When food travelers think of Lima, one word comes to mind: world-class.
In recent years, this city on the Pacific has not just become the gastronomic heart of Peru — it’s one of the most celebrated culinary capitals on the planet.
From world-award-winning tasting menus to local favorites dishing up bold seafood, Lima offers a culinary adventure that reflects the country’s diversity, history, and creativity.
Here are 10 of the best places to eat in Lima right now, updated with recent accolades and real reasons they deserve your attention.
1. Maido — World’s Best Restaurant 2025
📍 Miraflores
In June 2025, Maido was named The World’s Best Restaurant at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards — the first time a Lima restaurant has taken the top spot.
Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese technique in its signature Nikkei cuisine. Dishes are precise, elegant, and full of umami — a true celebration of fusion while honoring Peru’s terroir.
Best for: A landmark dining experience that showcases cutting-edge global cuisine.
Vibe: Refined, warm, and innovative.
2. Central — Once the Best in the World
📍 Barranco
Not long ago, Central was crowned the best restaurant in the world (World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023).
Chef Virgilio Martínez and his team create tasting menus that tell the story of Peru’s ecosystems — from sea level to high Andes — with ingredients sourced across the country. The experience is both intellectual and deeply delicious.
Best for: A holistic exploration of Peru’s biodiversity on a plate.
Vibe: Thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable.
3. Astrid & Gastón — A Pioneer of Peruvian Haute Cuisine
📍 San Isidro
A pillar of Lima’s culinary ascent, Astrid & Gastón helped introduce Peruvian fine dining to the world. Its menu bridges traditional Peruvian flavors with refined techniques in a beautiful, classic setting.
Best for: First taste of Peru’s elevated cuisine history.
Vibe: Elegant, timeless, cultural.
4. Al Toke Pez — Seafood Classic
📍 Surquillo
Lima isn’t only about tasting menus — Al Toke Pez is proof. A beloved seaside seafood spot, it serves the freshest catch with bold flavors and local flair. Expect loud energy, great ceviches, and an unapologetically local vibe.
Best for: Raw, delicious, and unpretentious seafood.
Vibe: Energetic, authentic.
5. La Mar — Daytime Seafood Favorite
📍 Miraflores
Established by Gastón Acurio, La Mar is one of Lima’s most popular cevicherías. Perfect for a midday meal, it showcases fresh seafood with crisp citrus and classic Peruvian touches.
Best for: A reliable, excellent lunch spot in Lima.
Vibe: Casual, bright, social.
6. Isolina — A Deep Dive into Peruvian Criolla Cuisine
📍 Barranco
Isolina is one of the best places in Lima to understand cocina criolla, the heart of traditional Peruvian home cooking.
Criolla cuisine is generous, slow-cooked, and deeply rooted in everyday life. At Isolina, recipes come from family traditions: long-simmered stews, braised meats, rich sauces, and comforting flavors that reflect Lima’s coastal heritage and Afro-Peruvian influences.
Portions are intentionally large and meant to be shared, just like meals at a family table. The atmosphere is lively, warm, and unapologetically local — no reinvention here, just respect for tradition.
Best for: Experiencing authentic Peruvian criolla cuisine in a vibrant, local setting.
Vibe: Hearty, traditional, and full of character.
7. Kjolle — Creative & Plant Forward
📍 Barranco
From Pía León — Central’s chef and partner — Kjolle focuses on native ingredients, sometimes with lighter, more vegetable-forward interpretations. Here creativity meets balance.
Best for: A creative menu with seasonal freshness.
Vibe: Contemporary, calm.
8. Rafael — Mediterranean + Peru
📍 Miraflores
Chef Rafael Osterling blends Mediterranean inspiration with Peruvian ingredients, creating dishes that are refined but approachable. Stunning plating, solid wine pairings, and stylish ambience make this a favorite for diners who want complexity without formality.
Best for: Sophisticated dining with broad appeal.
Vibe: Polished, social.
9. Mérito — Lima’s Rising Star on the Global Scene
📍 Barranco
In 2025, Mérito officially entered The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list — a major milestone that confirmed what many locals and food insiders already knew: this small restaurant in Barranco is one of Lima’s most exciting tables.
Led by chef Juan Luis Martínez, Mérito offers a cross-cultural approach to Latin American cuisine, blending Peruvian ingredients with influences from Venezuela and beyond. The menu changes frequently, favoring seasonal products, bold flavors, and dishes designed to be shared.
The experience feels intimate and relaxed, yet precise — creative without excess, thoughtful without being formal.
Best for: Discovering one of Lima’s most promising contemporary restaurants.
Vibe: Modern, intimate, and quietly ambitious.
10. Panchita — Hearty Peruvian Classics
📍 Miraflores
Another gem from the Acurio group, Panchita focuses on traditional dishes done with care — think slow-cooked meats and bold flavors that make you feel grounded. It’s festive and unapologetically delicious.
Best for: Generous portions and local favorites.
Vibe: Joyful, authentic.
Why Lima Is a Must-Visit Food City
Lima’s restaurant scene isn’t just high quality — it’s globally influential. Two of the last three editions of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants have seen a Lima restaurant take the top spot (Central in 2023, Maido in 2025).
That’s extraordinary — not just for Peru, but for South America as a whole. It means that when you dine here, you’re tasting cuisine that’s internationally recognized for creativity, depth, and heart.
Planning Your Lima Food Experience
Good food in Lima is about rhythm: reserve ahead, understand menus, and mix high-end meals with local favorites like cevicherías and seafood stands.
✨ Want help planning your culinary journey — including Lima’s best tables and hidden gems?
👉 Get in touch with Majestic Andes:
