The architecture is unique; it represents what Lima used to be. Peru is a country with a vast indigenous base that also changed and was influenced by different waves of immigration. You can feel the fusions stretching from Europe to Asia. Although it’s a small district, there are a few corners you can’t miss.

One of our favorite streets is Domeyer, which has radically transformed over the last 2-3 years. You’ll find coffee shops, pastry shops, and one of Latin America’s top restaurants on the corner, Isolina. Another restaurant on the same street that offers a distinctive ambiance is Siete. Domeyer is an excellent example of the neighborhood’s charm.

Another area you must peruse is the malecón, or the clifftop boardwalk. We would be remiss if we didn't include it. It's perfect for a stroll and provides some of the best views in Lima, right along the coast.

Boulevard Sáenz Peña is another option for enjoying Barranco’s eclectic architecture. Here you'll find some of the top hotels in Lima, like Hotel B or Casa Republica. They've recently allowed outdoor seating in the middle of the promenade serviced by Hotel B, where you can grab a drink and some piqueos, the Peruvian version of tapas. Finally, for a brief browse, you can wander into Dedalo and shop for souvenirs. 

Lastly, but certainly at the top of the list in terms of capturing the essence of Barranco, Bajada de los baños, where you’ll find the famous Bridge of Sighs. It’s a cobblestone walkway that takes you down to the coast from here, where you can delight in the lush landscaping and urban yesteryear aesthetic.

Ultimately, we are foodies and run a Lima food tour. So our second reason to love Barranco is for its culinary offering, clearly!

Our faves include Central, one of the top restaurants, not in Lima, but in the world, by Chef Virgilio Martínez. You have Kjolle, with top chef Pía León. We also love Isolina (mentioned above), which serves traditional Peruvian food and so many star dishes that it’s hard to pick a favorite. The seco, cebiche, and lomo saltado are all hits. In Barranco, you can find creative cuisine like Mérito and Sibaris, as well as fusion offerings like Casona San Martín. This last hidden gem unites the cuisine of the three main regions of Peru: the coast, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon jungle. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, you have your pick of excellent artisanal gelato experts between Blu and Crem dela Crem. 

Numerous stylish coffee shops are peppered throughout the district. One of our favorites is La Bodega Verde, a chill and relaxed secret garden café. As the vibe in Barranco, in general, is inviting, you can sit down, have your coffee and chat away. Another place with excellent coffee, among other delicious bites, is La Panetteria. Cipresso is another neighborhood great located on one of Barranco’s main avenues, San Martín, in a renovated mansion called Casona San Martín (next to the restaurant by the same name). 

Surrender to the bohemian beat of Barranco through its nightlife. More rooftop terraces have opened in the last few years, like Hotel B. They offer sea views, a modern space, and nice music to accompany the evening. If you want something more traditional, with old-style Peruvian live music, you have something called "peñas." For one of the most iconic and classic corners, visit peña Don Porfirio. You have cocktail bars as well, like Barra 55 or Dada. In terms of nightlife, you have something for everyone in Barranco and can walk around the district jumping from one place to the next. 

Restaurants in Lima are as colorful and diverse as the traditions and culinary creativity represented in the dishes served. Like the rest of the world, the foodie landscape was forever changed by the effects of the pandemic. Some old favorites unfortunately couldn't resist the extended closures, meanwhile new bars, cafes, and restaurants in Lima have bloomed, bringing the city back to life. In some ways the Peruvian restaurant experiences has transformed completely, generally providing more options for patrons. Peru's capital enjoys a mild climate, providing the perfect conditions for year-round al fresco dining. Motivated by the restrictions implemented, many locales opted to take advantage of curb space and outdoor areas allowing customers to pair delicious dishes with an urban view. The appetite for dining out has also increased, so be sure to make your reservations in advance otherwise you may be opting for takeout. In reality, delivery and takeout have also progressed and become more sophisticated as several top-notch restaurants launched gourmet options you can enjoy from the comfort of abode. If you're just visting, we definitely recommend planning out your meals for in-person experiences of Lima's exquisite foodie scene. If you want to head straight to the grain, you can view a list of our recommended restaurants in Lima, or read on for extra insight into our Peruvian culinary favorites.

​Peruvian restaurants serving traditional dishes can look like many different things depending on your angle. Here we've narrowed the classification to focus on dishes would mostly be considered "Peruvian creole" or restaurants dedicated to using local ingredients and rotating their menus depending on the season. Our top three favorites are: Isolina, Huaca Pucllana and Matria. So let's break it down a bit further.

​When we want to treat my mother-in-law and extended Peruvian family to a special meal, this is our go-to place. This is Peruvian soul food immaculately executed to combine home-cooking that transports you to another era with a jovial and familiar atmosphere. Everything, and we mean everything, on the menu is delicious. After years as patrons, our favorite dishes are still the seco, the lomo saltado, the cebiche, and the papa rellena. Bonus points for the chef and his team as this restaurant has repeatedly figured among the cream of the crop in terms of best restaurants in Latin America.

