What and Where to Eat in Lima

Welcome to Lima, the culinary capital of South America! From world-renowned restaurants to street food bursting with personality, Lima’s culinary scene is a feast for both the adventurous and the traditionalist. This guide will help you discover what to eat and where to eat it, along with some unique culinary experiences you simply can’t miss. Here’s everything you need to know to delight your taste buds in Lima!

Must-Try Dishes in Lima 

No trip to Lima is complete without indulging in its signature dishes. These are the culinary staples that make the city shine:

Ceviche 

Lima’s crown jewel, ceviche, is a must-have. Fresh, raw fish is marinated in zesty lime juice, topped with onions and chili for a delightful kick, and paired with sweet potato and corn for balance. It’s pure Peruvian perfection.

Where to try it? There are plenty of cevicherías (restaurants specializing in ceviche) all over the city. Since Lima is so close to the coast, the majority of places will have the freshest fish and there's little chance of food poisoning, but I tend to stick to the more popular spots and don't get it super late at night so I know it's fresh. One of my favorite spots for Ceviche was Punta Azul, that serves up a classic Ceviche as well as other specialty ways like Criollo.

Lomo Saltado 

This fusion dish is a delicious blend of Chinese and Peruvian flavors. Strips of beef are stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and spices, then served atop fries and rice. It’s comfort food at its finest. Although beef is the classic way to have it, many places also offer it with chicken or even alpaca!

Where to try it? Our Peruvian friend says that Isolina has hands-down the best Lomo Saltado, and I agree! They specialize in classic Peruvian dishes and have been at the top of the restaurants list since they opened.

Anticuchos 

These grilled skewers of marinated meat (often beef heart) are smoky and tender, served with golden potatoes and tangy aji sauce. Don’t be afraid to try it—it’s a street-food classic that will win you over.

Where to try it? The grill at El Rincón de Siempre is legendary for their anticuchos, served in a warm, welcoming setting. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also get it at the San Isidro Market from one of the many street vendors.

Pollo a la Brasa 

This Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is marinated in flavorful spices and cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy, succulent meat with crispy skin. Often served with french fries and a side of spicy sauce, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Where to try it? There are ton's of low-key spots to get Pollo a la Brasa in Lima, and some of the best places are chains like Pardos Chicken and Norky's. However, my absolute favorite spot to get this mouth-watering dish is at Timbo's—a hidden gem with the most delicious chicken I've ever tasted.

Aji de Gallina 

This creamy, mildly spicy dish features shredded chicken in a yellow pepper sauce, served over potatoes and rice. It’s a dish that comforts like a warm hug.

Where to try it? Tanta serves up a top-notch version of this rich Peruvian staple. Their cozy atmosphere and varied menu make it the perfect place to try this dish for the first time.

Causa 

Causa is as beautiful as it is delicious. Layers of mashed potatoes seasoned with lime and chili cradle fillings like avocado, chicken, or seafood. It’s light, zesty, and ridiculously satisfying.

Where to try it? You really can't go wrong with this dish, but Amankaya has a really flavorful Causa packed high with onions and avocado.

Chifa

Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine is a unique Lima specialty. Think stir-fries, noodles, and fried rice with a distinctly Peruvian twist.

Where to try it? Explore Chifa dishes at casual eateries across Lima or at Maido, if you want a very elevated experience.

Cuy

Guinea pig may not seem like the most appetizing dish to some, but in Peru, it’s a delicacy. It's usually found in the highlands, but if you're not making it out to Cusco, you should definitely still taste it in Lima. Try it deep-fried or roasted for an authentic Peruvian experience.

Where to try it? Head over to La Tranquera and see how this restaurant takes guinea pig from weird to wonderful in their traditional dishes.

Pan con Chicharrón 

This hearty sandwich is a breakfast favorite that Peruvians absolutely adore. It features juicy, tender slices of pork belly (chicharrón) that are crisped to perfection, topped with sweet potato slices and a zesty onion relish called salsa criolla, all tucked inside a fresh, crusty roll. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine—salty, savory, sweet, and tangy all in one bite! 

