LIMA TRAVEL TIPS

​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!

​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: 

​Raw Café

​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/

​Germinando Vida

​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
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​El Jardin de Jazmín

​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/

In a city like Lima, with so many top restaurants, the difficulty is which one to choose. In this article we will focus on what we consider some of the best romantic restaurants in Lima based on atmosphere, quality of food and service. ​
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This is a very unique restaurant as the terrace is right next to an ancient pre-Incan ruin, creating an incredible atmosphere. The décor is simple but classy as they try to maintain the overall sensation of going back in time. The food and service compliment the whole experience as you get to sample some of the best traditional Peruvian dishes Lima has to offer. Their wine cellar is also stellar in case you need extra motivation.
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Is there anything more romantic than a dinner next to the sea? We love Cala for its location right on the Pacific Ocean and for its awesome seafood (among many other delectable choices). The restaurant has two levels, so after a nice meal you can go downstairs to the terrace and party with the Limeño socialites or just unwind watching the waves crash against the pier.
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In case you haven’t noticed yet, we love terraces! There are not many al fresco options in Lima but one that certainly ticks all the boxes for a great night is La Plazita. The food is an excellent mix of Mediterranean with Peruvian and the ambience is very chill and relaxed. This is a great option for a hot summer night or even lunch.

This restaurant is located in the posh district of San Isidro, right next to the famous Astrid & Gaston. Lima 27 has a great bar and food menu to match it. The ambience is vibrant and the food is sophisticated without being pretentious. Like Cala, it offers the possibility of staying after dinner for another cocktail (or before dinner) in the gorgeous patio bar.
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We love this place for its tranquil and romantic environment. Despite being located on a quiet street in the district of Miraflores, locals love it and it has gained a great reputation for the quality of the food and personalized service. The menu is very creative and fresh as they change it every season. Great wines or Piscos will make your experience even more memorable.

Looking for places to eat in Lima? Don't overlook your breakfast options. Artisanal bakeries, like Pan de la Chola, have been creating plenty of buzz among visitors and locals alike so it's refreshing to see more boutique-style bakeries open up around the city.

One of the newest players to satisfy Limeño carb cravings is La Panetteria in Barranco. While they only have five or six tables, it's still under the radar so you can beat the crowds that are flocking to some of the other more high-profile spots. There are a number of options that cater to all tastes: those with a bit of sweet tooth (think chocolate filled croissants), health nuts (avocados filled with fresh tomatoes, parsely and sprouts),  as well as traditionalists who want their coffee, toast and juice while they skim over the morning headlines.

Definitely worth venturing outside of Miraflores!

Location: 
Avenida Grau 369, Barranco
​Lima, Peru
T: (01) 4698260

Tourism in Lima is to receive an extra boost for the fourth year in a row thanks to the fantastic quality of its food. The prestigious World Travel Awards voted Peru, again, as the Best Culinary Destination in the World. Peru has been awarded this top spot for four consecutive years, beating well established foodie destinations such as Italy, France, China, Thailand and the United States. The recognition consolidates Peru as the hottest foodie destination. Three of the top restaurants in the world are based in Lima, including Central, which this year was voted as the best restaurant in the Americas and number four in the world.

The emergence of Peru as a major destination for food lovers who are curious to find out what all the fuss is about means that Lima is no longer a layover destination, but an attractive destination of its own merit. The number of visitors to Lima has steadily increased over the last few years and nobody can deny that food is playing a major role. 

We've done our homework for you and scoured the world's best restaurant lists to bring you the top restaurants that are based in Peru.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants - San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

#4 - Central

Head Chef: Virgilio Martínez & Pía León
Calle Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores, Lima
+51 1 242 8515
http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/

#14 - Astrid y Gastón

Head Chef: Diego Muñoz
Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Lima 27 
+511 442 2775
http://www.astridygaston.com/

#44 - Maido

Head Chef: Mitsuharu Tsumura
399 San Martin Street, Miraflores, Lima
+51 1 444 2568
http://maido.pe/

Now let's get region-specific and look at the best restaurants in Latin America for 2015.

