Ultimate Lima Food Guide – Best Places To Eat In Lima
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN LIMA
Welcome to Lima – The Food Capital of Latin America! Your Ultimate Lima Food Guide
Welcome to Lima, the Food Capital of Latin America! Want to know what and where to eat in Lima? Our Lima Food Guide is your ultimate resource, featuring every recommended spot we personally tested.
Lima is more than just a city with nice things to do — it’s a culinary paradise. Peruvian cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the country, and there’s no better place to start than Lima, the heart of Latin America’s food scene. We’ve compiled the best places to eat in Lima, from Miraflores to Barranco.
Whether you’re a budget traveler enjoying a $3 three-course lunch or a luxury seeker dining at the sixth-best restaurant in the world, Lima has it all!
Buen provecho!
Gourmet Dining - What and Where to Eat in Lima
- 1. BARRA MARETAZO - SEAFOOD
- 2. TANTA – TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN CRIOLLA CUISINE
- 3. MADAM TUSAN – AUTHENTIC CHIFA CUISINE
- 4. MAIDO – RENOWNED NIKKEI DINING
- 5. CALA – PERUVIAN CRIOLLA CUISINE WITH A VIEW OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN
- 6. VILLA CHICKEN – THE BEST POLLO A LA BRASA
- 7. KAIKAN – INNOVATIVE NIKKEI DINING
- 8. ANTIGUA TABERNA QUEIROLO – WHERE LOCALS ENJOY PERUVIAN DISHES
1. Barra Maretazo – Best Seafood in Lima
Located in Miraflores, Barra Maretazo is one of the best restaurants in Lima for seafood lovers. This lively spot is always bustling, and for good reason. The friendly, English-speaking staff guide you through the menu, offering fresh ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice. The Pick Two option lets you choose between delicious dishes like Arroz con Mariscos (seafood rice), Chaufa (fried rice with seafood or fish), and crispy Chicharrón (fried seafood or calamari). We recommend sitting on the second floor for a great street view and an added beach vibe, with sand underfoot and an open kitchen where you can watch the ceviche being prepared.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Calle Alcanfores 373, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
12:00 – 10:00 pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Menu: https://barramaretazo.com/en/menu/
Website:
https://barramaretazo.com/
2. Tanta – Traditional Peruvian Criolla Cuisine
No Lima food guide is complete without Tanta, a popular spot offering some of the best Peruvian cuisine in the city. With several locations, including one at the airport, the most stunning one is at Larcomar Mall, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Tanta is where I had my first introduction to Peruvian food, and Vicky swears it serves the best Lomo Saltado in Lima. For the perfect pairing, try a classic Pisco Sour, a must-try Peruvian cocktail. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned food lover, Tanta is a great choice for experiencing traditional Peruvian flavors.
If you’re looking for a restaurant specialized in traditional Peruvian cuisine, Tanta is the place to go. Peruvians often prepare criolla dishes at home, and at Tanta, you can try this culinary tradition. From Papa Rellena to Anticucho and much more, new flavors are waiting for you!
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Mal. de la Reserva 610, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
09:00 am – 11:00 pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Menu:
https://tantaperu.com/tantaqr.pdf
Website:
https://tantaperu.com/en/
3. Madam Tusan – Authentic Chifa Cuisine in Lima
For a unique fusion of Peruvian-Chinese cuisine, Madam Tusan is the place to go in Lima. With several locations around the city, it may not have a waterfront view, but it makes up for it with outstanding Chifa dishes and exceptional service. The restaurant is renowned for its flavorful Chaufa platters, a popular fried rice dish, and its appetizers, which are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a fan of Peruvian cuisine or looking for something new, Madam Tusan offers an unforgettable dining experience and is for us one of the best places to eat in Lima.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Av. 28 de Julio 1045, Miraflores 15047, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
09:00 am – 11:00 pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Website:
https://www.madamtusan.com.pe/
4. Maido – Renowned Nikkei Dining in Lima
Dining at Maido, ranked as the world’s sixth-best restaurant in 2023, was a privilege. Famous for its Nikkei cuisine, which blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors, the restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary journey. Head chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, a Lima native with Japanese roots, redefines what Nikkei cuisine means, making it a global sensation. We had food from the à la carte menu, which was filled with amazing dishes, but the full Maido experience, starting at $240 per person, offers an even more crazy dining adventure. With beverage pairings, the experience can go up to $415 per person. A must-try for food lovers visiting Lima!
