The Best Restaurants in Lima, Peru

From world-famous tasting menus to soulful neighborhood gems, this is your guide to the best restaurants in Lima, Peru.

If there’s one city in South America that’s worth planning a whole food-related trip around, it’s Lima. This coastal capital, where Pacific Ocean seafood meets Andean soul and Amazonian bounty, has quietly (or not so quietly) become one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations.

Thanks to the creative genius of chefs like Virgilio Martínez, Pía León, and Mitsuharu Tsumura, Lima restaurant culture is now shorthand for world-class innovation. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all tasting menus and fine dining—Lima is a city where anticuchos sizzle on street corners, ceviche is practically a religion (and Peru’s national dish), and every meal feels like a celebration of life itself.

At the heart of it all is Peruvian cuisine: a vibrant fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences that somehow coalesce into dishes that are comforting, complex, and completely crave-worthy.

No matter if you’re diving into a bowl of ají de gallina at a neighborhood joint or sipping a smoky pisco sour at a sleek rooftop bar, you’ll quickly realize why this city has earned its culinary crown in recent years.

As someone who lived just next door in Chile for six years, I made it a point to visit Lima whenever I could—always with an appetite and a list of where to eat in Lima, longer than my return flight itinerary.

From devouring fresh ceviche (with divine leche de tigre) in Miraflores to chasing down Nikkei spots in Barranco, every trip became a deeper dive into this city’s layered, irresistible food scene. Peruvian food and Lima never once let me down—and trust me, I came hungry.

So, leave your belt at home (or be prepared to put in an extra notch), and let’s jump into this list of the best restaurants in Lima, Peru. 

Insider side note: Most of the restaurants on this list are wildly popular and book out fast—some months in advance. If you want to snag a table at places like Maido, Central, or Kjolle, make your reservations the moment you book your flights.

13 Best Restaurants in Lima, Peru

1. Maido

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Currently ranked number 1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Maido is the one to book when in Lima (well—you’ll need to book it several months ahead). This trailblazing spot and the world’s best restaurant is the crown jewel of Nikkei cuisine, a bold, beautiful fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian soul, helmed by chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, a culinary wizard who’s as revered in Lima.

Dining at Maido is not just a meal—it’s a finely choreographed flavor performance. Think 12 to 14 courses that take you from the depths of the Pacific to the peaks of the Andes, all delivered with a wink of umami and a whole lot of intention.

The nigiri here might come topped with Amazonian flavors like paiche or aji amarillo, while the signature 50-hour short rib arrives so tender it practically evaporates on your tongue. And yes, the service is flawless—but refreshingly unpretentious.

I finally scored a table at Maido after my third trip to Lima, and it was worth every single attempt. Sitting at that sleek counter, watching the chefs plate each course like edible art, I remember thinking: this is what a true culinary capital tastes like.

2. Central

Central isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Lima—it’s a journey through Peru. This culinary temple by Virgilio Martínez and Pía León redefines what it means to eat locally, by taking you on a journey through Peru’s wild and wildly diverse ecosystems.

From sea level to 4,100 meters in the Andes, each dish represents a different altitude and terrain, celebrating obscure ingredients most of us have never heard of—let alone tasted.

The menu reads more like a field guide than a list of courses: high jungle tubers, Amazonian freshwater fish, altiplano roots, edible clay (yes, really). It’s all beautifully presented, of course—Central has the aesthetics of a design museum and the ambiance of a sacred ritual—but what sticks with you is how it makes you feel: curious, grounded, and deeply connected to the land.

I visited Central on my very first trip to Lima, fresh off a flight from Santiago and still half-dazed from the altitude of Cusco. I remember walking into the sleek, earthy space in Barranco and immediately knowing I was about to experience something special.

That first encounter set the tone for every food-focused trip I’ve taken to Lima since—and Central remains my favorite restaurant that I always recommend with a tone that borders on reverence. 

3. Kjolle

Kjolle is the more relaxed (but no less impressive) sibling to Central, run by Pía León—one of Latin America’s most celebrated chefs in her own right. Located in the same sleek complex in Barranco, Kjolle offers a colorful, ingredient-driven tasting menu that’s a little more approachable and a touch more playful than Central, while still showcasing Peru’s biodiversity.

Here, the focus is on seasonal produce and native ingredients from across the country—think cushuro (a high-altitude algae), cacao, tubers, and coastal seafood—presented in bold, vibrant plates. The dishes feel creative without being overly conceptual, and the atmosphere is warm, with more natural light and an airy, modern design.