Isolina · 101 San Martin Av., Barranco  · +51 (1) 247-5075

The Huaca Pucllana offers an elevated interpretation of traditional Peruvian cuisine. The presentation is thoughtful and while keeping the essence of the dishes true to their roots. Additionally, this is a great place to branch out beyond the traditional pisco sour as here you can ask for the flagship cocktail and chilcanos (the pisco sour's lighter cousin)​ with one of many fruit and herbal infused piscos. An aguaymanto or coca sour are ideal options if you're already familiar with the traditional lime libation. Apart from the food, the most impressive characteristic is the setting, which is adjacent to a pre-Incan archeological site in the heart of the Miraflores district. 

Huaca Pucllana · General Borgoño Block 8, Miraflores · +51 (1) 445-4042

At Matria, Peru's ingredients and the environment are at the heart of this palatable proposal. While not necesarily traditional recipes, the menu rotates based on the season, thus coming into tune with the country's biodiverstiy and natural cycles. The dishes offer a variety of foodie fusions that highlight the quality of the local ingredients and reflect the versatility of the restaurant's culinary team. Another plus is the location, which will take you beyond the typical tours of Miraflores to explore a different side of the district.
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Matria · General Manuel Mendiburu 823, Miraflores · +51 (1) 422-2784 / +51 922 277 637

Seafood in Lima is a staple of the city's cuisine. With over 2,400 km (1,500 mi) of coastline, Peru has been experimenting with fare from the Pacific for millenia. Having perfected a range of cooking techniques, Peruvians were already masters of the sea before other cultures arrived to lend their own culinary influences. Today the fusions abound, but a particular nod to the Japanese and Chinese can be seen, especially in more delicate and elaborate preparations. 

El Mercado has been on our list of restaurants we recommend to friends and family since it opened. The consistency and attentive service is bar none and the fresh and innovative flavors never cease to impress. It's a corner of the city that has it all ambience, food, music, and great people watching. It's one of our all-time favorites. Our picks for what to order include the grilled octopus, the chili-marinated fish carpaccio, or the Nikkei cebiche.  

El Mercado · 203 Hipólito Unanue, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 221-1322

Cala is one of those prividged places that invites guests to gaze upon the vast expanse of Pacific Ocean, connecting them to the ecosystem that supports Peru's rich heritage of marine meals. There's nothing like sitting right next to the water and getting a little lost in the waves and relaxed conversation while enjoying the catch of the day prepared in a local style. Cala does have options for those who steer clear of the sea, but if you're open to some fresh fish and beautiful views, this is your place.

Cala · Circuito de Playas, Barranco · T: +51 (1) 477-2020

​La Mar is a classic go-to for a vibrant experience, a delicious variety of dishes and great service. As one of Gastón Acurio's most notable brands, it's always packed and it always delivers. For a pro tip, look up at the chalkboard for the daily specials if you're looking to try something new. It's a restaurant that also respects and communicates any temporary bans on serving specific species in order to protect them, in line with local policy. If you want to go beyond the classic cebiche, try one of their tasting platters to open your tastebuds.

La Mar · Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 421-3365

Pescados Capitales opens with a great tongue-in-cheek vibe as the name is a play on words in Spanish, referring to pecados capitales, or the seven capital sins. The menu follows suit with dishes that are inspired on each of the sins as well as the overarching them. The spacious outdoor patio also makes it an attractive spot to explore Peruvian seafood, hopefully without crossing the line into gluttony. Most seafood places close after lunch, a tradition establish before the accessibilty of refrigeration, however Pescados Capitales is one of the few (along with Cala) that also open its doors for the dinner service.

Pescados Capitales · Av. La Mar 1337, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 680-4600

We would be remiss if we didn't include the names that consistently make international lists for the best restaurants in the world. There is ample information available for these rockstars, so we're sure that at least a couple of these are already on your list of where to eat in Lima. We'll leave them below along with links you can visit to begin your trip down the rabbit hole of mouthwatering instagram profiles and websites.
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Other restaurants we love and need to include in a our Part II list are: Limaná, Osaka, Jerónimo, Siete and Mérito.

¡Buen provecho y buen viaje!

This district has been the center of tourism in the city for decades. Located on a gorgeous stretch of the Pacific coast, Miraflores has it all. It's a lively district with plenty of restaurants (including one of the top 10 in the world, Maido) and nice walks along the coast. Whether you want something quiet or in a more happening area, you'll find it here. Another plus is that most of the hotels are located in areas where you can easily walk from one place to another and nothing within Miraflores is more than a 10 minute taxi ride away. It has something for everyone: surfing, cultural tours of pre-Incan temples, paragliding, food tours, shopping, and even wifi-enabled public parks. Here's our breakdown.

