Restaurants in Lima and What to Order

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 tours in Lima for over a decade, you can imagine that our R&D outings include frequent visits to a number of restaurants, trying a variety of dishes so that we can bring you the best recommendations. 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. 

El Mercado

Grilled octopus from El Mercado

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.

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Limaná

Arroz norteño from Limaná

Limaná is one of Lima's more unique restaurants in that it is dedicated to Peruvian superfoods. 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: The arroz norteño (a traditional rice dish from the North of Peru) – Each ingredient has been selected and sourced with the utmost care to accomplish a variety of feats. The dish boasts a balance of diverse flavors, while preserving its nutritional value given the fusion of culinary techniques and care that brings the dish to life. Every garden-grown element of this dish speaks volumes of the quality of Peru's fresh produce.

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Xoma

Tasting experience at Xoma

One of Lima’s most successful newcomers, Xoma, offers a variety of dishes that bring creativity and playfulness to life. All of the dishes are presented beautifully, as works of art and labors of love with tasting menus that allow you to travel the whole of Peru through your tastebuds without leaving the capital.

What to order: We are big fans of the beautifully crafted, seasonal tasting menus. You've come to Xoma for the experience, so surrender yourself to the creative expression that is its culinary masterpiece. If you want to take things up a notch, try their blindfolded experience. Your senses will be hyperengaged by more than just the flavors as the aromas and textures shine in the darkness.

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Isolina

Cilantro beef stew (Seco) from Isolina

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.

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Lima Restaurant Details

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El Mercado
Av. Hipólito Unánue 203, Miraflores
Tues.-Sun. 12:30 - 5:00 PM
T: +51 974 779 517

Limaná
Av. Augusto Pérez Araníbar 2011, San Isidro
Tues.-Sat. 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sun. 8 AM - 5:00 PM
T: +51 997 650 654

Xoma
Elías Aguirre 179, Miraflores
Sun. + Tue. + Weds. 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM / 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Thu. + Fri. + Sat.  12:00 PM - 3:30 PM / 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
T: +51 970 653 913

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