Lima – this is a city where centuries-old cooking techniques meet innovative contemporary interpretations and where the country’s extraordinary biodiversity translates directly to your plate. Lima’s dining scene celebrates everything from humble street food to cutting-edge fine dining establishments that redefine Peruvian gastronomy with every service.

Fresh from exploring Lima’s diverse culinary landscape, from bustling Miraflores cevicherías to intimate Barranco bistros, I’ve assembled this guide highlighting the essential restaurants that capture the authentic spirit of eating in Peru’s gastronomic epicenter.

Traditional Peruvian Excellence & Cevicherías

These establishments represent the soul of Peruvian cuisine, where traditional recipes and time-honored techniques are executed with exceptional skill in settings that feel authentically Lima.

La Mar

This legendary Miraflores cevichería from chef Gastón Acurio defined modern Peruvian casual dining and remains the gold standard for fresh seafood in Lima. The bright, bustling space captures the energy of Peru’s coastal culture, with an open kitchen where you can watch ceviches prepared to order with precision and flair.

Known For: Classic ceviche with perfectly balanced leche de tigre, causas showcasing Peru’s native potatoes, tiraditos with innovative sauces, and exceptional pisco sours that set the benchmark for the city

Open Daily

Pro Tip: Arrive before noon to secure a table without reservations—this is where Lima’s food-savvy locals eat their ceviche, and the lunch rush is legendary.

Panchita

Gastón Acurio’s tribute to traditional Peruvian criollo cooking offers an immersive journey through Peru’s culinary heartland. The warm, rustic interior evokes a traditional Peruvian home, complete with vintage family photographs and handcrafted details that create an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.

Known For: Anticuchos de corazón (grilled beef heart skewers), rocoto relleno, tequeños, chicha morada, and picarones.

Open Daily

Pro Tip: The anticuchos are grilled to order (generally served medium-rare), and their chicha morada is the best traditional version you’ll find in Lima’s upscale dining scene.

Al Toke Pez

This no-frills Miraflores cevichería embodies Lima’s democratic approach to exceptional seafood—outstanding quality without pretension. The casual, counter-service format belies the serious skill behind each dish, where daily-fresh catch is transformed into some of the city’s most satisfying ceviches.

Known For: Generous portions of impeccably fresh ceviche at remarkably reasonable prices, creative daily specials, chicharrón de calamar, and a casual atmosphere that attracts both locals and informed visitors

Open Daily

Pro Tip: This is strictly a lunch destination—arrive early as they close when the day’s catch runs out, typically by mid-afternoon.

Picarones Mary

This beloved street food institution has been serving Lima’s iconic dessert for decades (from their permanent stall and food cart in Kennedy park). The simple setup—just a fryer, a counter, and lines of devoted customers—proves that exceptional food requires nothing more than mastery of technique and quality ingredients.

Known For: Picarones (traditional Peruvian donuts made from squash and sweet potato) served warm with chancaca syrup

Open Daily

Pro Tip: Order your picarones fresh and eat them immediately while still warm—the texture transforms as they cool. Just outrun the bees…

World-Class Fine Dining & Tasting Menu Experiences

These establishments represent the pinnacle of Lima’s culinary achievement, where internationally acclaimed chefs create immersive tasting menu experiences that have earned global recognition while remaining deeply rooted in Peruvian identity and ingredients.

Kjolle

From chef Pía León, Kjolle showcases an exceptional perspective on Peruvian ingredients, with a particular focus on vegetables and plants from Peru’s diverse ecosystems. The bright, modern space in Barranco features an open kitchen and botanical elements that reinforce the restaurant’s connection to Peru’s natural abundance.

Known For: Vegetable-forward tasting menus that elevate Peru’s agricultural diversity and lesser-known Andean ingredients

Closed: Sunday and Monday

Pro Tip: Entrance is shared with Central – arrive a few minutes early to explore the welcoming garden area

Maido

Consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants, Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura’s flagship establishment represents the absolute pinnacle of Nikkei cuisine. The elegant Miraflores dining room provides the perfect stage for dishes that demonstrate how Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients have evolved into something entirely new.

Known For: “Nikkei Experience” tasting menu showcasing the evolution of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and impeccable sushi preparations using Peruvian fish

Closed: Sunday

Pro Tip: Reserve ~two months in advance when reservations are released (and note that hotel concierges cannot assist in making reservations).

Mayta

Chef Jaime Pesaque’s flagship restaurant represents contemporary Peruvian cuisine at its most sophisticated, creating dishes that honor traditional ingredients and techniques while pushing creative boundaries.

