ‘cooks’ the fish, balancing acidity, spice, and texture for the ultimate fresh and tangy bite. It’s refreshing, bold, and unforgettable.

Where to try it:

• La Mar – Consistently amazing food with a welcoming vibe and a good mix of locals and visitors. La Mar doesn’t take reservations, so come a little before they open at noon to get a table without too much of a wait.
• Mi Barrunto – A local-favorite spot with large portions, high quality, and an authentic vibe. (Be mindful of the area though!)

Pan con Chicharrón

A must-try Peruvian breakfast sandwich, pan con chicharrón features crispy pork belly, sweet potato slices, and salsa criolla (a tangy red onion relish) on freshly baked bread.

Where to try it:

• La Lucha Sanguchería – Known for its perfectly crisp pork and fresh bread.

Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese Cuisine)

You might not expect Chinese food in Lima to be a must-try—but trust me, it is! Lima’s Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, known as Chifa, is a staple. While it will be familiar, there is just enough of a twist to make it extra special.

Signature dishes include Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) and Tallarín Saltado (stir-fried noodles with local spices).

Where to try it:

• Madame Tusan – Modern, accessible Chifa in a fun and festive setting.
• Shi-Nua – A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this restaurant offers a high-end gourmet experience that you won’t soon forget.
• Barrio Chino (Lima’s Chinatown) – The heart of Lima’s Chinese-Peruvian culture, packed with authentic Chifa restaurants, street vendors, and traditional Chinese bakeries. Stroll through the Calle Capón pedestrian street to sample freshly made pork buns, dim sum, and Peruvian-style wonton soup. A great spot to experience Chifa beyond the high-end restaurants!

Street Food Favorites

Lima’s street food scene is a major thing! These are the must-tries:

• Anticuchos – Grilled beef heart skewers marinated in smoky spices.
• Papa rellena – Deep-fried stuffed potatoes.
• Butifarras – Savory pork sandwiches.
• Picarones – Deep-fried donuts made from sweet potato and squash.

There are entire tours dedicated to exploring Lima’s street food vendors, offering bold flavors at budget-friendly prices. 

If that feels a bit out of your comfort zone (it’s out of mine), try Mercado 28 –Lima’s first gastronomic market. Opened in 2018, it offers a wide variety of Peruvian street food in a controlled setting!

Traditional Peruvian Dishes

I’m not sure what I expected of the food when I came to Peru way back when, but I can assure you that there were definitely some essential dishes that took me by surprise. Here are a few of my favorites to keep in mind.

• Lomo Saltado – A classic Peruvian-Chinese fusion dish featuring stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, and ají amarillo, tossed in a savory soy-based sauce and served with crispy fries and rice. It’s Peru’s ultimate stir-fry!

• Ají de Gallina – A rich and creamy shredded chicken dish cooked in a flavorful ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili) sauce, thickened with bread and cheese, and typically served with rice and boiled potatoes. It’s comfort food with a spicy kick!
  
• Tallarín Verde – Peru’s take on pesto pasta, featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy spinach and basil sauce blended with cheese and walnuts. Often served with a breaded steak (Milanesa) on top for extra indulgence!
  

Traditional Peruvian Desserts

Peruvian sweets are just as irresistible as the savory dishes. Here are the must-tries:

• Picarones – For authentic, street-style picarones, check out Picarones Mary, a Netflix-famous cart often found in Miraflores.
• Suspiro Limeño – A rich caramel-flavored custard topped with meringue. Huaca Pucllana and El Hornero offer excellent and authentic versions.
• Alfajores – Delicate shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. La Casa Del Alfajor has locations around the city and offers the best selection of freshly made alfajores.

Where to Eat in Lima

Lima has next-level dining options for every budget.

Street Food & Markets ($1-5 per item)

• Surquillo Market – A lively local market with fresh fruit, ceviche stalls, and traditional snacks.
• Mercado 28 – A trendy food hall featuring gourmet takes on Peruvian street food.
• Al Toke Pez – A tiny, no-frills seafood stand serving some of Lima’s best leche de tigre.

Cheap & Chic Eats ($5-15 per person)

• Primos Chicken – Our family’s favorite place for pollo a la brasa.
• La Lucha Sanguchería – Famous for pan con chicharrón and other classic Peruvian sandwiches.
• El Pan De La Chola – Check out their La Mar Brunch & Pizza restaurant (not the bakery window) for next-level pizzas, salads, and meatballs.

Finer Fare Dining Favorites ($15-40 per person)

• Troppo – A stylish Italian restaurant with excellent pasta and a trendy atmosphere.
• Huaca Pucllana – Dine with a view of ancient ruins while enjoying upscale Peruvian cuisine.
• Panchita – A must-visit for classic Peruvian comfort food in a lively setting.
• Osaka – A high-end Nikkei restaurant blending Japanese and Peruvian influences beautifully.