#1 - Central
#3 - Astrid y Gastón
#5 - Maido
​#12 - La Mar

Head Chef: Andrés Rodríguez
Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores, Lima
​+51 1 421 3365
http://www.lamarcebicheria.com/lima/

#20 - Malabar

Head Chef: Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
Camino Real 101, San Isidro, Lima
​+51 1 440 5200
http://www.malabar.com.pe/

#31 - Fiesta

Head Chef: Virgina Najarro Gamboa
Av. Reducto 1278 Miraflores, Lima
+51 1 242 9009
http://www.restaurantfiestagourmet.com/

#34 - Osso Carnicería y Salumería

Head Chef: Renzo Garibaldi
Calle Tahiti 175 La Molina, Lima, Peru
+51 1 352 9915
http://www.osso.pe/

#36 - La Picantería

Head Chef: Héctor Solís
Francisco Moreno 388, Surquillo, Lima
+51 1 241 6676
http://www.picanteriasdelperu.com/

#50 - Rafael

Head Chef: Ricardo Martins
Calle San Martín 300, Miraflores, Lima
+51 1 242 4149
http://www.rafaelosterling.pe/

With nine delicious options, you should be set to have a delectable experience in Lima, Peru.

Restaurants in Lima, Peru are now in the thousands, many offering any number of traditional Peruvian dishes. Even as a first time visitor, you may be familiar with many dishes, such as cebiche, lomo saltado or anticuchos. With this list, we propose that you step off the beaten path and away from classic picks, instead treating your taste buds to dynamic combinations of local flavors. If you are looking to make the most of your time, you can check out our Lima food tours and we'll guide you in the right direction.

1. Pollo Canga

2. Cebiche Nikkei

3. Milanesa a tu gusto

4. Rocoto Relleno de Mariscos

5. BLT Charapita

No one can deny that among the top things to do in Lima, if not the top, is to eat! Lima, after all, is home to three of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Can you enjoy top quality food in Lima without breaking the bank? Here at The Lima Gourmet Company we give you a few options, some traditional and some gourmet, for under 10 dollars.

An excellent restaurant in Miraflores, Lima: ambiance, chill music, cocktails and spectacular food - Matria has it all. This hidden gem in Miraflores serves dishes elaborated with local products that are combined to highlight an array of delicate flavors. The name, Matria, comes from Madre Tierra, or Mother Earth, which reflects the vision of chef Arlette Eulert to nurture the connection between the gourmet dishes served and the origin of the ingredients. 

The design is cozy and incredibly inviting and the service was impeccable. Many items on the menu boast a unique fusion of local, Peruvian ingredients with Indian spices. One of the best plates we ordered were the scallops dressed with yellow curry and crunchy quinoa (pictured top left). The flavors and textures complemented each other perfectly. Another favorite were the seared salmon slices with avocado and jalapeño (pictured bottom left).

Matria was a wonderful surpise, and the consensus among the group was that the variety of dishes and combinations were so expertly executed that it's worth ordering many dishes to share - and don't forget the dessert, as you surely won't be disappointed.

If you're looking for an experience that will take you to several of the best restaurants in Lima in just one day, check out our Lima Day Tour or our Lima Night Tour.

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants in Lima to choose from and IK is certainly a unique option.  Open for less than a year, the creative fusion of flavors, innovative design and commitment to sustainability keep the place packed.  

We tried several dishes while we were there to get a real feel for the place and we were not disappointed.  From the Amazonian cebiche, delicate grouper and the juicy angus beef to the purple corn and quinoa beer, we were well impressed.  The artfully crafted desserts (pictured above) were especially fascinating.  The tangy, lemon cream filled chocolate  (left) introduced our palates to a new combination of flavors, while the  chocolate and lucuma imitation seeds buried in cacao "soil" (right) really drove home the concept a restaurant committed to nature and the fruit it  brings us.

The story of this restaurant is even more interesting.  This project was the idea of beloved Peruvian chef, Ivan Kisic, who unfortunately passed away in a car accident before the restaurant opened.  At the time he was involved in other restaurants, such as Cala and La 73, however, IK was his brainchild.  His family and culinary team decided to go ahead with the plans and open the restaurant to make Kisic's dream a reality and allow his legacy to live on.

Bon appétit and cheers to Kisic's wonderful concept.