An Exclusive Travel Advisor’s Guide
If your journey brings you to Lima, you’ve arrived at the gastronomic capital of South America and, without exaggeration, one of the most important culinary hubs in the world. Here, dining goes far beyond eating: it’s lived, celebrated, and transformed into art.
The city is home to several restaurants listed among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and is recognized as the epicenter of a cuisine that blends tradition, innovation, and unmatched biodiversity. Lima is where the history of the Andes meets the flavors of the Pacific Ocean, where Amazonian ingredients dialogue with Japanese techniques, and where every dish tells the story of Peru’s soul.
And let me tell you this as your Travel Advisor who has experienced these tables first-hand: in Lima, you don’t simply “go out to dinner”—you live sensory journeys designed by visionary chefs who today lead the world’s gastronomic stage. This is not the place for improvisation: you need to book in advance if you want to secure a seat at these temples of flavor.
With that in mind, here is my curated selection, in order of recommendation—from the absolute musts to the hidden gems that will make your culinary journey in Lima unforgettable.
The Musts – Where Dining Becomes an Experience
- Central – Currently ranked the #1 restaurant in the world, Central is more than a meal: it’s an expedition through Peru’s ecosystems. Each dish is crafted with ingredients sourced from different altitudes, from the depths of the Pacific to the peaks of the Andes. A true culinary masterpiece.
- Maido – Where Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) finds its highest expression. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura reinvents textures and flavors with elegance and creativity. If you book the tasting menu, expect a journey that surprises at every bite.
- Kjolle – Led by Chef Pía León (named the best female chef in the world), Kjolle is Central’s sister restaurant but with its own bold personality. Fresh, colorful, and vibrant dishes highlight Peru’s biodiversity in a way that feels intimate yet avant-garde.
- Astrid & Gastón – A true icon in Peruvian gastronomy. The house of chefs Astrid Gutsche and Gastón Acurio is where the fine-dining revolution in Peru began. Located in the stunning Casa Moreyra, it’s a perfect mix of history, tradition, and creativity.
MAIDO RESTAURANT
For Meat Lovers & Authentic Flavors
- Osso – More than a steakhouse, Osso is a temple for meat lovers. Chef Renzo Garibaldi brings butchery to fine dining, offering some of the best cuts in Latin America. Reserve well in advance if you want the full carnivore experience.
- Rafael – One of Lima’s contemporary classics. Chef Rafael Osterling combines Mediterranean flair with Peruvian creativity, delivering dishes that are modern, elegant, and always surprising.
- Isolina – For those who want to taste Peruvian criollo food with a nostalgic twist. Portions are generous, flavors are powerful, and the ambiance feels like dining at a traditional Limeño tavern. Perfect for lunch with friends or family.
OSSO RESTAURANT
Fresh, Creative & Casual Chic
- Amoramar – A stylish spot in Barranco that blends coastal cuisine with modern flair. Known for its ceviches and fresh seafood, it’s an excellent choice for a sunny afternoon paired with a crisp white wine or a refreshing pisco cocktail.
- La Mar – Chef Gastón Acurio’s iconic cevichería and a must for anyone visiting Lima. No reservations here, so go early if you want to secure a table and enjoy one of the best ceviches in town.
- Mayta – Currently climbing the ranks of Latin America’s 50 Best, Chef Jaime Pesaque offers contemporary Peruvian cuisine with a focus on native ingredients. Sophisticated yet approachable, it’s a gem worth discovering.
LA MAR CEVICHERIA
For a Perfect Night Out
- Carnal – If you’re craving a top-tier steakhouse with a vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe, Carnal delivers. Its premium wine list and cocktails pair perfectly with prime cuts.
- Mérito – A small, intimate restaurant that blends Peruvian and Venezuelan flavors with creativity and freshness. Every dish feels like a surprise, making it one of the trendiest spots in Barranco.
Merito Restaurant
Enjoy Lima’s Most Exclusive Restaurants
As you can see, Lima offers an unparalleled culinary universe. From tasting menus that are true works of art, to innovative modern fusions or authentic Peruvian criolla cuisine, Lima has everything a discerning traveler could desire.
Many of the restaurants mentioned have received national and international awards, and once you experience them, you’ll understand why. We are delighted to help you choose the ones that best suit your tastes and schedule, and to manage your reservations so you can enjoy each experience without a worry. If you want to discover more dining recommendations for Cusco, Arequipa, or any other destination in Peru, be sure to explore our related blog articles and let our expertise guide you.