​If you are looking for an authentic, vibrant step back in time, Barranco is the place to be. Many buildings and areas are officially protected as cultural heritage, therefore, the Republican and colonial style facades give the district personality that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. This district is considered the bohemian, romantic and artsy center of life in Lima and there is no shortage of fascinating art galleries, shops selling uniquely hand-crafted goods, and an emergence of hip bars and restaurants to give Miraflores a run for its money. ​

In Lima you'll find everything from large international chains, like the JW Marriott, to quaint B&Bs like Second Home Peru. While luxury chains can run you a couple hundred dollars a night, you can find some amazing charmers that feel just as luxurious for around $100 per night. Our faves in terms of boutique hotels include Casa Republica, Villa Barranco, and Hotel B.

Now, if you just want to sit back, relax, and leave it to the pros, you can check out our Lima food and city tours, which cover both districts plus San Isidro, the main sights, some hands-on activities and was designed for people who want to see the city while tasting the best dishes.

​The best restaurants in Lima all bring exceptional value to the table, whether that be found in the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the chef and culinary team, the inspiring ambience or the entire story narrated from the beginning until the end of the experience. In counted, unique cases there are opportunities for some of the best dining in Lima when all of these factors unite for one incredible meal. To take matters a step further, there are great rewards for those who decide to leverage Lima’s year-round mild climate and offer guests a respite from the hustle and bustle by providing chic and cozy outdoor seating and rooftop patios. You don’t have to venture very far off the beaten path to become completely enamored by these top restaurants in Lima that serve their delicious bites with a side of fresh air.
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​​This spacious rooftop patio nearly takes you to the clouds as the highest rooftop terrace in Lima located on the 22nd floor. With several different dining areas, guests can choose the spot that best fits the mood for the moment whether that be the polished and sophisticated bar, the formal dining room with views of the kitchen, or our favorite, the outdoor terrace. On many weeknights, Azotea Doce also organizes live music, which provides the perfect recipe for a great time. The dishes are delicately crafted and artfully presented and although on the light side, the flavor alone more than satiates the palate.

​Among the best restaurants in Barranco, you’ll find a stunning spot that invites you to relax and lean into the district’s bohemian vibe. Located in a gorgeous renovated mansion along San Martin Avenue, you’ll pass through the gates and into an open space that extends all the way to the landscaped garden at the back of the property. The outdoor bar and wood-burning oven are the highlights at Dada but you’ll find a colorful and theatrical escape within each room of the house’s interior. It’s the perfect plan for a few drinks and tapas after discovering all of the vibrant things to do in Barranco.

Tucked into a quaint, green corner in the heart of Miraflores, La Plazita is always a winning option. Just blocks from the iconic Larco Avenue, you’ll find a relaxing patio that has something for everyone. The restaurant’s casual, elegant style puts the menu front and center with fresh Peruvian fusions that allow the country’s rich biodiversity to be the protagonist. La Plazita, without a doubt, is one of the best restaurants in Miraflores with outdoor seating.

No visit to Lima would be complete without the Nikkei experience. The Peruvian-Japanese fusion has brought us innumerable culinary gifts thanks to both cultures’ millenary appreciation for the sea. If you can’t get a table at Latin America’s top restaurant, Maido, don’t fret as Lima has some amazing options for you to get a taste of Nikkei cuisine and one of those happens to have a killer terrace. Osaka sits right on the edge of the San Isidro district and from the sensory-packed descent into the depths of this underground lair, you can tell it will be an experience. The food, the drinks and obviously the terrace make this a great spot to spend an evening in Lima.

If you have a special appreciation for extreme attention to detail and you’re craving an alternative to the widely-recommended cebichería La Mar, then Barra Lima is your place. Don’t let the unassuming trappings fool you, the dishes are nothing short of exquisite. It’s apparent that the execution of each dish was planned down to the exact position of every element on the plate and the flavors follow suit making it a well-rounded experience. Barra Lima shows us native Peruvian ingredients reimagined and recomposed. The bonus is the al fresco patio which allows you to do some light people watching as you’ll be curbside one of Lima’s prime boutique shopping avenues, Conquistadores. 

​For some, sitting down to a meal is about so much more than the flavors and aromas because the preparation for the dishes began much before, when the seeds were planted, even far before harvest. Conscious dining is a trend becoming ever-more present as guests want to know more about the origins of their meals and the micro-economy affected by their conscious decisions regarding consumption. Lucky for Lima, there is a centrally-located Miraflores rooftop paradise that cooks up just the kind of dishes that care for the environment and are sourced locally. Cous Cous is a lovely option with well-being at the heart of the matter. If you are looking for vegetarian options, check out our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Lima.

If cocktails are your focus, then this rooftop bar is the perfect place to start the evening, or even end it for that matter. The upbeat music and understated décor give a feel of sophistication and a jolt of energy that make this the perfect space if you’re feeling more social. You’ll find locals and visitors alike as Celeste’s cool vibe has wide-reaching appeal. 

