The Ultimate Lima Restaurant Guide: 12 Must-Try Options

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Where to Eat in Lima: A Visitor’s Curated Guide

When I travel, the LAST thing I want is that panicked “where should we eat?” moment that often leads to disappointing meals (or worse, the dreaded food poisoning that ruins your vacation).

That’s exactly why I created this carefully researched Lima restaurant guide—to save you from bad dining decisions and ensure every meal during your Peru visit is memorable for all the right reasons!

After visiting Lima regularly for over 10 years and testing a bevvy of dining options, I’ve narrowed down my absolute favorites across every price point. Whether planning a special celebration dinner or looking for authentic casual eats, this guide’s got you covered.

Fine Dining Experiences in Lima ($100+ USD per person)

1. Central

Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco
Price: $$$$
Reservation Tip: Book 3+ months in advance

Consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Central offers a remarkable culinary journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems. Chef Virgilio Martínez presents an artistic tasting menu featuring ingredients from the coast, Andes, and Amazon—each course representing a different altitude of Peru.

The visually stunning presentations and complex flavor combinations make this a truly unforgettable Lima dining experience. Worth every sol of its premium price tag.

2. Maido

Location: Calle San Martín 399, Miraflores
Price: $$$$
Specialty: Peruvian-Japanese fusion (Nikkei cuisine)

Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura masterfully blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques in this elegant Miraflores establishment. The Nikkei experience tasting menu showcases the best of both culinary worlds—don’t miss their signature nigiri sushi with aged fish and the melt-in-your-mouth short rib.

The minimalist dining room provides the perfect backdrop for food that’s anything but simple. Reserve well in advance, especially for dinner service.

3. Astrid y Gastón

Location: Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro
Price: $$$$
Perfect For: Special celebrations

Housed in a stunning colonial mansion, this restaurant from culinary pioneer Gastón Acurio represents the sophisticated evolution of Peruvian cuisine. The tasting menu, through meticulously crafted dishes and impeccable service, tells a story of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

The historic Casa Moreyra setting adds to the experience, with beautiful gardens and multiple dining spaces. Their sommelier team offers exceptional wine pairings showcasing both Peruvian and international selections.

Mid-Range Dining Gems ($30–$100 USD per person)

4. Mérito

Location: Jr. 28 de Julio 206, Barranco
Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Intimate, stylish

This hidden gem in bohemian Barranco serves innovative Peruvian-Venezuelan fusion in a cozy two-story space. Chef Juan Luis Martínez (formerly of Central) brings bold flavors and meticulous technique to each dish. The wood-fired cooking and freshly baked bread program are standouts.

With just 40 seats, the atmosphere feels exclusive yet welcoming. Don’t miss their creative cocktail program featuring house-infused piscos and local ingredients.

5. Isolina

Location: Av. San Martín 101, Barranco
Price: $$–$$$
Best For: Traditional Peruvian comfort food

Step into this converted early 20th-century house for hearty criollo classics served family-style. Chef José del Castillo honors traditional recipes and slow-cooking techniques, with dishes like creamy aji de gallina and juicy, wok-fried lomo saltado.

The lively atmosphere and generous portions make this perfect for groups. Come hungry—portions are designed for sharing, and you’ll want to try everything.

6. La Mar

Location: Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores
Price: $$–$$$
Hours: Open 12PM–5PM only (closed Mondays)

This bright, airy cevichería from Gastón Acurio showcases the incredible diversity of Peru’s seafood. The constantly changing menu features the freshest catch of the day prepared in both classic and creative styles.

7. Shi-Nuá

Location: Av. Emilio Cavenecia 170, San Isidro
Price: $$$
Specialty: Elevated Chinese-Peruvian cuisine

Experience Peru’s renowned chifa cuisine (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) at its most sophisticated in this elegant San Isidro restaurant. The dim sum selection is outstanding, and their wok dishes showcase the perfect balance of Peruvian ingredients with Chinese cooking techniques.

The striking interior design features dramatic red accents and contemporary Asian influences, making it an impressive choice for date nights or business dinners.

8. El Hornero

Location: Multiple locations throughout the city. Ocean View @ Malecón Grau 983, Chorrillos
Price: $$–$$$
Perfect For: Meat lovers

This Argentinian-inspired grill house specializes in perfectly cooked meats from their wood-fired parilla. The rustic setting and generous portions create an unpretentious atmosphere where quality ingredients take center stage.

This sounds random, but their house salad is literal perfection. I’ve brought a few friends here, and all agree it’s the perfect prelude to the restaurant’s main courses of tender steaks or my favorite, the Peppercorn chicken breast. The wine list showcases excellent South American selections at reasonable prices. Pro tip: visit their Chorrillos location for a breathtaking ocean view.

9. Troppo

Location: Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores
Price: $$–$$$
Specialty: Contemporary Italian

When you need a break from Peruvian cuisine, Troppo delivers exceptional Italian food with local influences. Their homemade pastas are a highlight, as are their wood-fired pizzas, which feature perfectly charred crusts and high-quality toppings. The stylish yet relaxed setting is just what you need after a hectic day of sightseeing. Reservations recommended.

10. Hanzo

Location: Av. Primavera 1494, Santiago de Surco and Av. Conquistadores 598, San Isidro
Price: $$$
Must-Try: Tiradito Nikkei, Cucumber Salad

This sophisticated Japanese restaurant creates artistic sushi and Nikkei specialties in a sleek, contemporary setting. The menu balances traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients and flavors.

Their omakase option lets the chef choose your experience, but à la carte standouts include the butter-soft black cod, their signature tiradito Nikkei, and their cucumber salad, which I dream of when I return home.

Casual Eats (Under $30 USD per person)

11. Primos Chicken Bar

Location: Av. Conquistadores 201, San Isidro (multiple locations citywide)
Price: $–$$
Best For: Peru’s famous rotisserie chicken

No visit to Lima is complete without sampling authentic pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken), and Primos does it better than anyone. Their perfectly seasoned chicken features juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin.

What elevates the experience is their selection of house-made sauces—from the classic aji amarillo to the addictive rocoto cream.

12. El Pan de la Chola Pizza

Location: Av. Mariscal La Mar 1081, Miraflores
Price: $–$$
Perfect For: Breakfast, light lunch, coffee break

This artisanal bakery and café from baker Jonathan Day serves the best sourdough bread in Lima, paired with excellent specialty coffee from Peruvian beans.

The minimalist, light-filled space fills with locals throughout the day. Try their avocado toast on ancient grain bread or the simple yet perfect ham and butter sandwich. Their pastries, especially the almond croissants, sell out daily—but we go for the pizza. They are perfection and a must on every trip we take to Lima.

Honorable Mentions: More Great Places to Eat in Lima

Huaca Pucllana

Location: Calle General Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores
Unique Feature: Dine alongside illuminated pre-Incan ruins

While the contemporary Peruvian menu is solid but not revolutionary, the setting is absolutely extraordinary. Dining on the terrace with views of the illuminated 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid creates an unforgettable experience. Reserve well ahead for terrace tables at sunset.

Panchita

Location: Calle 2 de Mayo 298, Miraflores
Specialty: Traditional Peruvian with extensive gluten-free options

Another Gastón Acurio creation, Panchita celebrates Peru’s anticuchos (grilled skewers) and traditional dishes in a warm, inviting space. Their accommodating staff and clearly marked menu make this a good choice for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on authentic flavors.

Tanta

Location: Multiple locations citywide
Best For: Reliable quality any time of day

When you need a dependable option for any meal, Tanta delivers consistent quality and a comprehensive menu of Peruvian classics. Their breakfast options are particularly good, featuring fresh juices and excellent coffee, alongside traditional and international morning fare.

La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla

Location: Multiple locations including Kennedy Park & Larcomar
Specialty: Peruvian sandwiches and fresh juices

This beloved sandwich shop serves enormous, flavor-packed creations on freshly baked bread. The chicharrón (fried pork) sandwich with sweet potato and criolla salsa is life-changing. Their hand-cut fries and fruit juices are the perfect accompaniments.

Siete Sopas

Location: Av. Ricardo Palma 205, Miraflores + other locations
Unique Feature: Different homestyle soup daily, open until 6AM

This popular local chain specializes in hearty, soul-warming soups that change daily. Monday’s ajiaco de papas (potato soup) and Thursday’s traditional aguadito are particularly popular. Their late-night hours make this a favorite post-party stop for locals—and a great option for visitors arriving at odd hours.

Mi Barrunto

Location: Jr. Sebastián Barranca 935, La Victoria
Best For: Authentic local cevichería experience

This no-frills cevichería in a non-touristic neighborhood offers some of the freshest seafood in Lima. The boisterous atmosphere and enormous portions create an authentic experience far from the tourist trail. Come hungry and ready for a lively meal surrounded by local families.

Lima Food Tips

• Ceviche hours: Many locals only eat ceviche before 3PM when the fish is freshest
• Reservations: Essential for fine dining; book Central and Maido months in advance
• Tipping: 10% is standard and often included automatically as “servicio”
• Water safety: Stick to bottled water; ask for “agua sin gas” (still) or “agua con gas” (sparkling)

Final Thoughts: Lima Restaurant Guide

Have you tried any of these top Lima restaurants? What was your experience? Share your own recommendations in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag @ohlalima in your foodie photos—I love seeing what dishes capture your heart!