Eating your way through Lima
The Peruvian capital is a true foodie kingdom and these five restaurants are its crown jewels.
Reservations are necessary, and the experience will be completely worth it. “The seasonal menu features traditional Peruvian fare, but it’s the exquisite fusion specialties that make this such a sublime fine-dining experience. The 28-course tasting menu showcases the depth and breadth of possibility here – just do it,” says Lonely Planet. A dinner here ranges from $53-$89.
While the menu is seasonal, “it always includes such local delicacies as corvina (a Pacific whitefish), arapaima (an Amazon fish), suckling pig, and kid stewed overnight,” says Fodor’s. A visit here ranges from $52-$87. Fodor’s also recommends the “eight- and 18-course menus [to] take your taste buds on a journey from the coast to the Andes to the rain forest. Reserve at least two weeks in advance for dinner, one week for lunch.”
“La Huaca,” as it is known by the local limeños, sits on a historic site. ”This is nothing less than one of the most incredible restaurant settings anywhere in the world, nestled within the compound of a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid,” says Frommer’s. And while the location is incredibly memorable, it’s the food that will leave you wanting to come back to this Lima staple. “The contemporary criollo dishes like humitas verdes (tamales) and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef and potatoes) won't disappoint,” continues Frommer’s. Dinner here ranges from $24-$60.
Lima is a coastal city, so naturally there is a lot of seafood amongst the best restaurants. At Pescados Capitales, “fresh ceviche, which ranges from simple tuna with onion to more inventive options like curry-spiced squid with mango chutney,” is a must, says Travel + Leisure. Expect to pay about $35-$65 for your meal.
No trip to Peru is complete without sampling ceviche, and La Mar is the best place to try it. Also a Gaston Acurio restaurant, La Mar is one of the best daytime spots you will find in Lima. Prices range from $29-69 for lunch. “Try their delicious riff on a bloody Mary – the sublime bloody locho, seafood shells and all,” says Lonely Planet.
