Lima’s Most Delicious Eats

Welcome to Lima’s most delicious eats! Where every plate tells a story of tradition, creativity and gastronomic delight. Situated along Peru’s Pacific Coast, this capital city’s food scene has undergone a spectacular evolution, blossoming into a global food destination. From humble cervecerias to avant-garde dining wonders. Lima boasts a wealth of restaurants that consistently rank among the world’s finest earning a well-deserved reputation as a food mecca. Dine with me on a journey through some of Lima’s best restaurants. Each dish is a tribute to the country’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant ingredients.

Exploring the Restaurant Scene

I was in Lima for 1 week for the sole purpose of exploring the restaurant scene. Upon landing, I had to decide where to eat. I wanted to enjoy a few restaurants making waves on the ‘bests’ lists along with some local joints. Since I was alone, I didn’t want to partake in tasting menus as I find those are more fun to experience with friends. After a research rabbit hole 🤪, I decided the restaurants ranked among the top 100 I would visit would be La Mar, Cosme and Isolina. I filled in other dinners with great down-to-earth Peruvian institutions around the Barranco neighborhood. There is so much to share so let’s dive right into Lima’s most delicious eats!

Lima’s Most Delicious Eats

La Mar in the Miraflores District

In the heart of Lima’s vivid culinary scene, lies La Mar in the Miraflores District. This seafood restaurant made #42 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. Upon walking up I was pleasantly dazzled by how welcoming the restaurant was. It was packed with stylish lunchgoers chit-chatting and enjoying each other’s company on a Friday afternoon. Something to note about La Mar, they are only open for lunch and do not take reservations. Respect.

After waiting 20 minutes (with a delicious local IPA), I was guided towards the back of the restaurant. Upon sitting down my table was adorned with cancha (a typical Peruvian corn snack), mixed root vegetable chips and 3 styles of spicy Peruvian salsas. One thing to note about Rach and I is that we LOVE snacks, especially when they are waiting for us. Ok La Mar, bonus points. I knew I was going to be eating seafood-style flavors so I asked my server for a white wine rec. He suggested a Peruvian medium bodied bright blanco from the south. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Ceviche & Seafood

La Mar is known for ceviche and seafood. I asked my server if he had a veggie ceviche as the menu didn’t list one. My inquiry excited him! He said yes and that it included mushrooms and sweet potato. I was sold. This reinvented spin on a classic dish was nothing short of phenomenal. It was a hearty bowl of mushrooms, al dente Inca corn, red onion, sweet potato and radishes swimming in a briny bath of perfectly seasoned lime juice. I remember thinking, I could eat this every day of my life, and each time reach bliss and enlightenment. LOL. With a laid-back atmosphere, commitment to great service, live music and vibrant food, La Mar is a 10 out of 10. The perfect lunch destination to savor the robust flavors of Peru’s coastal cuisine, an obvious shoo-in for a top 50 restaurant!

Cosme in the San Isidro District

My only Saturday night in Lima meant ~ let’s make it special! I visited Cosme in the San Isidro District of Lima. Cosme came in at #50 on Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2023. This neighborhood is upscale and polished so I knew I was in for a well curated treat. As I entered I was enamored by the open-air bar decorated by a mini bar wall. It was so clever I thought, why didn’t I think of this? Even if I did, not sure where I would install such a wall, so moving on.

As I hooked a right into the restaurant my eyes were drawn to the ceiling, an instant show stopper. Recycled plastic bottles filled with colorful water hung above and along the back. A wall filled with plastic bottle caps! There is something about witnessing the trash on our streets and beaches reinvented into art that takes your breath away. This is creativity and resourcefulness in action.

The Lighting Low & Sexy

The lighting was low and a bit sexy. The music ~ groovy. Every now and then a pop song lured me to unexpectedly start grooving. Here for it, especially with this party of one. At Cosme, traditional Peruvian dishes are elevated to new heights, creating a dining experience that is comforting and exciting. I began my meal with a glass of Malbec as this is a foolproof way to start the bliss, especially in South America.

