Budget Gourmet Lima

Our Local Expert Says:

Traditional restaurant frequented by President Alan Garcia

Description:

El Cordano opened in 1905 and has changed little over the passage of time. This traditional old bar and restaurant has been the haunt of numerous politicians and other important figures in Peru. It is situated a block away from the Plaza Mayor in the heart of downtown Lima, just beside the government palace and near many other sights and attractions. The establishment offers a greatly varied menu featuring local cuisine, meats, seafood, chicken, salads, desserts and fruit juices. Beer and other drinks are also available; the Chilcano de Pisco (made with soda, pisco and lemon) is highly recommended.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good.

Description:

While the main restaurant is located in Lima Downtown, Norky's has become a large, popular chain with restaurants all around Lima: it also has a very good delivery service that will have your order at your door in some 30-40 minutes. Besides pollo a la brasa they offer many barbecue specialties, including the typical anticuchos.

Our Local Expert Says:

The most popular café in Miraflores. Great for people watching.

Description:

The two-level, spacious cafe has an outside terrace overlooking one of the busiest streets in the Miraflores area. It maintains the quality and cordial service of yesteryear and has remained a popular cafe in the neighborhood. Highbrow Peruvians and foreigners can be found here mingling in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Local and international dishes, desserts, cold drinks and cocktails are on the menu. It's a good place for a sandwich lunch or to order a cup of coffee and watch the world pass by.

Description:

This restaurant prepares delicious cebiches and various gourmet dishes with the freshest of seafood. Its extense menu comprises famous national and international dishes at reasonable prices, while offering a fast and excellent service. Their wine list is well stocked, with a predominance of Chilean and Argentine wines, as well as a few Peruvian ones. This Miraflores branch enjoys a great view, being located on the pier along the beaches of Costa Verde.

Our Local Expert Says:

Budget-friendly and healthy!

Description:

This is small spot conveniently located near the intersection of Javier Prado and Camino Real Avenues, is a bit hidden at a relatively quiet street, but yet very near to the Lima Downtown-Miraflores-Barranco route that many young backpackers take often while in Lima. Gonzi's offers a "Menu Del Dia" for lunch, that is, several dishes (starters, main courses and desserts) to choose from; you can pick one of each, and you will also receive a tasty croissant and some homemade soft drink, like lemonade, emoliente (a local combination of herbs and spices), or chicha morada (soft drink made from purple corn), for example. All for a flat price.

Our Local Expert Says:

Prices between US $4 and $6

Description:

If you want an original sandwich, one that is not to be found anywhere else, this is your place: Colette Blondet, owner and chef, opened this place in Barranco and offers a wide variety to satisfy all the customers' preferences. Among the very special sandwiches we can recommend the ones with suckling in hoisin sauce and the "cangreburger" (hamburger made with crab meat), both of them with surprising accompaniments. This restaurant also offers a great selection of sandwiches made in pita bread, like the one with grilled shrimp and an exotic oriental salad, among many other delicious surprises. But you will also find some of the classical hamburgers, with an unique touch of originality. As complements for your order, you may choose among sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and the kid's choice, potato fries. There is no parking, so it is better to walk or to use public transportation. Ask for the new fruit juices. They also take delivery orders.

Our Local Expert Says:

Editor's choice for seafood

Description:

The chef and owner Luis Cordero Larrabure takes his cevicheria quite seriously and so should you. El Kapallaq has been pleasing local appetites since 1996 and has won quite a few awards for its unique offerings. Original Peruvian and Basque recipes combined with a rustic decor make this restaurant a must visit. Try something from the award-winning ceviche selection like Cebiche Mixto or go for Chupe De Camarones-one of the traditional broths prepared here. El Kapallaq only serves lunch-make it a big meal!

Our Local Expert Says:

It gets crowded, so get there early

Description:

The perfect place to meet with friends or people-watch from comfortable sidewalk tables. This is a bar for Tapas (Spanish appetisers), including Pulpo a la Gallega (Galicia-style Squid), Tortilla Española (Spanish Potato Omelette) along with an assortment of sandwiches. At night the outside tables are lit with candles and the evening becomes magically intimate for a good wine or an aromatic coffee.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very Good.

Description:

One of the best-known pollo a la brasa chain restaurants, it has become a large franchise with branches currently in Chile, Bolivia, Mexico and Miami: Pardo's Chicken obviously specializes in Peruvian Roasted Chicken, usually served with fries, but you can also choose any of the delicious salads of the house. It also offers some other Peruvian barbecue specialties such as anticuchos, and there's even kid-friendly options (nuggets, hor dogs, etc.). You will also find here drinks (including the Peruvian purple-corn made beverage chicha morada) and desserts. A very good choice either for lunch or dinner, and you can have your order delivered to your place by calling to: 617-2828.