Last but certainly not least is easily one of the most incredible outdoor patios of them all – the Huaca Pucllana. Nestled within an archeological complex dating back 1,500 years, you’ll dine at one of the best restaurants in Lima while overlooking pre-Incan ruins. With the intricate, gourmet twist given to some of Peru’s most traditional dishes, it’s hard to say which stands out more, the food or the views. While this fine dining establishment is the perfect option for treating yourself to an incredible experience for lunch or dinner, in the evenings they also have an outdoor bar where you can grab a drink just to see the site illuminated at night or join us on a Lima food tour for a visit.

​Where do you even begin to plan for your trip to Lima, let alone Peru? Nowdays there is a wealth of information available like never before and even the most savvy of travelers can get bogged down by the plurality of voices sharing their experiences. The ideal scenario would be to have a local friend  to call on for insider insights, someone whose taste and characterization of a place you could blindly trust. What is perhaps the next best thing? The perspective of an expat who understands the culture, history and nuances of a place, while also bridging the divide through their own native cultural lens. In that sense you would get the best of both worlds, essentially a shortcut to the “meat and potatoes” of a destination through a curated itinerary that would allow you to get the most out of your trip. Today is your lucky day, because that is just what I’m offering you – a way to hack your travel planning to Lima. I’m a Kansas City native who has spent the last 15 years as an expat, the last eight of which have been spent in Peru alongside my Lima-born husband, Lucas, helping visitors discover the best of what the country has to offer.  So, here are my two cents on how to hack Lima and have an unforgettable stay in the City of Kings.
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While Lima has 43 districts, or neighborhoods, you can safely narrow your visit down to three or four where you’ll be wandering: Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and Lima’s historic center. There are a few outliers you may hit along the way but for the most part you’ll be in and out just to see a main attraction or two. The best areas to book your hotel would be, hands-down, Miraflores or Barranco. 
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Miraflores offers a modern view of the city with lots of shops, most of the upscale restaurants and you’ll even find many international chains (sometimes a comfort, but I know you did not come all the way to Peru just to hit up Starbucks). Miraflores is a safe neighborhood where you can walk around and get a feel for how the city has developed over the last 40 years; there are beautifully landscaped parks, the coastal promenade, or malecón in local lingo, bike lanes, paragliding and more.  While you can find internationally recognized hotel chains like the Marriott and Hilton, I’m a believer in getting carried away by the charm of a boutique hotel. A couple of lovely options that are well-located and are a big hit are: Hotel de Autor and La Quinta Miraflores Boutique

​Barranco is the bohemian, romantic and even slightly hipster side of the city. Here you’ll find gorgeous traditional mansions that have been restored and invite you travel back in time. The colors of the neighborhood pop as you walk through the narrow, tree-lined streets and appreciate the eclectic architecture, eye-catching street art and boutique art galleries that are peppered throughout the area. The laid-back vibe and mix of traditional styles infused with a modern twist make this district truly unique and unforgettable. Looks like people have begun to take notice as some amazing boutique hotels have opened recently allowing guests to be fully immersed in Barranco’s hallmark style. Try Casa Republica or Villa Barranco for an extra special stay in Lima.

​​If you haven’t tried Peruvian cuisine before now, then there is no better place than Lima. And even if you have, be prepared to be blown away by the freshness of the ingredients, variety of flavors and seemingly boundless fusions. This is undoubtedly the longest section of tips; after all, we do run Lima food tours so we believe this is one of the best ways to get to know Peru. With limited time in the city, you’ll still be able to understand why Lima has been declared the Leading Culinary Destination in the World for the last six years by the World Travel Awards. By now, most people have heard of cebiche and the pisco sour, Peru’s flagship dish and drink, even if you haven’t tried it, however the country’s rich foodie history has so much more to offer.  Let’s take a look:

​Every year The World’s 50 Best Restaurants publishes a ranking of … well, the world’s 50 best restaurants. Lima is home to three of those highly-acclaimed eateries, a feat only Mexico City, London and New York can also claim. When you stack the contenders against each other, Lima’s restaurants are actually ranked highest, one justifying factor in deeming Lima a culinary mecca. So what are they? Central, Maido and Astrid y Gastón. As you can imagine, these hot spots fill up months in advance so make sure you plan ahead if you want a seat at the table (pun totally intended). If you’ve left your planning to the last minute, no worries, there are options. Just like any restaurant, the top three also get cancellations so depending on how badly you want to get in, it’s always worth a try to head directly to the restaurant to see if you can nab a table as a walk-in if they’ve any received cancellations or no-shows. We’ve found that in many cases, lady luck is on your side and guests end up getting in without prior reservations, just depends.

If you didn’t get the reservation at one of the coveted top three, never fear, Lima has other amazing options that are just as good. For molecular gastronomy that turns the dining experience into a full-blown exhibit on artistic expression, IK is the place to be. Guests also tend to book in advance, so if you’re set on IK, try not to procrastinate when making your reservation. 

