T'anta

Description:

• Like a Peruvian Dean & Deluca (an upscale deli/market in New York City), T'anta (which means "bread" in Quechua) serves delicious, casual eats in its cafe or prepared foods to go. It now has a complete menu, with a full range of creative snack foods and small meals, including classic Peruvian dishes. From fresh salads and panini to Peruvian sandwiches called sánguches and homemade pastas and terrific desserts, this stylish but informal place, the brainchild of Astrid (the dessert wizard of Astrid y Gastón fame) hits the spot no matter what you're in the mood for, or when. It's very chic and modern, with poured concrete and an angled glass wall. With its full list of cool cocktails (such as the maricucha or aguaymanto sour), it's also a great spot for drinks. You may come for a coffee or a cocktail, but I guarantee that you'll end up at least having dessert. One dessert that had me coming back for more was the tartita de maracuyá (passion-fruit tart). There are now three other locations in Lima, including one in the Centro on Pasaje Nicolás de Rivera del Viejo 142.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010