Top 10 Restaurants in Peru

Peru’s culinary scene is renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors, innovative techniques, and fresh ingredients. From the bustling streets of Lima to the serene landscapes of Cusco, Peruvian cuisine offers a gastronomic journey like no other. Here are the top 10 restaurants that exemplify Peru’s culinary excellence, each offering a unique dining experience that celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage.

1. Central

Central, led by renowned chef Virgilio Martínez, is a pioneer in showcasing Peru’s biodiversity through its innovative cuisine.

• • Location: Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Central’s tasting menus take diners on a journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems, with each dish representing a different altitude and region.
  • Special dishes: Amazonian Piranha, Andean Potato, Coastal Sea Urchin.
  • Phone: +51 1 2428515

2. Maido

Maido, helmed by chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, is a culinary fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, known as “Nikkei” cuisine.

• • Location: Calle San Martín 399, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Maido offers an immersive dining experience with its innovative tasting menus, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients.
  • Special dishes: Ceviche Nikkei, Tiradito Acevichado, Amazonic Chocolate.
  • Phone: +51 1 3135100

3. Astrid y Gastón

Astrid y Gastón, founded by Gastón Acurio, is a culinary institution in Lima, known for its creative interpretation of traditional Peruvian dishes.

• • Location: Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Lima.
  • Highlights: This restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with its eclectic menu, showcasing Peru’s culinary diversity.
  • Special dishes: Causa Limena, Anticuchos, Lomo Saltado.
  • Phone: +51 1 4422777

4. Osso

Osso is a carnivore’s paradise, specializing in premium cuts of meat cooked to perfection on the grill.

• • Location: Av. Mariscal La Mar 399, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Osso is renowned for its high-quality meats sourced from local producers and cooked over open flames for an authentic smoky flavor.
  • Special dishes: Wagyu Ribeye, Bone Marrow, Osso Buco.
  • Phone: +51 1 2218222

5. Rafael

Rafael, led by chef Rafael Osterling, offers a contemporary take on Peruvian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

• • Location: Calle San Martin 300, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Rafael’s menu showcases innovative dishes inspired by traditional Peruvian flavors, presented in a modern and elegant setting.
  • Special dishes: Ceviche de Corvina, Pulpo al Olivo, Cordero a la Parrilla.
  • Phone: +51 1 2424149

6. Malabar

Malabar, headed by chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to Amazonian cuisine.

• • Location: Av. Camino Real 101, San Isidro, Lima.
  • Highlights: Malabar’s menu features ingredients sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest, creating dishes that highlight the biodiversity of Peru’s jungles.
  • Special dishes: Tacacho con Cecina, Arroz con Mariscos Amazonicos, Patarashca de Paiche.
  • Phone: +51 1 4405200

7. La Mar

La Mar, founded by Gastón Acurio, is a vibrant cevicheria offering an extensive selection of fresh seafood dishes.

• • Location: Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: La Mar’s menu celebrates Peru’s coastal cuisine, with an emphasis on ceviche and other seafood specialties.
  • Special dishes: Ceviche Clásico, Tiradito Nikei, Causa de Pulpo.
  • Phone: +51 1 4213365

8. Amaz

Amaz, inspired by the Amazon rainforest, offers a culinary journey through Peru’s jungle flavors in a vibrant and eclectic setting.

• • Location: Av. La Paz 1079, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Amaz’s menu features innovative dishes that showcase the unique ingredients and traditional techniques of the Amazon region.
  • Special dishes: Tacacho Amazónico, Juane de Pollo, Patarashca de Paiche.
  • Phone: +51 1 2219393

9. El Mercado

El Mercado, led by chef Rafael Osterling, is a bustling seafood restaurant offering a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.

• • Location: Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: El Mercado’s menu highlights the freshest seafood sourced daily from local markets, prepared simply to let the quality of the ingredients shine.
  • Special dishes: Ceviche Mixto, Pulpo a la Parrilla, Arroz con Mariscos.
  • Phone: +51 1 2211322

10. Panchita

Panchita, part of Gastón Acurio’s culinary empire, specializes in traditional Peruvian cuisine with a focus on hearty and flavorful dishes.

• • Location: Calle 2 de Mayo 298, Miraflores, Lima.
  • Highlights: Panchita offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere, where diners can enjoy classic Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Special dishes: Anticuchos de Corazón, Cuy Chactado, Rocoto Relleno.
  • Phone: +51 1 2425957

These top 10 restaurants in Peru offer a culinary adventure that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine, from traditional flavors to innovative interpretations. Whether you’re craving ceviche by the sea or exploring the vibrant tastes of the Amazon, Peru’s culinary scene promises to delight and inspire.