For a fresh-faced but upscale farm-to-table option, Malabar is an incredible alternative. Peruvian celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino focuses on the value of local products and experiments with ways to give these ingredients new form and function for the palate. Out of the world’s 113 microclimates, Peru is fortunate enough to enjoy 84 of them and Pedro Miguel’s culinary dexterity is put on spectacular display as he artfully extracts the best qualities from Peru’s abundance.

​Just in case you need one more option to get you through the trip, Rafael is an exceptional choice. Maintaining a fairly low profile on the international scene, this corner has been a chic but classic favorite among locals for years. While the bar is a phenomenal spot to people watch, the restaurant itself provides a cozy atmosphere with refined dishes that pull on inspiration from the world while using primarily Peruvian ingredients to marry local flavors with sophisticated cooking techniques.

​Like many countries worldwide, over the past few hundred years Peru has welcomed waves of migrants from all over.  Along with the new residents obviously came their cultures, traditions, styles and of course, cuisine. In many countries these influences were welcomed but remained ever separate from the local trends or had only a light influence over all. Peruvians, however, embraced cooking techniques, recipes and ingredients from abroad, “digested” their essence and then over the years have fused these foreign imports with traditional dishes to create completely new and unique delicacies. The principle fusions today are Japanese-Peruvian: Nikkei, Chinese-Peruvian: Chifa, African-Peruvian: Creole, and of course the European influence from mainly Spain, Italy and France.
 
Here are some of our favorite spots to try these famous fusions. Nikkei: Osaka, Hanzo,  Dondoh or Ache are fantastic options. Chifa: Wa-Lok, Kuo-Wha or Chifa Titi will leave you wanting more. Creole: Isolina, la Huaca Pucllana or José Antonio all do the genre justice.
We’re just getting started on the food, but we’ll leave the rest for another post. In the meantime you can check out our some more of our favorite restaurants in Lima or a reduced selection of restaurants in Lima and what to order.

​One of the best ways to get a grasp on Peru’s incredible rich and ancient culture is through a visit to the Larco Museum. It’s one of the top museums in the country, in our opinion THE top, and houses over 40,000 artefacts that give you a glimpse into traditions, history, economy and more over approximately 4,000 years. The museum is beautifully designed and a major plus (besides the enlightening erotic huaco exhibit) is the stunning outdoor café which serves an excellent variety of Peruvian dishes that are expertly executed.
 
The historic center of Lima is also a spot you’ll want to check out if you’re looking to get a feel for what life was like while Peru was under the Spanish empire. The urban planning of this area was designed by conquistador Francisco Pizarro and the buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles that will keep your eyes toward the sky. In the center you’ll find no shortage of places to visit, just to name a few: Lima’s Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, Santo Domingo Monastery, the Inquisition Museum, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Martín, the Gastronomy Museum and the birthplace of the pisco sour, Hotel Maury.
 
If you want to do it all in one day so that you get to see a bit of everything at a leisurely pace, a city tour is a great way to cover the highlights. We’ve done the research for you (as well as tested the service), you can check out the itinerary here: Lima City Tour.

​When you’re out shopping on vacation, especially in a foreign country, it’s understandable that you would want to hone in on the products that are crafted with care, that are unique to the destination and that are going to bring back amazing memories when you get home. If it’s not for you, but a gift you’re planning to bring back, then it’s even more imperative that it be something more than a token keepsake and a present that is representative of where you’ve just been. There are all kinds of options when in Peru, so we’ll try to point you in the right direction depending on what you’re out to get.  The best of the best for souvenirs from Peru are: baby alpaca, silver, organic Peruvian coffee, chocolate, pisco and unique chili pepper mixes. For a curated offer of high-end products by highly lauded Peruvian craftsmen and women Dédalo is an excellent option. If you want to peruse among endless options and perhaps try out your negotiation skills, the Inca Market is where you’ll want to be. If you are specifically looking for baby alpaca, Kuna and Sol Alpaca would work, for silver try Ilaria and for all food goods you can explore a local super market like Tottus or Vivanda. 

​We’ve thought of that, too! For the last seven years we’ve been positioned as the number one tour in Lima because our routes explore different neighborhoods of Lima, the cultural, historic and socio-economic context of the country you’re visiting and of course – delicious, carefully selected tasting menus so you can have your cake and eat it, too. Check out our city and food tours of Lima for the perfect intro to Peru.

​What to do in Lima when there’s so much to see and so little time? In a city of some 10 million people, you can imagen that the options may be overwhelming, especially when you add the need to navigate the immense city to the mix. No matter what your area of interest, it's a South American metropolis that has it all: culture, history, shopping and undoubtedly the best food around as the World's Leading Culinary Destination six years running. So what’s the best way to organize your time in Peru’s capital? By district or neighborhood. While Lima has 43 districts, with such limited time, you can easily whittle it down to two or three parts of the city that have a denser concentration of things to see and do. The three main areas we recommend scoping out to get a feel for the city are Lima's historic center, Miraflores and Barranco. Once you reach each part of town, most attractions, restaurants and hotspots are within walking distance so you’ll get to stretch your legs between all of those delicious meals.

