Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Lima, Peru

Take a local markets tour. A tour of lima's local fish and produce markets is a great way to start off your trip! Peru has tons of fruits and being able to try some of them is a fun way to get acquainted with the country and have some laughs with new friends. You will also be able to sample traditional Peruvian dishes and of course enjoy some ceviche! 

The Tragaluz is an amazing place to grab a drink a light bite before dinner. The terrace is stunning and the elevated cocktails match their surroundings. To ensure a table make a reservation ahead of time or you can try walking in off-hours or with a smaller group.

For dinner, a visit to Tomo Cocina Nikki is in order. Tomo is unassuming from the outside located in a converted house and you must ring the buzzer to get inside. The restaurant has a beautiful modern interior set over multiple floors for an intimate feeling. The best way to order here is to tell the waiter any must-have dishes and how many courses you are looking for and let them do the rest! English is not widely spoken at this restaurant and the menu is in Spanish, but don't let that deter you. Reservations are required for dinner, you might have luck walking in for bar seating during lunch.

Pro Tip: Nikki cuisine is based on the long standing Japanese influence on Peruvian food. This unique style of food cannot be missed for any sushi lovers.

Today is all about exploring the artsy town of Barranco! Sleep in (Lima is not a city that wakes early!) and then head to Dedalo, a local shop with a beautiful garden cafe in the back. Enjoy a coffee or one of their fresh smoothies with your breakfast. Don't forget to walk around the shop on your way out to explore their curated selection of locally made home decor and clothing.

Spend some time walking around the neighborhood and visiting the local shops. While exploring, you will come across numerous murals, which the neighborhood is famous for. 

Once you are ready for a break and some food, stop by Ayahuasca, a bar and restaurant set inside a beautiful old mansion. The interior is moody while the back patio is more modern and bright. This is a great place to try traditional food such as lomo saltado, Peruvian stir-fry or ceviche. They also have a wide selection of Piscos if you are interested in doing a tasting.

For dinner it's time to be amazed by the food and presentation at Merito. Reservations are required as this is small establishment. The interior is reminiscent of a minimal Scandinavian style while also feeling homey. There is an English menu here and the wait staff also speak English. They will help you with the correct number of portions for your table, although you will be tempted to order everything!

The morning is a great time to see the sights in Miraflores before they get crowded for the day. Parque del Amor has a beautiful vantage point over the ocean and is walking distance from the shopping mall of Larcomar. If you are looking to purchase some locally made jewelry, Sissai is a wonderful shop. They have two locations, with one being in Larcomar.

Pro tip: While Peru is know for gold mining, much of the activity is illegal, and it's important to research and support business using sustainable mining practices.

Mix up all the fine dining with lunch at La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla — best known for their sandwiches and casual walk-up outdoor ordering area. This buzzy spot has some unique sandwich offerings and attentive staff. The portions are split in half, so getting a few options to share is a great way to go!

No foodie visit to Lima is complete without a Michelin star meal at Central. Make sure you plan well in advance to grab a spot at this Netflix-featured spot. A lunch or dinner reservation is the star of the show today and all decisions will be taken care of for you by the chef's tasting menu. Each dish is inspired by the Peruvian landscape, both land and sea.