Peruvian cuisine is the best in South America and you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat like a king. The foodie paradise of Lima is home to two of the world’s ten best restaurants. You can also find fantastic cheap eats here, and some of the best meals I had cost less than $10 US. Ceviche is what Peruvian cuisine is most famous for, but there are plenty of other delicious dishes like lomo saltado (Peruvian stir fry) and pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken). Here are 10 amazing restaurants you have to visit in Peru!
1. Al Toke Pez, Lima
This simple cevichería features on Netflix’s Street Food Latin America, and it did not disappoint. The combinado of ceviche, seafood rice, and chicharrón was maybe the best meal I’ve had in my life. Sitting around the kitchen and watching the chefs in action only adds to the fun of Al Toke Pez. It’s only open for lunch and it gets very busy.
2. Maido, Lima
Maido is a Japanese-Peruvian fusion joint ranked as one of the world’s 10 best restaurants. The tasting menu is an experience any foodie dreams of and the plating is a work of art. The environment is very unpretentious, and my worries of feeling out of place in jeans and a llama sweater were quickly erased. You need a reservation 1-2 months in advance.
Ca. San Martin No. 399, Miraflores
3. Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Cusco
Billed as the best restaurant in Cusco, Morena completely lives up to the hype. They serve typical dishes with extra flavor you won’t find at most restaurants, and the lomo saltado is the best I’ve ever had.
Esquina con Plaza de Armas, Procuradores 320, Cusco
4. Ceviche Seafood Kitchen, Cusco
The value for money is lower than it is on the coast, but this is the best ceviche you’ll find in Cusco. The trio marino is fantastic and the desserts are a must. It’s located beside the picturesque Plaza de Armas, and the warm ambiance makes for a delightful experience. You will leave here with a big smile on your face.
Related: 10 Incredible Things You Must Do in Peru
5. Restaurant La Paila, Pisac
You wouldn’t expect to find top-notch ceviche in a small town in the Sacred Valley, but here we are. This unassuming restaurant puts some extra spice on its Asian-style ceviche, and it’s up there with the best in the country.
6. El Tío Darío, Arequipa
Arequipa is renowned for its rich regional cuisine, and dining at El Tío Darío is unmissable. You can sample the fantastic regional plates or enjoy the delicious seafood in their beautiful garden.
Cjón. del Cabildo 100, Yanahuara
7. Rucula, Cusco
Traditional Peruvian and vegetarian dishes with fresh, organic ingredients from nearby farms. The food is wonderful and the presentation is even better. Plus, its location in the San Blas neighborhood offers incredible views of the Plaza de Armas.
8. Don Tito, Lima
Peru invented the rotisserie chicken and the pollo a la brasa at Don Tito is mouth-watering. Peruvians hold their chicken to high standards, and this is one of the few pollerías that passes the test for locals.
Esq. con, Avenida Aviación 3096, Av. San Borja Sur Lima, San Borja
9. Punto Azul, Lima
This family eatery is a favorite among locals for its outstanding ceviche. It’s only open for lunch and you’ll want to arrive early to get a table.
Ca. San Martin 595, Miraflores
10. La Nueva Palomino, Arequipa
Picanterías, the name for daytime restaurants serving regional dishes in Arequipa, have kept their traditions and close by 6 PM. La Nueva Palomino is a traditional picantería where you can try the delicious ricoto relleno.
Now that you’ve read about the amazing restaurants, check out the best destinations in Peru!