​Below we've divided the city by district and have included the top must-see attractions, a couple options for a bite to eat and a few tips for each stop. We've also tried to give you an idea of how much time you should expect to spend in transit so that you can effectively get the most out of your time in Lima.

Let's begin!

​Tips: If you head to the center of Lima, you can fit in the Plaza de Armas, views of the presidential palace (and changing of the guards at noon), the Lima Cathedral and a tour of the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs in about 2 hours. Keep in mind that most churches close to the public at 5:00 PM.

​Tips: Miraflores is a very walkable district, however if you need a taxi to get anywhere, you will have no trouble finding one and anywhere you should want to go (besides the historic center) should not take longer than 15 minutes. Miraflores is also actively promoting a healthier, higher quality of lifestyle and bikes, as well as bike lanes if you're up for the adventure, are all over the central area of the district.

​Tips: Barranco is one of the most charming and laid-back corners of the city, full of color and life. It's a great place to take a stroll and admire the architecture and particular style of the district. If you love to explore cities by walking, you can do Miraflores and Barranco in the same day by wandering along the malecón or boardwalk.

​Tips: The Larco Museum houses a gorgeous private collection of over 40,000 pieces that span 4,000 years of history and civilization in Peruvian territory. The exhibits are fascinating, the building itself is a treasure and the outdoor garden café is absolutely worth stopping by to have a bite.

Take the guesswork out and join a cultural, city and food tour of Lima. The route was designed to maximize guests' time by curating a series of stops that represent the best introduction to the country's history, society, traditions, local knowledge and vibrant culinary scene through three districts, Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. From tasting menus to an interactive cebiche and pisco class, this is the perfect way to do Lima in a day. This food and city tour includes exclusive restaurants, trendy districts, top must-see attractions and hands-on activities. Group tours, private tours and airport transfers can be arranged. Check out the itinerary: Lima food tours

Enjoy Lima!

Un fin de semana en Lima te da el tiempo perfecto para descubrir y recorrer la mejor de la ciudad. Entre lo cultural, gastronómico y en términos de paisajes, ya que la capital peruana se encuentra encima de unos acantilados con vistas increíbles del Océano Pacífico y los primeros cerros de los Andes, es un destino donde lo tienes todo.  A veces hasta parece como si tuvieras demasiadas opciones y allí es donde necesitas un par de pistas de un íntimo amigo local para encaminarte hacia un viaje verdaderamente increíble. ¡Felizmente para ti, recomendar qué hacer en Lima es nuestra especialidad! Les dejamos un itinerario que incluye los mejores atractivos de la ciudad que se pueden disfrutar a un ritmo relajado pero que a la vez saca provecho del poco tiempo disponible para enamorarse de su encanto.     

Suponiendo que hayas estado viajando durante el día y recién llegas a la hora de check-in un viernes por la tarde, lo primero que querrás hacer es dejar las maletas y salir a dar un caminata por el barrio del hotel para familiarizarse con la zona. La mayoría de hoteles se encuentran en los distritos de Miraflores, San Isidro y Barranco y por lo tanto una vueltita para estirarse las piernas es la mejor introducción. Después al hotel para refrescarse y salir para cenar.

El restaurante Cala en la costa verde es una excelente opción para recibir el atardecer junto al mar en la terraza del segundo pisco. Su especialidad es la comida marina (¿cómo no con las vistas y ubicación que tiene?) con platos elaborados para destacar un estilo delicado y fresco pero con sabores robustos. Después de quedarse totalmente satisfechos con la exquisita comida costeña, de repente un bajativo y un poco de música están en orden. Para eso recomendamos que pases al primero piso del restaurante, al lounge donde tienen una zona interior que te lleva a una bella terraza donde puedes explorar el mundo pisquero  con un coctel que no solo resalta las propiedades del licor, sino también la variedad de fruta que tan bien acompañan al trago. Lo mejor de ir en verano es que muchas veces los viernes tienen un DJ en el lounge que crea un ambiente realmente divertido.

Entre tanto viaje y una cena que no te dejará con hambre, para muchos, la noche se acaba aquí. Para los que quieren ver un poco más de la vida nocturna limeña, Open Bar en Miraflores y Ayahuasca en Barranco son buenas opciones con otros lugares interesantes cerca por si te provoca tener varias alternativas.