I had lunch at Kjolle on one of my return trips to Lima, and honestly, it was a highlight—not just because of the food, but because it struck the perfect balance between fine dining and ease. If Central is a deep dive, Kjolle is a sunlit stroll through Peru’s pantry.

Read more: 6 Best Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru

4. Mérito

If you’re looking for something a little more under-the-radar but just as impressive, Mérito is where you want to be. Tucked into a quiet street in Barranco, this intimate spot punches well above its weight, thanks to Venezuelan chef Juan Luis Martínez (a former Central alum), who’s crafting an exciting cross-cultural dialogue between Venezuelan and Peruvian flavors.

The menu is compact but endlessly creative—think arepas made with Andean corn and topped with creamy Amazonian cheese, or glazed sweet potato gnocchi nestled in a smoky Peruvian pepper sauce. Ingredients are sourced with precision, and every plate is as fun to look at as it is to eat.

The space is minimal and stylish, with an open kitchen that keeps the energy flowing and the experience casual but focused.

Mérito doesn’t scream for attention—it earns it, quietly and confidently. If you’re into inventive, ingredient-forward food in an unpretentious setting, this is one of the top Lima restaurants to put high on your list.

5. Mayta

Mayta is the kind of place that catches you by surprise—in the best way. You might go in expecting a polished fine-dining experience (it is, after all, one of Latin America’s top-ranked restaurants), but what you get is something far more soulful: a deep, thoughtful exploration of modern Peruvian cuisine led by chef Jaime Pesaque.

The move here is to book the 10-course tasting menu, a full-spectrum journey across Peru that showcases everything from coastal seafood to highland tubers and Amazonian fruits. Each dish is inventive yet grounded, delivering a thoughtful, elegant experience without the fuss. Bonus: the pisco cocktails are some of the best in town.

6. Isolina Taberna Peruana

If you’re craving honest, hearty Peruvian comfort food served with warmth and tradition, Isolina Taberna Peruana should be high on your list. Located in a charming old mansion in Barranco, this beloved spot is run by chef José del Castillo, grandson of a culinary matriarch, and it brings the generous portions and nostalgic flavors of Lima’s classic taverns to life.

The menu reads like an elevated version of your grandma’s best recipes: massive pan con chicharrón, robust lomo saltado, gooey causa limeña, and even offal stars like cau cau and beef brain tortillas—each dish meant for sharing around a lively table.

The vibe is cozy yet bustling, with warm wood tones, retro decor, and the kind of intimate chatter that reminds you eating here is as much about community as it is about cuisine.

Isolina has earned its place as a Barranco staple —proof that traditional, honest cooking still steals the show. If you’re in the mood for full-flavored, unapologetically classic Peruvian dishes in a festive, casual setting, this is one of the most authentic Lima restaurants you can find.

7. Astrid y Gaston

Astrid y Gastón is a must-visit icon of Lima’s gastronomic scene. Founded in 1994 by Gastón Acurio—arguably the chef who put Peruvian cuisine on the global map—this elegant restaurant in the heart of San Isidro brilliantly balances tradition and innovation.

The dining experience is luxurious yet approachable, with dishes that pay homage to Peru’s culinary heritage while showcasing modern techniques and impeccable presentation.

I sampled artfully plated ceviche de tiradito, inventive corn-based starters, and perfectly cooked meats and seafood, all elevated by thoughtful sauces and garnishes. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect a parade of flavors that feels both familiar and exciting.

The ambiance at Astrid y Gastón is refined without being stuffy—high ceilings, warm lighting, a lovely garden patio—making it just as fitting for a celebratory dinner as for a polished business lunch.

With its combination of classic dishes, contemporary flair, and the pedigree of one of Peru’s most influential chefs, this restaurant remains a cornerstone of the best restaurants in Lima. 

8. Canta Rana

If you’re looking for a true Barranco classic that’s all about bright, unfussy Peruvian seafood in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Canta Rana hits the spot. A beloved “huarique” (local gem) tucked into a bohemian corner of the neighborhood, it’s been serving up fresh ceviche, tiraditos, and other seafood staples for nearly two decades.

The vibe is casual and friendly—wood tables, retro posters, and fishermen’s décor set the tone for communal dining and relaxed conversation. The ceviche here is a standout, praised for its freshness and traditional flavors. They also cover the full menu of seaside favorites, all prepared with care and without pretension.

More than just a tasty meal, Canta Rana feels like the heart of local life—a place where families, winding-down creatives, and curious travelers all come together. If you want authentic, soulful seafood in a no-frills setting, it’s one of the Lima restaurants that keeps drawing both locals and food lovers back for more.

9. Rafael

Rafael has been a standout in Lima’s culinary scene since its debut in 2000 and continues to impress as a vibrant, seafood-first eatery helmed by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Rafael Osterling.

