Lima Travel Guide

Peru #3 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America

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What to Eat in Lima

Thanks to Lima's coastal perch, this city is a hub of culinary inspiration. It's also arguably one of the best gastronomic hot spots in the world right now. From street vendors to five-star restaurants, you'll find incredible eats at every turn. Traditional fare combines staples from the Incan culture with Spanish flavors and even Asian influences. The unofficial national dish born from this juxtaposition is ceviche – bite-sized pieces of fresh, raw fish marinated in lime juice and tossed with onions, peppers and spices. You'll find this dish everywhere, but foodies recommend heading to the Miraflores district to places like El Mercado and La Mar Cebicheria for the best sampling. If you're in the mood to indulge in something heavier, try causa. This dish combines mashed potatoes, avocado and mayonnaise, which is then mixed with a number of other ingredients, such as peppers, onions, chilies and even hard-boiled eggs or shrimp. Meat lovers are sure to gravitate toward anticuchos – skewers of marinated, grilled meats similar to kebabs that are typically inexpensive and sold by many street vendors.

Peru can also claim the origination of Asian-fusion cuisine, thanks to an influx of Chinese and Japanese immigrants starting in the late 19th century. One of the most famous examples of this mash-up of cultures is lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions and pan-fried potatoes served with white rice.

You'll find many of the best restaurants clustered in the Miraflores district, but delicious eats can be found throughout the city. A must-try for first-time visitors is the long-standing sangucheria (Peruvian sandwich) spot, El Chinito (not too far from the Plaza de Armas), which has been serving fried and roasted pork sandwiches (known as chicharrón and chanchito asado) since 1960. Meanwhile, Asian influences shine through at chifas (Chinese-Peruvian restaurants), such as Salón de la Felicidad and Chifa Wa Lok, in the historic city center and Madam Tusan in Miraflores.

Find the Best Restaurants in Lima

#1
Saha Kitchen & Cocktails
#1 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (231)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Spanish
Calle Bolivar 164, Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#2
Embarcadero 41
#2 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (1041)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, Seafood
Jr. Ucayali 149, Lima 15001 Peru
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#3
La Locanda
#3 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (1015)
$$ | European
Av. Santo Toribio 173-Via Central 150 Centro Empresarial Real, Lima 15073 Peru
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#4
Osaka Pardo y Aliaga
#4 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (854)
$$ | Japanese, Peruvian, Seafood, Sushi, Asian
Av. Pardo y Aliaga 640 1er piso, San Isidro, Lima Peru
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#5
La Plaza Bar & Grill
#5 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (351)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Fusion, Latin
Calle Schell 452 Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#6
Mar y Selva Cocina Amazonica Fusion
#6 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (163)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Fusion, South American
Avenida Tomas Marsano 1195 al costado del estadio municipal de Surquillo, Lima 15038 Peru
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#7
Poke 51
#7 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (146)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Seafood
Av. Mariscal La Mar 1263, Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#8
Nanka
#8 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (1635)
$$ | Peruvian, Latin, Healthy, International, Fusion
Jr. Bambues 198 La Molina, Lima 15024 Peru
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#9
Restaurante Statera
#9 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (130)
$$ | Peruvian, Contemporary
Avenida Mariscal La Mar 463, Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#10
Museo Larco Cafe Restaurant
#10 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (2199)
$ - $$ | Peruvian
Avenida Bolivar 1515 Pueblo Libre, Lima 21 Peru
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#11
Nuevo Mundo Bar Miraflores
#11 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (138)
$ | Peruvian, Bar, Pub, Brew Pub, Gastropub
Calle Manuel Bonilla 103, Miraflores A media cuadra del óvalo de Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#12
Barra Maretazo
#12 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (707)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Healthy
Calle Alcanfores 373 casi esquina con Av. Schell, a 1 cuadra de Larco y 2 cuadras del Parque Kennedy, Lima 15074 Peru
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#13
Bistro 400
#13 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (403)
$ - $$ | Bar, Peruvian, Contemporary, Fusion
Schell 400 Inside the Courtyard LIMA Miraflores, Lima 01 Peru
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#14
Maido
#14 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (3898)
$$ | Japanese, Peruvian, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Fusion
399 Calle San Martin Street Corner Calle Colon Street, Lima Lima 18 Peru
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#15
SOCIAL.
#15 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (879)
$$ | Peruvian, Contemporary
Avenida La Paz 1099 Miraflores, Lima 15074 Peru
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#16
Bao!
#16 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (354)
$ | Fast Food, Asian, Healthy, Fusion
Calle Manuel Bonilla 105 A media cuadra del Parque Kennedy, Lima 15074 Peru
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#17
Costazul Seafood Restaurante
#17 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (1792)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Healthy, International
Jr. Berlin 899. Miraflores Paralela cuadra 9 Av. Pardo Miraflores., Lima Lima 18 Peru
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#18
BLU: il gelato del barrio
#18 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (875)
$ |
Jiron 28 de julio 202, Lima 04 Peru
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#19
Awicha
#19 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (83)
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, Japanese Fusion
Jiron Domeyer 296 Hotel Domeyer, Lima 15063 Peru
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#20
Asnapa
#20 of 3,531 Places to Eat in Lima
Tripadvisor (242)
$ - $$ | Peruvian
Calle Alcanfores 281, Lima 15074 Peru
Read More »