Si estás considerando viajar a Perú, seguramente ya sabes que Lima es una meca gastronómica que atrae a miles de peregrinos culinarios al año para deleitar de su variado repertorio en la cocina. Tanto así que el país ha ganado el título de Mejor destino culinario del mundo en los World Travel Awards los últimos cinco años. Ya te hemos convencido, ¿pero ahora cómo puedes elegir entre tantas opciones, reviews, recomendaciones de amigos? Te presentamos la solución perfecta - un tour gastronómico de la ciudad. La idea es que en cinco horas llegas a tener una introducción comprensiva a la ciudad que incluye varios distritos, un café orgánico peruano donde tuestan los granos a diario, una vista a un mercado local con su degustación de frutas, una clase participativa de cebiche y pisco sour, y un almuerzo de varios platos y postres peruanos junto a una ruinas impresionantes preincaicas. Entre toda la comida, los restaurantes, los mercados y las callecitas por explorar, también se cubren los temas culturales, socio-económicos, fusiones multiculturales y partes destacadas de la historia que han creado la ciudad que hoy conocemos. Nosotros ofrecemos dos rutas que han tenido tanto éxito que nos ha mantenido en el puesto número uno de Tripadvisor los útimos cinco años entre todos los tours de Lima con lo que no tiene pierde. 

Para bajar la comida y darte una oportunidad de ver otro lado de la ciudad, podrías dirigirte al centro histórico de Lima, o el damero de Pizarro conocido localmente. Te tomas tu taxi hasta la Plaza de Armas donde podrán conocer el palacio presidencial, la catedral de Lima y a un par de cuadras, el Monasterio de San Francisco con sus catacumbas. Ojo - la mayoría de museos/iglesias solo ofrecen entradas hasta las 5:00 PM  y por lo tanto querrás estar atento a la hora. En la misma zona, también se encuentra la Plaza San Martín y luce un estilo arquitectónico que te llevará a otra época.

Después del recorrido histórico y la inmersión cultural, ya estarás empezando a recobrar el apetito. Los tours gastronómicos suelen dejar a algunos visitantes con un poco menos espacio en la barriga de lo normal así que una cena donde hay opciones para porciones ligeras es lo más recomendable. Osaka en la avenida Pardo y Aliaga en San Isidro es el lugar ideal que ofrece una fusión peruana-japonesa, o nikkei, que cuenta con mucho más que solo sushi. Desde la entrada al nivel de la calle, la experiencia es impactante, Bajas unas escaleras y de repente te encuentras en un sitio de lo más chic. El diseño interior, el servicio y la comida son impecables. Asegúrate de conseguir reserva antes de ir porque el restaurante siempre está reventando.

Al ser el último día del viaje, hay quienes preferirían tomar la mañana tranquila para desayunar en el hotel o para salir a comprar un regalo que otro. Para los que quieren aprovechar la mañana y meter el último esfuerzo en conocer la oferta cultural, el Museo Larco es infaltable, fácilmente unos de los mejores museos del país entero. La colección privada recopila y exhibe artefactos que cubren cuatro mil años de historia en el territorio peruano - joyas, máscaras, cerámica, incluso tienen algo bien especial - todo un cuarto de cerámica erótica. Hasta el depósito está abierto al público donde podrás admirar 40,000 piezas más que no están exhibidas en ese momento.

Para cerrar la aventura culinaria con broche de oro, llega antes de la 1 PM para almorzar en Isolina de Barranco. Es una maravilla que se encuentra en los top 50 restaurantes de América Latina y su especialidad es la comida auténtica peruana con un toque casero que trae una tremenda calidez a la experiencia. Es una taberna moderna de moda y el seco y el lomo saltado están impresionantes. La porciones son generosas y en realidad para compartir.

A unos minutos caminando, encontrarás el Museo MATE, de uno de los fotógrafos más reconocidos en el mundo, el peruano Mario Testino. Las exhibiciones siempre son lindas, sobre todo la permanente de tradiciones cusqueñas coloridas y las fotos de la Princesa Diana.

El fin del viaje ya es inminente y no hay mejor forma de digerir todo lo que has vivido en los últimos días que con una tradición bien limeña (sobre todos los domingos), darse una caminata por el malecón. Desde Barranco, puedes seguir el malecón hasta llegar a Miraflores e incluso de repente a tu hotel, donde llegarás a preparar la maleta y salir hacia el aeropuerto para volver a tu casa y presumir con tus familiares y amigos sobre tu experiencia limeña.

¡Buen viaje!

Restaurants in Lima add up to tens of thousands of options for dining out in the city with an even larger variety of dishes that are representative of Peruvian traditions, culture and fusions. If you do your research, you can surely narrow the offer down to a few must-visit spots to include in your itinerary. The real doozy, however, is what to order once you square away the reservation and make your way to the restaurant. If you are unfamiliar with Peruvian cuisine, even though you may speak some Spanish, selecting the perfect dishes can be a daunting task. As operators of the highest-ranked food tour in Lima for the past six years, you can imagine that our research and development includes frequent visits to a number of restaurants to try a variety of dishes so that we can give the best recommendations to our clients. We would like to shed some light on the results of all that tough work by sharing our favorite dishes in Lima and where to find them. 

This is likely a restaurant that you’ll find on many lists and for good reason. The laid-back ambience and cozy, fresh style of the place will lure you in, but the food and drinks will keep you there. If you are a seafood lover, you simply cannot go wrong booking a table here.

