Lima is known for its dining scene and the world-class chefs who bring it all to life. But, sifting through the countless dining options in Lima can be incredibly overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve done the sifting for you (we’re a tour operator in Lima, after all!). Here are Explorandes’ picks for the top 5 Lima restaurants worth trying during your visit to Peru’s capital city.
- Central
Repeatedly deemed the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America, Central is a must-try Lima restaurant. The brainchild of pioneering chef Virgilio Martínez, Central takes diners on a journey through Peru’s every altitude, from the Pacific Ocean floor to the Andean mountaintops. Its 17-course tasting menu includes dishes like Marine Soil with razor clams, sweet lemon, pepino and starflower and Lofty Andes with potato, tree tomato, alpaca, and muña mint. Each course is artistically presented on your plate, making it feel as close to an adventure tour as one can get while seated in a dining room.
- Café del Museo – Larco Museum
For a quality meal in a gorgeous (and convenient) setting, look no further than Café del Museo. This gem of a Lima restaurant is nestled within the lush gardens of Museo Larco, one of Lima’s most popular museums for viewing 5,000 years of pre-Columbian artifacts. After wandering the museum’s galleries sit down for a menu of Peruvian fusion dishes like lomo saltado and risotto criollo or go for some lighter fare like tiradito and Peruvian-style sandwiches. Come nightfall, the ambiance is simply magical with lanterns and low light illuminating the bougainvillea and surrounding gardens. Definitely pencil Café del Museo (and Museo Larco!) into your Peru travel itinerary.
- ámaZ
This unique Lima restaurant in Miraflores transports you to the depths of the Amazon without ever hopping in a dugout canoe or trekking a muddy jungle trail to get to it. From its Amazon-inspired décor to the jungle ingredients on your plate, you’ll feel like you’re literally there. The chef behind ámaZ, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, had a vision to bring together traditional rainforest ingredients with their traditional Latin American culinary cousins. The menu features Amazonian and Peruvian classics like ceviche, tacacho (fried and mashed green bananas), and cecina (dried pork). The result has quickly put ámaZ on the culinary map in a city where the restaurant options are limitless. Impressive!
- Malabar
Another one of Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s creations, Malabar goes beyond Amazon-only ingredients, featuring fusion dishes from Peru’s every region. The restaurant has made many a “World’s Best Restaurants” list for its dedication to introducing diners – locals and foreigners alike – to new and often unheard of Peruvian ingredients and cooking techniques. Most unique and refreshing of all is the sophisticated yet relaxed setting of Malabar. It’s haute cuisine in an unpretentious ambiance. Perfect, no?
- Rafael
Located in an old Art Deco townhouse in Miraflores, Rafael celebrates Peru’s diverse culinary heritage in eclectic and innovative ways. Native ingredients find a home in Italian, Asian, and Nikkei classics while what’s in season often drives what’s listed on the menu. One bite and you’ll be glad Chef Rafael Osterling left his career as a lawyer to pursue his true calling: being a world-class Peruvian chef. Will Rafael be part of your Peru holiday? Trust us, you won’t regret it if it is.
Book Your Peru Holiday with Explorandes
Though we’re better known as Peru’s leading adventure tour operator, we know all facets of this diverse and beautiful country… To include where to dine in Lima, as you can see. Get in touch with us today to book your once-in-a-lifetime holiday in Peru.
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