By Kada Travel
Maybe you’ve heard it before:
“Lima has amazing food.”
But let’s be honest — that doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Because Lima isn’t just a place where you eat well.
It’s where meals turn into memories.
Where flavors surprise you.
Where one dish makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about food.
And if you’re here, reading this…
you’re not just looking for “good restaurants.”
You want the right ones.
For the right moment.
For exactly what you’re craving.
So let’s do this properly.
This is not a list. It’s a roadmap to eat better.
We’re not here to throw 50 random places at you.
We’re here to guide you through Lima —
based on what you feel like eating.
Because in this city, choosing what matters more than where.
And when you get both right… it’s unforgettable.
🐟 If you’re craving SEAFOOD (and yes, you should)
Lima and the Pacific are inseparable.
Here, seafood isn’t just fresh — it’s alive with flavor.
- Al Toke Pez – A true huarique. No reservations, no luxury — just a counter and magic. Led by Tomashi Matsufuji, this is raw, honest, explosive flavor. Fast, intense, unforgettable.
- La Picantería – Chef Héctor Solís brings back tradition with soul. Ceviche here isn’t just a dish — it’s heritage, depth, and fire in every bite.
- La Mar – The icon. A cevichería that locals love and the world respects. Perfect balance between authenticity and excellence.
- El Mercado – Casual, vibrant, and consistently outstanding. A place where every plate feels like Lima on a good day.
👉 This is where your trip begins to taste like Peru.
🍲 If you want TRUE CRIOLLO SOUL
Comfort food — but elevated, bold, and deeply rooted in history.
- Panchita – From Gastón Acurio’s universe. Probably the best lomo saltado you’ll ever try. Smoky, juicy, addictive.
- Isolina – Big portions, bold flavors, and recipes that feel like they’ve been in the family for generations.
- El Bodegón – Less known, more local. The kind of place you discover… and never forget.
👉 This is Lima’s heart on a plate.
🍗 If you NEED Pollo a la Brasa
Let’s not complicate this.
This is serious business in Peru.
- Tori – Modern, clean, and incredibly consistent.
- Primos – A local favorite that never fails.
- Pardos Chicken – The classic. Reliable, flavorful, everywhere.
- Villa Chicken – Simple, juicy, and exactly what you want after a long day.
👉 Crispy skin. Smoky aroma. Absolute satisfaction.
🔥 If you’re chasing AUTHOR-DRIVEN CUISINE
Creative. Personal. Unexpected.
- Rafael – By Rafael Osterling.
Effortless elegance. A menu that flows between comfort and sophistication without trying too hard.
This is the kind of place where everything just works — the food, the vibe, the rhythm of the night. Quiet luxury, Lima style. - Contraste – Bold ideas, beautiful execution.
- Mérito – Venezuelan roots meet Peruvian ingredients — and something magical happens.
- Siete – Intimate, refined, and quietly impressive.
👉 This is where chefs tell stories through food.
✨ If you want FINE DINING (the full experience)
This is not just about tasting menus.
It’s about vision, research, identity, and emotion.
And yes — this is also why Lima is considered a true global food capital.
Because what’s happening here isn’t normal… it’s world-class.
- Central – By Virgilio Martínez. A journey through Peru’s ecosystems. Possibly one of the most important restaurants in the world.
✓ Recognized in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. - Maido – Mitsuharu Tsumura blends Japanese precision with Peruvian soul. Every course hits.
✓ Recognized in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. - Kjolle – Pía León brings color, creativity, and a fresh perspective that feels alive.
✓ Recognized in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. - Astrid y Gastón – A legend. A cornerstone of modern Peruvian cuisine.
- Casa Tupac – Intimate, exclusive, and deeply experiential. One of those places you don’t just visit — you remember.
👉 If there’s one thing worth splurging on in Lima… it’s this.
🍣 If you’re into NIKKEI (Japanese-Peruvian fusion)
Clean, elegant, addictive.
- Shizen – Understated and precise.
- Tomo – Balanced, refined, quietly excellent.
- Osaka – Trendy, vibrant, and always delivering.
👉 Once you try Nikkei in Lima, it’s hard to go back.
🥢 If you want CHIFA (Chinese-Peruvian flavor)
Comfort meets intensity.
- Kion – Elevated chifa with depth.
- Titi – A classic done right.
- Hou Wha – Local, authentic, and full of flavor.
👉 This is one of Peru’s most underrated (and addictive) cuisines.
A small secret… that’s not in Lima 👀
Before you think Peru is just Lima…
there’s something you should know.
In the south, Arequipa keeps a culinary tradition that feels untouched by time.
Wood-fired kitchens.
Clay ovens.
Stone grinders.
Recipes that haven’t changed in generations.
This is where picanterías are not trends — they’re legacy.
👉 If this sparked your curiosity… wait until you see what we prepared next.
(We’ll take you there in our Arequipa Food Guide — and trust us, you’ll want to go.)
So… where should YOU eat?
That depends.
Do you want something quick and real?
A long lunch that turns into sunset drinks?
A once-in-a-lifetime dining experience?
Lima has all of it.
But the difference is knowing where to go — and when.
And that’s what we do.
Ready to eat Lima the right way?
We don’t just book restaurants.
We design food experiences around your trip.
Reservations at the impossible spots.
Hidden gems you won’t find on Google.
Moments built around what you love to eat.
Less guessing.
More flavor.
Did this guide make you hungry?
Send it to someone who thinks Lima is “just a stopover.”
And if you’re ready to experience it properly…
we’re here.
With appetite,
The Kada Travel Team