Additionally, reservations are essential and should be made well in advance, preferably at least two months ahead. Occasionally, last-minute options may arise due to cancellations, so it’s worth checking shortly before. While the dress code is very basic, and we observed people in shorts, we recommend dressing appropriately for the ambiance of such a renowned restaurant.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and the à la carte prices are surprisingly affordable. Cocktails cost around $20.00, and a sommelier introduces themselves at the table and recommends various options. In the end, we paid approximately $90.00 for a cocktail, a small Coke Zero, a large bottle of water, an appetizer, and the two main courses.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday
01:00 – 10:00 pm
Price: $$$$
Website:
https://www.maido.pe/?lang=en
5. Cala – Peruvian Criolla Cuisine with a View of the Pacific Ocean
Cala is one of Lima’s top restaurants for dining by the ocean. Located right by the water, it offers stunning views of the sunset and the Pacific. Known for its exceptional seafood and Peruvian cuisine, the menu features fresh local dishes and a variety of seafood specialties. While not the most affordable, Cala provides excellent service and high-quality food, making it a must-visit for food lovers. After your meal, enjoy a drink while watching the waves break on the nearby beach. For a more budget-friendly option with a similar view, check out Tanta at the Larcomar Mall.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Cto. de Playas, Barranco 15063, Peru
Opening hours:
Thursday – Saturday
12:00 pm – 03:00 am
Sunday – Wednesday
12:00 pm – 01:00 am
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Menu:
https://cala-restaurante-lounge.cluvi.pe/english-menu/subcategories?maincategory_id=5521
Website:
https://calarestaurante.com/en/
6. Villa Chicken – The Best Pollo a la Brasa in Lima
When our friend Daniel from Rio de Janeiro visited us in Lima, he asked us what and where to eat in Lima. Of course, we made sure to take him to some good restaurants. Firstly, we went for Lomo Saltado at Tanta, and secondly, we visited Villa Chicken near Plaza de Armas. Villa Chicken is also a chain with many locations in Lima. We shared a whole chicken, served with plenty of fries and a large salad. The ambiance reminded us of a German beer hall and it’s always bustling. When we left, there was a long line outside the restaurant. Our waiter took the opportunity to practice his English, and he was visibly proud that we could understand him. Overall, it’s a great spot for grilled chicken and other grill specialties like blood sausages.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Jirón Ica 157, Lima 15001, Peru
Opening hours:
12:00 – 09:00 pm
Price: $$ -$$$
Website:
https://villachicken.com.pe/villaweb/
7. Kaikan – Innovative Nikkei Dining in Lima
Just like Maido, Kaikan also serves amazing Nikkei cuisine – a mix of Peruvian cuisine and Japanese flavors. The restaurant is decorated in a simple but stylish Japanese way, and we sat on the second-floor terrace. From there, we could enjoy the sunshine and watch the busy roundabout below. For our starter, we tried Makis – rice, fish, and vegetables rolled up with a sheet of Nori seaweed. Do you know the difference between Makis and Nigiris? Makis are rolled with the fish and rice inside the seaweed, while Nigiris just have the fish placed on top of the rice. The portion was perfect for sharing, and it was really tasty!
All in all, the food was good, and we really enjoyed the Makis. However, when we consider that Maido potentially offers the best Nikkei cuisine in the world, we can’t wholeheartedly recommend Kaikan. Of course, there is a price difference between Kaikan and Maido, but there’s also a significant disparity in quality. For instance, we didn’t appreciate how the crispy chicken became soggy when drowned in sauce.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Av. Sta. Cruz 825, Miraflores 15073, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Tuesday
12:00 – 10:00 pm
Wednesday – Sunday
12:00 – 12:00 am
Price: $$ – $$$
Website:
https://kaikanrestaurante.com/
8. Antigua Taberna Queirolo – Where Locals Enjoy Peruvian Dishes
Located in the quiet, non-touristy neighborhood of Puerto Libre, this hidden place is a favorite for locals – you won’t see many tourists here. We took an Uber there and enjoyed a wonderful evening with Vicky’s sister. The atmosphere is laid-back, with locals ordering whole bottles of Pisco for their tables, and everyone enjoying great food. If you’re in the mood to get a little tipsy, you’ll fit right in. The house specialty is a delicious sandwich made with homemade ham. For drinks, we recommend trying Calientito, a warm and sweet drink that reminded us of white mulled wine. We also ordered Picarones, a classic Peruvian dessert. If you’re looking for authentic local flavors, this is one of the best places to eat in Lima!
Afterward, you can walk over to El Bolivariano. This restaurant has a large hall in the back with communal long tables and loud music, giving it a vibe similar to a German beer hall.
MORE INFORMATION
Address: Av. San Martín 1090, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
08:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday
08:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday
08:00 am – 04:30 pm
Price: $$
Website: https://antiguatabernaqueirolo.com/
Explore International Cuisine – Lima’s Global Dining Scene
1. Shimaya – Authentic Ramen Experience in Lima
We love trying local cuisine, but sometimes we just want something different. That’s where Shimaya, a Japanese restaurant with multiple locations in Lima, comes in. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted in Japanese, setting the tone for an authentic experience. We tried ramen, makis, and gyoza, all of that was delicious. The ramen comes in three sizes: S, M, and L, ranging from 6.00 USD to 13.00 USD. For just 12.00 USD, you can enjoy a special combo with a small ramen and 10 makis – great value! Whether you want a quick bite or something more filling, Shimaya is one of the best places to eat in Lima for international cuisine.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 393, Barranco 15063, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
12:00 – 10:00 pm
Price: $$
2. Tierra Santa – Arabic Food in Lima
Arabic Food in Lima? Tierra Santa is a place worth trying. The platter comes with four different dips and pitas, and the hummus was really good. The service and ambiance, however, could be improved—it’s not the coziest spot. Still, for something different from the usual Peruvian cuisine, it’s a great choice. Whether you’re exploring the best places to eat in Lima or just looking for a change from ceviche and lomo saltado, Tierra Santa offers a nice alternative.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
C. Schell 354, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
10:00 am – 11:45 pm
Friday – Saturday
10:00 am – 12:45 am
Sunday
11:30 am – 22 pm
Price: $$
3. Slice – Best Pizza in Lima
Excellent pizza and great value for money. Quick service, cold drinks, and a place we would go back to anytime. It’s small, but perfect for delicious pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. There are also two tables outside. The only downside is that there’s no air conditioning (just a fan) and they only offer pizzas. A small selection of salads would be great.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Calle Alcanfores 350 c, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday
12:00 – 11:45 pm
Sunday
03:00 – 11:45 pm
Price: $$
Street Food and Takeaways – Taste the Flavors of Lima on the Go
1. Imperio – Delicious Shawarma in Lima
If you’re out in Barranco in the evening and looking for takeaway food, this is the place to go. We stumbled upon it by chance and were surprised to see so many people waiting. Right next to the Metro supermarket, you’ll find this shawarma stand. We had to wait for about 15 minutes, but it was worth it. The meat is juicy, and the sauce is amazing. The opening hours aren’t always reliable. Unlike in Germany, you can even pay by card there.
MORE INFORMATION
Address: Esquina de Metro de Grau, Pierola 106, Barranco 15063, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday
04:30 – 10:30 pm
Price:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawarmasimperio/?hl=de
2. Best chicharron – Peruvian pork belly
What do you think of when you read about a sandwich with slow braised pork and sweet potato topped with a crisp red onion relish? Probably not breakfast. It was therefore more surprising for me when Vicky told me that chicharron is traditionally eaten for breakfast. The good thing is that the restaurants are open from early in the morning until late at night and can therefore also replace the “after-partying kebab”. During our time together in Lima, we tried three different places (the chains have their restaurants all over Lima).
EL CHINITO - MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 302, Barranco 15063, Peru
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Wednesday
08:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday
08:00 – 00:00 am
Friday – Saturday
08:00 – 02:00 am
Sunday
08:00 am – 03:00 pm
Price: $
Locations:
https://elchinito.com.pe/nuestras-sedes/
Website: https://elchinito.com.pe/
Our favorite is definitely El Chinito. Even though it is the most expensive chicharron of the three, it convinced us the most in the overall package. Both the size and the meat were great and the bread was very crispy. If you’re not too hungry, you can share a chicharron and fill full.
Price: 5,00 USD
LA LUCHA - MORE INFORMATION
Address: Av. Sta. Cruz 825, Miraflores 15073, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
08:00 am – 00:00 am
Friday 08:00 – 02:00 am
Sunday 08:00 – 03:00 am
Price:
Website: https://lalucha.com.pe/
La Lucha Sangucheria Cirolla is probably the most visited of the three because it looks a little more inviting and the locations are in absolute top locations. However, we personally think that the price-performance ratio is not right and we have had bad experiences with the Mayonaise.
