A trip to Peru wouldn’t be complete without eating the flagship dish, ceviche. A staple to any Peruvian diet and a plate recognized around the world. Ceviche is a mix of raw fish that is ‘cooked’ in citrus juice and traditionally tossed with chili peppers and, most of the time served with some type of crunch like fried plantains. Peru, and specifically Lima, has gained a reputation as a gastronomy capital on a global scale, and seeing as Lima has some of the best restaurants in the world, it comes as no surprise that they too have some of the best ceviches in the world. We scoured the city and found the best spots to grab the famous dish. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best ceviche in Lima.
1. Chez Wong
The experience alone is worth checking out Chex Wong. From the first story of his house, Javier Wong slings some of the tastiest ceviche in town. This unconventional restaurant offers no menus or choices. It is truly Chex Wong’s restaurant and Chex Wong’s rules. Located in the Santa Catalina neighborhood and impressive enough for Anthony Bourdain to pass through, you won’t be disappointed.
2. El Mercado
Chances are you’ll hear about this restaurant before you go to it. The reputation often precedes it, and for good reason. One of the more up-scale cevicherias on the list, you get what you pay for here. The location is close to the boardwalk in Miraflores and has lovely outdoor seating. El Mercado is a must-visit for those okay dishing out a little for this savory dish.
3. Canta Rana
Tucked away on a side street in the Barranco neighborhood, you’ll find Canta Rana. This popular joint is always bustling and often has a 30-minute wait. But trust us when we say, it’s worth the wait. The walls are decked with sports memorabilia and although it looks like a pub inside, this is most definitely an authentic Peruvian cevicheria. The beer is cold, and the ceviche is a variety of mouthwatering flavors you won’t soon forget.
4. Mercado de Surquillo
A lot of the time when traveling, the freshest and tastiest foods can be found at the local market. Weave your way through the hustle and bustle of Mercado de Surquillo, and you’ll find El Rey Luchin. Order the ceviche and take a seat on the plastic stool as you savor the taste of authenticity.
5. El Muelle
This unassuming restaurant packed into the residential area of Barranco will blow you away with their ceviche. This gem has a laid back vibe, nothing fancy, just some outdoor seating, and a great happy hour. The ceviche isn’t the only dish that’s ncredible here, try the combo dish or the seafood platter and enjoy sharing with friends. See you there for the two-for-25 soles happy hour!
6. Sonia
For nearly four decades, Sonia has been perfecting its ceviche recipe. Just steps from the coastline, this authentic restaurant serves up some of the freshest ceviche in town. You can taste the tradition with every bite.
7. La Mar
Another upscale option, La Mar dishes out modern takes on the classic Peruvian dishes. This restaurant is located in the ceviche hub of Lima, Avenida La Mar, and offers a variety of ceviche, from Asian fusion to even a vegetarian option.
There you have it, the best spots in Lima to grab the infamous dish, ceviche. Now that we’re all craving the flavorful fish dish let’s get you booked. Reach out to our team today to get planning your trip to Peru.