What and Where to Eat in Lima: 20 Recommended Food Spots

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Ultimate Lima Food Guide – Best Places To Eat In Lima

Peru offers one of the most diverse culinary experiences we've ever had, and Lima, as the food capital of Latin America, is the perfect place to explore Peruvian cuisine. With influences from Japanese (Nikkei), Chinese (Chifa), and pre-Columbian (Criolla) traditions, Lima is a food lover's paradise. Vicky, being from Lima, has shared her local recommendations for the best dishes, including Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Chicharrón. We even dined at some of the world's top restaurants, where you can enjoy Michelin-quality meals at surprisingly affordable prices. In this Lima food guide, we’ll take you to the best restaurants in Lima!

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN LIMA

What and where to eat in Lima, Lima food guide map
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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 – 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.

Close-up of a glass of Leche de Tigre, a tangy Peruvian drink made from fish stock, lime, and spices, typically served alongside ceviche.
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Leche de Tigre
Welcome from the kitchen, showcasing freshly prepared dishes and vibrant ingredients, ready to be served.
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Greeting from the kitchen
Fresh ceviche served with vibrant ingredients, featuring marinated fish, tangy citrus, and colorful garnishes.
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Ceviche

The portions are huge, and the price, in our opinion, is fair. As a complimentary appetizer, you get Peruvian corn with salt and a kitchen greeting. We always loved coming back! Definitely one of our favorite choices when we think about what and where to eat in Lima. It might be interesting for you; they also offer vegetarian options.

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.

Tanta Lima's signature Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of tender beef strips, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, crispy French fries, and vibrant seasonings, served with a side of fluffy rice.
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Lomo Saltado
Close-up of Lomo Saltado at Tanta Lima, with succulent beef, caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and crispy fries, served over a bed of steaming white rice.
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Lomo Saltado
Pisco Sour: Pisco Sour is a cocktail typically made by mixing Pisco, lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white with ice and then strained into a glass. Pisco is a grape brandy named after the city of Pisco in Peru.
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Pisco Sour

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!

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.

Exterior view of Madam Tusan Restaurant, located in Lima's vibrant dining district.
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Madam Tusan
A bowl of hot Wantan soup at Madam Tusan Lima, filled with delicate Wantan, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, garnished with fresh green onions.
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Wantan
A steaming bowl of rich and flavorful duck soup at Madam Tusan Lima, featuring tender pieces of duck, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth.
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Duck soup
Madam Tusan Lima's Arroz Chaufa, served on a sizzling hot plate with fragrant rice, succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and a harmonious mix of spices.
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Arroz Chaufa

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!

Chef and staff at Maido Restaurant greeting guests with a warm smile and a dish prepared in the open kitchen.
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Greeting from the kitchen
A beautifully plated bowl of udon noodles, topped with succulent prawns, tender octopus, and a drizzle of savory broth, showcasing Maido's fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors.
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Udon noodles with prawns and octopus
A delicious serving of Kansai Yakimeshi from Maido, with stir-fried rice, fresh vegetables, and a combination of meats, served in a warm, aromatic dish.
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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.

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.

Restaurant Cala's signature ceviche, with fresh white fish marinated in citrus, complemented by the crunch of toasted corn (cancha) and the sweetness of Peruvian sweet potato.
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Ceviche
A beautifully plated causa at Restaurant Cala, featuring layers of creamy mashed potatoes, fresh seafood, and a drizzle of tangy Peruvian sauce, garnished with avocado and olives.