Price: 4,00 USD
CHICHARRONES DEL INCA - MORE INFORMATION
Address: V2C9+87X, Av. Caminos del Inca, Santiago de Surco 15039, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday
07:30 am – 02:00 pm
05:30 – 10:00 pm
Sunday
07:30 am – 01:00 pm
Price:
Website: https://www.chicharronesdelinca.com/
Chicharrones del Inca is more of a place for the locals and fewer tourists come here. This could be seen as a sign of quality and we have to say that there is hardly any difference between El Chinito and Chicharrones del Inca.
Price: 4,00 USD
3. Anticuchos (Cow Heart) & Choripan – A Flavorful Peruvian Street Food Combo
Anticuchos are marinated cow hearts on a skewer that are served either in restaurants such as “Anticucheria El Tio Mario” or at street food stands. It takes some getting used to at first, but if you don’t necessarily think about what you’re eating, it’s really delicious. It usually has a strong garlic flavor and is grilled spectacularly on the barbecue and marinated regularly with the marinade, causing high flames to rise.
We tried anticuchos after a football match. By the way, it’s worth going to a soccer match only for the culinary experience. There we also tried Choripan which is a grilled chorizo sausage (chori) served on a crusty bread roll (pan).
4. 3.00 USD menu restaurants – affordable eats in Lima
5. Chinatown – Explore Lima's Chinese Food Scene
You’re a food lover reading our Lima food guide, so Chinatown offers an authentic local experience you don’t want to miss. This vibrant area is full of street food stands and restaurants serving delicious Chifa cuisine (Peruvian-Chinese fusion). The atmosphere is noisy and crowded, adding to the experience. On weekends, expect long queues outside popular restaurants, so be prepared to wait. Look out for local specialties like Siu Mai, Pork Belly, Wan Tan soup, and Min Pao.
A visit to Chinatown pairs perfectly with a stop at the Central Market, which is on the way to Plaza de Armas. But be warned — only enter if you have a strong stomach!
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Jr. Ucayali, Lima 15001, Peru
Lima Markets – Discover Fresh Ingredients and Street Food
1. Central market – where to find fresh ingredients and local specialties
The Central Market in Lima is not for the faint-hearted. Here, you’ll find sheep heads, unrefrigerated meat, and skinned guinea pigs for sale. The atmosphere can be a bit disgusting, often due to the strong smells, but it’s still worth visiting as part of our Lima food guide. While the market offers a truly local experience, we didn’t dare try the food this time. However, it’s a great place to see authentic Peruvian cuisine in its raw form. If you’re a food lover exploring the best places to eat in Lima, the Central Market is an experience you won’t forget – just be prepared for its bold sights and smells.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Jr. Ucayali 615, Lima 15001, Peru
Opening hours:
07:00 am – 07:00 pm
2. Magdalena market – a vibrant market for local food lovers
Magdalena Market, named after the district where it’s located, is, in our opinion, somewhat more hygienic than the Central Market. The market is spread across various buildings, some more hygienic than others, and offers a great insight into culinary diversity. The fruit we bought was very juicy and delicious, and the Lomo Saltado and Papa Rellena were definitely worth the money. It’s also interesting to simply observe the hustle and bustle of the market.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Jr. Bolognesi 504, Magdalena del Mar 15086, Peru
Opening hours:
04:00 am – 06:00 pm
Sweet Treats – Explore Lima’s Best Desserts and Pastries
1. Beso Frances – Delicious Crepes & More in Lima
Vicky’s favorite place? Possible! Even before I visited Vicky in Lima for the first time, I wondered why she regularly goes out for crepes in Lima. Well, “Beso Frances” has stores in beautiful locations, a French interior and the staff wear a French outfit. The crepes are excellent and we can also recommend the milkshakes. We like most the stores right on the Pacific , because you can see the beautiful sunset behind the Pacific ocean from here.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Beso Francés Crepería, Mal. de la Reserva 131, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
07:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday – Sunday
07:00 am – 12:00 am
Price: $ – $$
Locations: https://besofrances.com/pages/tiendas
Menu
https://besofrances.com/pages/besomenu
Website:
https://besofrances.com/
2. Anticucheria El Tio Mario – Picarones in Lima
The Anticucheria El Tio Mario is located in the heart of Barranco. Please note that there are two locations. We recommend the one linked here under “More information”. This restaurant has several floors and from the top you can see the church in Barranco and also the ocean! You should try here the anticuchos and especially picarones.
MORE INFORMATION
Address:
Jr. Zepita 214, (frente, Puente de los Suspiros, Barranco 15064, Peru)
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
04:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday – Saturday
12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Price: $$ – $$$
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