While most travelers find themselves in Lima for onward travel to the captivating ruins of Machu Picchu, in recent years, the lively Peruvian capital has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Do you like Peruvian delicacies like Cuy (guinea pig) cooked over wild flames? Or maybe you want to try a more approachable plate of Ceviche – no problem, with no fewer than four of its restaurants ranked among the world’s best (The World’s 50 Best Restaurants), now is the time to eat out in Lima.
Lima’s New Best Restaurants
Maido
At the top of the recent edition of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants sits Maido, a Nikkei masterpiece (a food movement that evolved from Japanese immigration to Peru), that fuses precise Japanese technique with bold Peruvian flavors.
There’s a Nikkei tasting menu, a la carte, and a sushi bar with an emphasis on fish, meat, and earthy local root vegetables to choose from. Try the Cod Misoyaku, a miso-marinated cod cooked over a fire, or splurge on a decadent dish of Nitsuke braised beef cooked for 50 hours with rice and beni shoga.
Kjolle
At number 9 on the list of the world’s best restaurants sits Kjolle, led by Pía León, part of the team of another Peruvian great: Central, serving ingredients sourced from across Peru’s various eco-systems. Everything from roots and coconuts to corn, cocoa, and sea urchin is turned into exquisitely minimalist, eye-catching dishes, highlighting the purity of the produce.
Mérito
At No. 26, Mérito brings together a vibrant cocktail of Peruvian and Venezuelan heritage (head chef Juan Luis Martínez’s home country), via a menu that celebrates natural produce. The menu shines with unexpected flavor pairings, and there’s an intriguing wine list, populated by low-intervention producers from the Americas.
Mayta
Finally, at number 39, Mayta offers elegant tasting menus with a strong focus on sustainability. Mayta uses traceable ingredients with things like tubers, quinoa, and corn cooked in various ways, as well as crab served with barnacles and a staple of the indigenous diet: paiche, a fish plucked straight from the Amazon.
Continue your exploration of the world’s best cuisine with Locals Insider’s picks of the best restaurants in Bangkok.