What to order: Pulpo a la parrilla (grilled octopus) – The octopus is marinated in a secret concoction and then cooked to perfection on the grill, served smoking hot and accompanied by grilled cherry tomatoes, potatoes and mushrooms. Amazing. An added bonus for the chefs among you, if you sit bar-side, you can watch the guys work their magic and see how it’s done.

Amaz has won a number of awards from the food to the interior design, both which so elegantly reflect a refined Amazonian style. What’s more is that the restaurant is fully committed to sustainable consumption, so you know you’re participating in a dining experience that has been fully thought through.

What to order: Lomo saltado amazónico (Amazonian stir-fried sirloin steak) – While the classic lomo saltado is one Peru’s flagship dishes representing the Chinese-Peruvian culinary fusion, Amaz gives the dish a unique twist. The original version includes strips of sirloin steak stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, yellow chili pepper and soy sauce, Amaz adds a smoky flavor, sun-dried Amazonian pork called cecina and sweet jungle peppers. The combination of flavors is heavenly. 

One of Lima’s most successful newcomers, Jeronimo, introduces the Mexican-Peruvian fusion to the culinary scene. This is a lively spot, great for both lunch and dinner, which has wonderful service, fantastic music and a fun, but chic feeling vibe. All of the dishes are presented beautifully, as works of art and labors of love and the citrus/spicy undertones of the food make the dishes unforgettable.

What to order: Conos de atún (Tuna tartar cones) – When you first read the title of this dish, it may stop you in your tracks; however, it’s totally worth the adventure. The tuna is incredibly fresh and served with a flavorful guacamole, all molded into a delicately crisp cone. So creative and so delicious.

It’s no surprise that Isolina made the list. Ever since the place opened, it’s had lines outside that can wrap around the corner and it made its way on to the list of best restaurants in Latin America. The concept is an old-school tavern that features classic Peruvian dishes that give the feel of home-cooking. This Peruvian soul food induces nostalgia for the locals and provides an insider experience for visitors.

What to order: Seco (Cilantro beef stew) – If you are a cilantro-lover, this dish would be your favorite. While you can find this Peruvian classic on many menus throughout Lima, the preparation of seco at Isolina is impeccable. The beef is so tender that it slides right off the bone allowing you to bathe the meat in the rich, aromatic cilantro stew. It’s just one of those dishes that after eating it, you'll already be contemplating when to organize your next visit for round two.

El Mercado
Av. Hipólito Unánue 203, Miraflores
Tues.-Sun. 12:30 - 5:00 PM
T: +51 (1) 221 1322

Amaz
Av. La Paz 1079, Miraflores
Mon.-Sun. 12:30 - 11:30 PM
T: +51 (1) 221 9393

Jerónimo
Av. La Mar 1209, Miraflores
Tues.-Sat. 1:00 - 3:30 PM / 7:00 - 11:00 PM}
Sun. 1:00 - 4:00 PM
T: +51 (1) 494 7336

Isolina
Av. San Martin 101, Barranco
Tues.-Sat. 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sun.-Mon. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
T: +51 (1) 247 5075

​Vegetarian restaurants in Lima may sound like a tall order to fill, however Peru is no newcomer to the foodie scene and vegetarians certainly have a place at the table to enjoy this culinary capital’s creations. With nearly 300 national dishes, as you can imagine, there is something here for everyone. Peru was the first country in the world to declare GMOs illegal so you can rest assured that the colors, flavors and shapes of the country’s remarkable produce are as natural as it gets. Out of the world’s 113 microclimates, Peru boasts being home to 90 of them, meaning that the biodiversity found in this South American gem is out of this world. Lima, as the country’s capital, therefore has a number of options that showcase the multitude of fruits, veggies and grains available to health-conscious patrons looking for a bite to eat. Below you’ll find our top three favorite vegetarian restaurants in Lima: 

​This adorable corner tucked away in Miraflores offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free (and obviously raw) options. The diverse menu contains wraps, bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and desserts. The outdoor seating makes it a great place to get some fresh air while enjoying a healthy meal.

Address: Mariano Odicio 432, Miraflores
Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Telephone: +51 (1) 241 7696
Website: www.rawcafe.com.pe/

​Keeping true to the artsy, bohemian vibe of the Barranco district, Germinando Vida is a lovely little place that feels very warm and cozy. The overhead string of lights and exposed brick walls allow you to settle in to a slower pace and really enjoy the food. The dishes are delicious and really highlight the better qualities of some of Peru’s superfoods.

Address: Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 209A, Barranco
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM / 5:30 – 11:00 PM
Telephone: +51 (1) 300 0602
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Germinandovi
​

​More than just a spot to satisfy those hunger pangs, El Jardín de Jazmín is a self-styled “Vegan resto-bar for art and culture.” From the walls, to the tables to the food itself, the locale is brimming with color and design. Not only that, but show up on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon and you could be in for a real treat with live entertainment from musicians to magicians depending on the day you go.

Address: Av. la Paz 838, Miraflores
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Telephone: +51 993 731 598
Website: https://www.facebook.com/eljardindejazmin/