Michelin-Level Dining ($50-150+ per person)

• Central – Ranked one of the best restaurants in the world, known for its tasting menu exploring Peru’s diverse ecosystems.
• Maido – The Nikkei cuisine powerhouse, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. Their omakase experience is a must for seafood lovers.
• Astrid & Gastón – A legendary restaurant that reinterprets Peruvian classics with elegance and creativity.

The Cost of Food in Lima

The cost of food varies greatly in Lima depending on the area you’re in and the type of restaurant.

 Food Prices in Lima:

• Street food & markets: $1-5 per item
• Casual eateries: $5-15 per person
• Upscale dining: $15-40 per person
• Michelin-starred dining: $50-150+ per person

Drinks to Pair with Peruvian Food

A meal isn’t complete without great beverages to go along! Here’s what to order:

• Pisco Sour – Peru’s national cocktail, made with pisco, lime, egg white, and bitters.
• Limonada – A personal favorite of mine! Peruvian limonada isn’t just lemonade—it’s a whole new experience, thanks to Peruvian lemons, which are closer to limes. Usually made to order, you can often get an herbal variety or have it prepared blended with ice!
• Chicha Morada – A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Inca Kola – This neon-yellow soda outsells Coca-Cola in Peru! Its unique, bubblegum-meets-cream-soda flavor has a cult following—you have to try it at least once.

Navigating the Food Scene Like a Local

Lima is an easy city to explore, but like any new place, there are cultural nuances that can make your experience even smoother. Knowing a few local tips will help you feel more confident and get the best experience possible—especially when it comes to ordering food, tipping, and enjoying street food safely.

Ordering Food in Lima

While many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus, learning a few Spanish phrases can go a long way—and locals will appreciate the effort!

Key Phrases to Know:

• ¿Qué recomienda? – What do you recommend?
• Quisiera… – I would like… (Quisiera un ceviche, por favor.)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
• Sin ají, por favor. – No spicy, please. (Ají is pronounced ah-hee—handy if you want to avoid chili peppers.)
• ¿Tienen opciones vegetarianas/sin gluten? – Do you have vegetarian/gluten-free options?

Customs to Keep in Mind:

• Bread Service: Many restaurants bring pan con mantequilla (bread and butter) to the table. Unlike in the U.S., this may not be complimentary—if you don’t want it, just politely decline.
• Sharing Dishes: Peruvian portions are often huge! It’s totally normal to share plates or order multiple dishes for the table.
• Relaxed Pace: Dining in Lima is often more leisurely than in the U.S. Service can be slower, especially when waiting for the check—just flag down your server when you’re ready to pay!

Tipping Etiquette in Restaurants

Tipping in Lima isn’t as expected as it is in the U.S., but it’s always appreciated. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Casual eateries & street food: No tip expected.
• Sit-down restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included on the bill (servicio incluido). If not, leaving 10% is a nice gesture.
• Fine dining/Michelin-level restaurants: A 10-15% tip is standard for excellent service.
• Tip in cash when possible—some restaurants don’t process tips through credit card payments.

Is Street Food Safe?

Yes… for the most part! Lima’s street food is delicious and generally safe, but here are a few smart tips to avoid an upset stomach:

• Look for busy stalls – A steady stream of customers means the food is fresh and high quality.
• Watch the food prep – Vendors who use gloves and separate money handling are a safer bet.
• Stick to cooked foods – Grilled meats (anticuchos), fried snacks (papa rellena), and hot dishes are less risky than raw salads.
• Bring hand sanitizer – Many markets don’t have sinks for washing hands before eating.
• Follow the locals! – If a stand is popular with locals, taxi drivers, and families, it’s a great sign.

Want the street food experience without the worry? Consider joining a guided food tour through Exquisito Peru or Viator, where local experts take you to the best and safest vendors.

Food Guide in Lima Peru FAQs

Final Tips for Food Lovers in Lima

Lima is one of the best cities in the world for food lovers. Whether you’re indulging in Michelin-starred tasting menus or exploring Lima’s street food scene, you’ll find bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and world-class culinary talent at every turn.

• Book your restaurant reservations in advance using Google, the restaurant’s website, or Mesa24.
• Try a food tour! Check out Viator or Exquisito Peru for amazing local experiences.

But the best part? Experiencing it all for yourself! Now that you have the ultimate Lima food guide, you can dive into the city’s incredible culinary scene.

Now, I want to hear from YOU!

Have you tried any of these dishes or restaurants? Which ones are on your must-try list? Drop a comment below and share your foodie favorites!

Planning a trip to Lima? Let me help you find the best eats for your itinerary! Ask your questions in the comments or tag me on Instagram [@yourhandle] with your favorite Lima food finds. I’d love to see (and share) your delicious discoveries!

See you in Lima & Happy Eating!