When people talk about Lima, the capital of Peru, they don’t just mention Machu Picchu or the Andes—they talk about the food. In fact, Lima is one of the world’s most celebrated culinary capitals, where ancient Incan traditions, Spanish influence, African roots, Chinese fusion, and Japanese techniques all come together to create a cuisine that is as rich as Peru’s history.
Home to some of the world’s top restaurants like Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón, Lima has emerged as a must-visit destination for any serious foodie. But don’t worry—it’s not all fine dining. From humble ceviche stalls to sizzling anticuchos on the street, Lima offers unforgettable flavor on every budget.
🐟 Ceviche: Peru’s National Dish, Perfected
Lima is the undisputed capital of ceviche, and this citrus-cured seafood dish is a national obsession.
What’s in a Classic Ceviche?
- Fresh white fish (like sea bass or corvina)
- Lime juice
- Red onion
- Aji limo (Peruvian chili)
- Cilantro
- Served with sweet potato and cancha (toasted corn)
Best Places to Try Ceviche:
- La Mar – Gastón Acurio’s legendary cebichería with ocean-fresh ingredients and creative twists.
- El Mercado – Chic, market-style dining by Chef Rafael Osterling.
- Punto Azul – Beloved by locals, affordable and consistently excellent.
Tip: Ceviche is traditionally a lunch dish, when the fish is at its freshest.
🍢 Anticuchos & Street Food Delights
Street food in Lima is flavorful, filling, and rooted in tradition. The most iconic snack? Anticuchos—grilled beef heart skewers marinated in vinegar and spices, cooked over open flames and served with potatoes or corn.
Other street food favorites:
- Papa rellena – Mashed potatoes stuffed with meat and spices, then deep-fried.
- Butifarra – A crusty sandwich with pork, salsa criolla, and yellow chili sauce.
- Churros filled with dulce de leche – Because who can resist?
Best Spots:
- Parque Kennedy (Miraflores) – Bustling at night with street vendors.
- Barranco neighborhood – Trendy, artistic, and full of tasty discoveries.
- Mercado Surquillo – Local and authentic, perfect for a deep dive into Peruvian flavors.
🥢 Nikkei & Chifa: East Meets Andes
Lima’s culinary brilliance lies in its fusion. The city has large Japanese and Chinese communities whose influence has given rise to two amazing cuisines:
Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian Fusion):
- Tiradito – Sashimi-like raw fish in spicy citrus sauce.
- Nikkei sushi – Rolls with tropical fruits, aji amarillo, or Amazonian fish.
Try it at:
- Maido – One of the best restaurants in the world, fusing Japanese precision with Peruvian ingredients.
- Osaka – Stylish, upscale, and endlessly creative.
Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian Fusion):
- Arroz chaufa – Peruvian-style fried rice.
- Tallarin saltado – Stir-fried noodles with beef and vegetables.
- Wantan soup – With a uniquely Peruvian twist.
Where to go:
- San Joy Lao in Lima’s Chinatown.
- Wa Lok – A favorite for locals looking for great chifa dishes.
🍰 Pisco, Desserts & Local Drinks
You can’t visit Lima without trying pisco, Peru’s national spirit made from distilled grapes.
Drink Musts:
- Pisco Sour – Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.
- Chilcano – Pisco with ginger ale, lime, and bitters—refreshing and light.
Sweet Treats:
- Suspiro a la Limeña – A rich dessert made of sweet milk custard topped with meringue.
- Alfajores – Soft cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche.
- Lucuma ice cream – Made from a native fruit with a unique maple-caramel flavor.
🧭 Foodie Tips for Lima
- Eat like a local at lunch, when menus (called menú del día) are offered at many restaurants with appetizer, main course, and drink for a great price.
- Book ahead for fine dining—Central and Maido can be booked months in advance.
- Take a food tour through Miraflores or Barranco for a taste of Lima’s diversity.
- Visit a local market, like Mercado de Surquillo or Mercado de San Isidro, to explore fresh produce, cheeses, and spices.
In Lima, the plate is a passport—to the Andes, to the Amazon, to Asia, to Africa. It’s a city where every dish is layered with history, pride, and passion. Whether you’re sipping a pisco sour while overlooking the Pacific or discovering bold flavors in a back-alley cevichería, Lima offers a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