Known For: Tasting menus featuring Peru’s diverse ecosystems from coast to Amazon

Open Daily

Pro Tip: Perhaps stop for a pre-dinner cocktail at Sastrería Martinez (though be sure to also reserve in advance)

Mérito

Chef Juan Luis Martínez brings Venezuelan influences to his thoughtful exploration of Peruvian ingredients and cooking techniques at this Barranco favorite. The casual, energetic atmosphere creates a convivial setting where serious culinary ambition meets neighborhood accessibility, making it one of Lima’s most exciting dining experiences.

Known For: An ever-evolving tasting menu that celebrates Peru’s agricultural diversity with subtle Venezuelan touches

Closed: Sunday

Pro Tip: Don’t skip their sister bakery/coffee shop Demo for your AM fix.

Contemporary Elegance & Refined Dining

These sophisticated restaurants offer refined contemporary cuisine with the flexibility of à la carte ordering alongside tasting menus, creating elegant experiences that balance culinary ambition with approachable atmosphere.

Siete

This intimate Miraflores restaurant offers a refined, personal approach to contemporary Peruvian cuisine in a setting that feels like dining in a sophisticated Lima home.

Known For: Flexible à la carte options to explore the best of Peruvian cuisine, without the full tasting menu song and dance

Closed: Mondays

Pro Tip: The restaurant accommodates only a handful of tables, so definitely book in advance.

Verbena

This hip, yet sophisticated San Isidro restaurant from chef Richi Goachet offers refined Peruvian cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. The kitchen’s commitment to seasonal ingredients and precise technique creates dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.

Known For: Contemporary, Peruvian tasting menus with exceptional local ingredients

Closed: Sundays

Pro Tip: Expect shared plates, though still tasting menu.

Artisanal Bakery & Breakfast

Lima’s bakery and coffee scene brings the same commitment to quality ingredients and careful technique that defines the city’s fine dining establishments, creating exceptional morning experiences.

Demo

This welcoming bakery and café brings the same dedication to local ingredients, translated into exceptional breads, pastries, and breakfast dishes. The bright, casual space makes it the perfect morning destination before exploring Lima.

Known For: Artisanal sourdough bread, seasonal pastries featuring Peruvian fruits, exceptional coffee, and breakfast dishes

Open Daily

Pro Tip: Step inside to check out their full pastry case before choosing your table.

FAQ: Dining in Lima for Luxury Travelers

What is the dress code at Lima’s fine dining restaurants?

Lima’s fine dining scene has embraced a polished yet casual approach over traditional formalwear. Smart casual attire works perfectly—tailored jeans or slacks with a collared shirt for men, or a chic dress or coordinated outfit for women. Jackets are rarely required, even at tasting-menu establishments, though elevated details always enhance the experience. An effortlessly refined outfit will have you fitting in seamlessly.

Is Lima safe for dining out at night?

Lima’s upscale neighborhoods—Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro—maintain strong security and regular patrols, making evening dining quite safe. Many luxury hotels provide vehicles or private drivers that can be charged directly to your room. When using rideshare apps, select Premium options for enhanced security and comfort, and keep belongings discreetly stored rather than visible during your journey.

What is the tipping etiquette at Lima’s high-end restaurants?

While a 10% service charge typically appears on your bill, adding an additional 5-10% in cash for exceptional service is customary and appreciated. These gratuities go directly to your waitstaff.

Is it better to pay in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles?

Most restaurants prefer Peruvian soles, and you’ll typically receive the best value when paying in the currency listed on the menu. If a restaurant prices in U.S. dollars, paying in soles can actually work against you—the restaurant converts from USD to soles, then your bank reconverts to USD, creating unfavorable double conversions. The simple rule: pay in soles when prices are listed in soles, pay in dollars when prices are listed in dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted at upscale venues for both currencies.

What local foods and drinks should luxury diners try in Lima?

Seek out ceviche, tiradito, and causa—Peruvian classics elevated with exceptional local ingredients. Creative versions of comfort favorites like pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), picarones (sweet potato and squash donuts with syrup), and delicate alfajores filled with manjar blanco showcase Peru’s culinary staples. For drinks, experience a pisco sour or chilcano, or classic chicha morada for a non-alcoholic option.

Final Thoughts

Lima’s dining scene authentically reflects Peru’s cultural richness and extraordinary biodiversity—honoring centuries-old traditions while fearlessly embracing innovation. Whether you’re seeking the perfect ceviche, exploring the depths of Nikkei fusion, or experiencing world-class fine dining that delves into Peru’s history, Lima delivers culinary experiences that connect you to both the country’s profound food heritage and its exciting gastronomic future.

Ready to plan a culinary adventure in Lima before heading to Machu Picchu? Reach out using the button below, and let’s start planning your unforgettable travels!