I scoured the menu and finally made a sound decision – the penne pasta with red pepper sauce, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and pesto. Now what called me to order pasta? Well, it was just a feeling, and one of the only veg options, so let’s go! When my server Jonny placed this dish in front of me I knew it was a win.

The pasta was flawlessly prepared, the taste transported me to a dreamlike state of cozy warmth. I remember after each bite saying to myself, ‘oh f**k’, no joke. The comfort of a creamy pepper sauce, tangy acid from the tomatoes, meatiness from the mushrooms and brightness from the pesto was a perfect symphony. I was in carb heaven, eating one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had, in Lima. Sorry Italy. Needless to say, visit Cosme, go with friends, and devour the menu.

Isolina in Barranco

The wonderful thing about Lima, is great authentic Peruvian restaurants are being praised for their food. Isolina in Barranco is no exception. I was lucky to walk into this #73 ranked (among 2023’s Latin America top 100) restaurant on a Thursday evening without a reservation. I was instantly taken back by the genuine charm and kind servers. Everyone working was invested in their guests having a great experience.

Traditional Homemade Recipes

Isolina serves up hearty dishes inspired by traditional homemade recipes. Upon my server’s suggestion, I started the evening with a glass of red wine, a Peruvian blend from the Ica Valley. This region is south of Lima, renowned for its vineyards, wineries, and agricultural production. Delicious! For dinner, I chose the Causa Escabechada. This traditional Peruvian dish consists of perfectly cooked potatoes topped with onions, olives and marinated vegetables. The term ‘escabechada’ means it is prepared in a style reminiscent of escabeche, a Spanish marinade typically made with vinegar and spices. If I were Latin, and if I grew up in South America, this would be what Nana served on a chilly night by the fire. Eat at Isolina to experience the true essence of Peruvian comfort food, and to be taken care of like family.

El Muelle Cerveceria

Around the corner from Islolina lies El Muelle Cerveceria. Here you will enjoy the vibrant pulse of Lima’s local food scene, where plastic chairs and buenas vibraciones set the stage. Soak in the lively atmosphere as you sip on a Maracuya Chilcano; an eggless passion fruit pisco sour that packs a sweet & sour punch. Whether you’re craving a hearty traditional meal or just want to kick back with a drink, El Muelle is a beloved hangout for locals and travelers alike. It offers an authentic taste of Barranco’s neighborhood charm amidst the bustling city.

Canta Rana

Chatting about Lima’s most delicious eats, this list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Canta Rana. This institution is beloved by locals for its delicious ceviche and welcoming atmosphere. Despite its popularity, this cozy eatery maintains its humble intrigue. There is something about every wall being a ‘salon wall’ and flags hanging from the ceiling that says ~ Bienvenido! Whether you’re craving a seafood classic or want to try something new, like the mushroom ceviche, Canta Rana has something for everyone. I asked for their hot sauce on the side of my ceviche (por supuesto 💁🏽‍♀️) and that was the move! Grab a bite at Canta Rana to engage with the local culture and savor authentic Peruvian dishes.

A Treasure Trove of Flavors

Exploring Lima’s culinary scene is akin to delving into a treasure trove of flavors. Each dish narrates a story of tradition seamlessly blended with innovation. From the bustling streets of Miraflores to the upscale district of San Isidro and the bohemian charm of Barranco. Lima’s culinary landscape is diverse, alive and happening.

Throughout my week-long food escapade, I discovered the heart & soul of Lima’s dining, one restaurant at a time. Whether indulging in reinvented seafood classics or savoring traditional dishes, each plate offered a glimpse into the deep history of Peruvian ingredients and kitchens. If you are a foodie or someone who is newly discovering Latin flavors, I can’t recommend a ‘food tour’ in Lima enough. Even though these are some of Lima’s most delicious eat, there is much more to discover my friends. As foodies, we must have patience and vow to keep returning 😄.

Until next time Lima, gracias for the memories and the mouthwatering moments. ¡Buen provecho! 🍽️✨

xoxo, Bekah

PS. While I was eating my way through Lima, Rach was doing the same in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Catch that curated restaurant round-up here!