Where to try it? For an authentic taste, head to La Lucha Sanguchería. This popular chain serves up the best pan con chicharrón in town, and their fresh juices are a must-try as well!

Salchipapa

This fast-food staple is a favorite among locals, especially after a night out. It’s simply french fries topped with sliced hot dogs and drizzled in ketchup and mayo. Simple yet satisfying.

Where to try it? For the ultimate salchipapa experience, head to Oxa Burger in Barranco, one of our favorite spots to get it. They have a self serve sauce station with more than 10 different sauces to mix and match. My favorite was the light green garlic sauce, ketchup, and spicy sauce.

Lucuma

This exotic fruit is a staple in Peru, and can be found in everything from ice cream to desserts. It has a unique flavor that's hard to describe, but it's creamy, sweet, and delicious.

Where to try it? There are many places to get lucuma-flavored treats in Lima, but one of the best spots is Bianca Alta Pasticceria, a popular bakery known for their tasty pastries and lucuma-filled goodies.

Inca Kola

No culinary experience in Peru would be complete without trying its most beloved soft drink, Inca Kola. This bright yellow soda has a bubblegum-like flavor that's both unique and addictive. It's basically Peru's version of Coca-Cola, and it pairs perfectly with any meal.

Where to try it? You can find Inca Kola at almost every restaurant and supermarket in Lima.

Chicha Morada

Chicha Morada is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, pineapple skin, lime, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's refreshing and delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with savory dishes for a perfect balance of flavors.

Where to try it? You can find Chicha Morada at most restaurants in Lima, but it's best to get it somewhere they make it themselves since the lime juice and sugar should be added at the end just before serving, otherwise it can start to ferment if premixed.

Pisco Sour

No list of Peruvian cuisine would be complete without mentioning its famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour. This refreshing and tangy drink is made with Peru's national liquor, pisco, mixed with lime juice, egg whites, simple syrup, and bitters. It's a must-try for any adventurous beverage lover.

Where to try it? Head over to República del Pisco in Barranco for some of the best Pisco Sours in Lima. They even offer a variety of flavors like passionfruit and strawberry!

Suspiro a la Limeña 

Finish your meal on a sweet note with this caramel custard topped with a luscious meringue flavored with port. It’s the perfect way to end your culinary adventure!

Where to try it? You’ll find this dessert on most menus, but it’s especially good at Astrid y Gastón.

Picarones

These sweet potato and pumpkin fritters are a popular street food in Peru. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and drizzled with a delicious syrup made from chancaca (molasses).

Where to try it? The best place to try Picarones is at Picarones Mary, a small shop in Miraflores known for their amazing version of these delectable treats.

Where to Eat in Lima? Top Restaurants to Explore

Lima’s restaurants rank among the best in the world. Whether you’re after refined dining or comfort classics, you’ll find it here. These restaurants are a must to consider for your foodie itinerary, and the starred ones are my absolute favorites! This list goes in order from most expensive to least expensive, and the starred places are my top recommendations!

• Central ($$$$) – Frequently ranked among the world’s best, this is where Peruvian cuisine meets innovative creativity. Their tasting menus showcase the incredible diversity of Peru’s ecosystem, but it's often booked weeks and even months in advance, plus it costs a pretty penny.

• Maido ($$$$)– Immerse yourself in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. Their tasting menu is a culinary adventure you’ll never forget.

• Merito ($$$$) – Offering a mix of traditional Peruvian dishes and modern interpretations from a Venezuelan chef, Merito is the perfect spot to try a variety of flavors in one place.

• Astrid y Gastón ($$$$) – A pioneer in elevating Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant serves up creative takes on traditional dishes.

• *La Mar Cebicheria* ($$$) – A seafood lover’s dream! Alongside ceviche, you’ll find a range of dishes highlighting the rich flavors of Peru’s coast. They also have a great catch of the day where you can pick your fish and how you would like it cooked.

• Osaka ($$$) – Another restaurant showcasing Nikkei cuisine, with a focus on sushi and Peruvian-inspired cocktails. The tumbo shrimp is a must here!

• *Rafael* ($$$) – A bistro-like International cuisine restaurant with fresh and local ingredients.

• *Isolina Taberna Peruana* ($$) – Perfect for home-style Peruvian cooking served up in a cozy, rustic ambiance.

• *Siete Restaurant* ($$) – This spot serves up traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist, all within an eclectic and artsy setting. Their boquerones and catch of the day are two of my favorite bites.

• Panchita ($$) – Perfect for grill lovers! From anticuchos to hearty lomo saltado, this spot feels like a hug from Lima itself.

• Tanta ($$) – With locations all over Lima, this restaurant offers classic Peruvian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Perfect for those looking for comfort food with a twist. You can actually find one in Chicago too!

• *Punto Azul* ($$) – A hidden gem in Barranco with fantastic seafood, including some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever have.

• El Bolivariano ($$) – A fun and festive spot to try traditional dishes from the north coast of Peru.

• Tomoya Izakaya ($$) - This Nikkei spot is super low key and has some of the best ramen and sushi in Lima.

• La Lucha Sanguchería ($) - For no-fuss, delicious bites and a great late night sandwich, this is the place to be.

• Blast Smash Burgers ($) - If you're craving a bite of American food, this little burger joint  serves up some of the best burgers in Lima, with crispy edges and melty cheese.

Unique Food-Related Activities in Lima 

Eating delicious food isn’t the only way to explore Lima’s culinary scene. Add some of these exciting foodie activities to your plan to enhance your experience:

Food Tours 

Join a guided food tour to explore hidden gems, from bustling local markets to charming hole-in-the-wall eateries. Learn about the ingredients, cooking techniques, and culture that make Lima’s food scene so special. This is a great way to explore the food scene and making sure what you're eating won't get you sick! Here are some great food tours to check out:

• Artsy Barranco Food Tour - This tour takes you through the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, known for its art and food scene. You'll get to try some classic Peruvian dishes as well as fusion cuisine.

• The 10 tastings of Lima - Get a taste of everyday life in Lima by exploring local markets and trying traditional snacks with locals!

• Miraflores Tour Including Food & Drinks -  Get a taste of some of the best dishes Lima has to offer, while exploring its famous neighborhoods with this tour.

Cooking Classes 

Want to take a piece of Lima’s culinary magic home with you? Sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa. You’ll gain hands-on experience and insider tips from local chefs. Some great options are:

• Popular Peruvian Foods Cooking Class – This is the cooking class we took where we made lomo saltado and our own little causa which was so much fun! We found it on airbnb but the tour guide Haku tours also offers tons of different classes depending on your interests, from ceviche, to pisco sours, and churros!

• Luchito's Peruvian Cooking Class - Another popular cooking class where you can make ceviche, causa, ceviche, and pisco sours. 

Pisco Tasting 

Pisco is Peru’s national spirit, made from distilled grapes. Take a tour and learn about the production process and sample different varieties.

• Lima Pisco Tasting Tour -  This tour takes you to different bars in Lima, along with a brewery and lets you craft your own cocktail.

• Head to Ica to visit traditional Pisco distilleries - Ica is a region about 4 hours south of Lima and is known as the birthplace of Pisco. Take a day trip from Lima to visit distilleries, learn about the history and production process, and taste different varieties of Pisco. You can join a tour, rent a car, or take the bus to Ica.

Chocolate Making 

Not only does Peru produce some of the world’s best cacao, but it is also known for its high-quality chocolate. Take a chocolate making class and learn how to make your own chocolate creations.

Lima is an absolute paradise for food lovers and adventurers alike! From savoring traditional dishes at cozy eateries to embarking on unique culinary experiences like cooking classes and food tours, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a fan of fresh seafood, hearty comfort food, or creative fusions, Lima’s diverse flavors will leave you craving more.