Gourmet Trip

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:

Very good nouvelle Peruvian food

Description:

Owned by local chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who studied in Italy, entering here makes you forget the noisy Limenian streets and the annoying traffic jams. It's pretty much like entering an unexpected haven hidden in the middle of the city: colorful, full or art and a with a warm, cozy, welcoming ambiance. Malabar changes its menu options four times during the year, and usually includes some native ingredients from the Peruvian Jungle and Andean regions; however, he maintains those dishes favored by the guests, like, for example, the tiradito de pejerreyes (marinated in yellow chile and "kushuro", an Amazonian weed) or the chonta salad with tomatoes. You may want to try the Tuna Tartare or the Lomo Saltado, or simply ask the waiter for the suggestions of the day. The bar has room for some 30 guests, and is well stocked, but you really should try the pisco-based drinks, specially Pisco Sour or Pisco Punch. In 2010, Malabar was included among the Top 10 Bars in the World by Food & Wine cocktail guide magazine.

Description:

Hidden discreetly behind a nonchalant facade (though one of an antique colonial house), on a busy side street leading to Parque Central, is this warm and chic modern colonial dining room and cozy bar. It continues to be my favorite restaurant in Peru. Gastón Acurio is the celebrity chef of the moment, with a burgeoning empire of fine-dining restaurants not only in Lima but also a handful of other cities on the continent (one opened in San Francisco in spring 2008) and a cooking show on TV. His signature restaurant in the capital is warm and elegant, with high white peaked ceilings and orange walls decorated with colorful modern art. In back is an open kitchen, where Gastón can be seen cooking with his staff, and a secluded wine-salon dining room. The place is sophisticated and hip but low-key, a description that could fit most of its clients, who all seem to be regulars. The menu might be called criollo-Mediterranean: Peruvian with a light touch. Try spicy roasted kid or the excellent fish called noble robado, served in miso sauce with crunchy oysters. The list of desserts -- the work of Astrid, the other half of the husband-wife team -- is nearly as long as the main course menu, and...

Our Local Expert Says:

Great steaks!

Description:

With more than 10 years in the business, this place has become one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Lima, and is very required to celebrate family and friend gatherings. It not only serves barbecue specialties, but also salads and veggie-based dishes. In addition, the location offers an spectacular view of the Chorrillos marina and bay, and of the Costa Verde beaches. It is a bit pricey but the servings are really large, and you can take your own bottle of wine with no extra charge. It is not a small place, but if you want to have lunch here, you need to arrive early, otherwise it may be very difficult to find a table.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful set-up inside the Huaca Pucyana

Description:

La Hamaca, is a three story mansion that caters to the culinary needs of the locals. The restaurant generally serves delicious Peruvian fare but also incorporates the contemporary ones. Try out the traditional specialties like criollo, ají de gallina and tacu tacu-a preparations of rice and beans-they are very satisfying. The interiors command a lot of attention, with antique art deco pieces. Friday and Saturday nights, La Hamaca features dance nights on the third floor-another reason to visit La Hamaca!

Our Local Expert Says:

Editors choice for Chinese restaurant (chifa)

Description:

One of the best and well-known Chifas (local slang for Chinese restaurants) is appropriately situated right in the heart of the Barrio Chino, in the centre of Lima. Hot or cold drinks accompany its colourful oriental dishes. The dining area is spacious and distinctly Chinese. Tourists frequently flock here for the combination Chinese-Peruvian cuisine, after trekking about the nearby historic centre of the city. A delicious Dim Sum and a traditional noodle and dumpling breakfast can be enjoyed when this Chifa opens in the early hours of the morning.

Our Local Expert Says:

Luxury and romance by the sea

Description:

Ever had dinner surrounded by the sea? Here you can have that experience without the need of booking a luxury cruise. The restaurant is built over the sea, on piles, connected to the beach by a large rocky dock. Specialized in seafood, the marine views from here are an experience not to miss, and if you go during happy hour time (5pm-7pm) you may get to see the last surfers enjoying the last minutes of daylight. The specialty is, of course, fresh seafood: order any of the several ceviche options, which include fresh fish, shrimp, squid and octopus There are also hot dishes and soups available, as well as pasta options and dishes featuring beef or chicken. Try also the Ceviche de Pato (Duck ceviche, cooked) and the Tiradito de Lenguado (flounder tiradito). You can get here by taxi, and depending on your location you may expect to pay something between 12 and 20 soles.