Located in a stylish Art Deco mansion in Miraflores, it artfully bridges Peruvian, Italian, and Japanese flavors—expect dishes like pizza alongside sashimi, ceviche, octopus, and even truffle-topped veal gizzards.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance: elegant yet approachable, with a cozy dining room and a vibrant cocktail bar serving standout chilcanos. I’d describe it as “casual but refined,” and the tandouts were its top-tier ingredients and well-balanced tasting portions that let you try more of the menu.

Rafael Osterling’s culinary journey—he was a lawyer before fully embracing the kitchen—shows in the polished, disciplined execution here. The restaurant maintains its status in Latin America’s 50 Best, recognized for its energetic and eclectic spin on native cuisine.

10. Clon

Clon is one of Lima’s newest darlings—playful, bold, and quietly rebellious. Tucked into a sleek, minimalist space in Miraflores, this restaurant takes a refreshingly different approach to fine dining. No white tablecloths, no overexplanation—just a focused, ever-changing tasting menu built around local Peruvian ingredients, reimagined with edge.

Run by chefs Rodrigo Alzamora and Rodrigo Mendoza, Clon thrives on creativity and surprise. Dishes are seasonal and experimental—think fermented Amazonian fruit, smoked butter, native corn variations, or grilled seafood with unexpected textures. The plating is clean, the flavors complex, but it all feels effortlessly cool.

There’s no à la carte here—just trust, sit back, and let the kitchen take the lead. It’s one of the most exciting new restaurants in Lima, redefining what Peruvian cuisine can be, and if you’re after something a little more underground and modern, Clon is a name to know.

11. Osaka

Osaka is one of Lima’s go-to destinations for Nikkei cuisine, the dazzling fusion of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients that’s become one of the city’s most defining culinary signatures.

With locations in Miraflores and San Isidro, Osaka leans into sleek, modern design and a buzzy, upscale atmosphere—perfect for a night out that’s equal parts refined and lively.

The menu is a celebration of balance: delicate sashimi layered with spicy ají amarillo, miso-glazed meats, and maki rolls filled with unexpected native flavors like rocoto and quinoa. The dishes are beautifully executed, inventive without trying too hard, and always highlight the incredible variety of ingredients that Peru has to offer, from the Pacific coast to the Amazon.

Nikkei cuisine itself is the product of Japanese immigrants to Peru in the late 19th century, a culinary hybrid born out of necessity and creativity. Japanese chefs brought with them a deep respect for precision and freshness, and they adapted those values to the bold, colorful pantry of Peru—lime, chili, corn, fresh seafood, and native herbs. The result? A flavor profile that’s bright, umami-rich, and deeply satisfying.

While Osaka is a chain that can be found in many Latin American cities—as well as Dubai, Madrid, and Chicago—its Lima outposts remain the spiritual heart of the brand and arguably where the magic tastes most at home.

12. Siete

Siete is one of Barranco’s coolest contemporary restaurants, striking a balance between polished dining and laid-back charm. Helmed by chef Ricardo Martins, formerly of Rafael, the space blends minimal design with warmth—think high ceilings, clean lines, and just the right amount of mood lighting.

The menu is eclectic and ingredient-driven, drawing on Mediterranean and Asian influences with a strong Peruvian backbone. Expect vibrant, flavorful dishes like razor clams tiradito with ginger and vermouth, rich duck ragù pappardelle, and silky pumpkin ravioli that’s somehow both comforting and refined.

Everything is plated for sharing, which means you’ll want to bring friends—or at least a very empty stomach.

And then there’s the cheesecake. It’s slightly molten, perfectly tangy, and just might steal the show. Siete also has a strong cocktail game and a thoughtful wine list that leans natural. If you’re looking for a restaurant that feels both current and grounded, Siete delivers—quietly confident, refreshingly unpretentious, and seriously good.

13. Tomo

Tucked into a discreet corner of Barranco, this sleek, understated spot is one of those Peruvian restaurants that locals love to keep to themselves and travelers feel triumphant for uncovering.

Chef Toshi Nakamura leads with clean technique and bold, ingredient-driven cooking.

The menu is rooted in Peruvian flavors but interpreted with subtle nods to the country’s Asian influences—think expertly grilled octopus, smoky rice dishes, and delicate broths that hit all the right notes. Dishes are meant to be shared, but they’re so well balanced you might not want to.

The space is modern but welcoming, with an open kitchen that adds to the warm, unfussy vibe. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t always make the flashy best restaurants list—but should. If you’re after a thoughtful, quietly brilliant meal in Lima, Tomo deserves a spot on your radar.

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