Peru has been a favorite in the world of cuisine for some time now, and its food only continues to impress and attract patrons from near and far. Part of its charm is that Peru’s culture is so well represented in its cuisine, making each dish a celebration; from fusion blends like Italian-Peruvian and Japanese-Peruvian, to unique incorporations of the fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains harvested locally. Peru’s restaurants and chefs are creating inventive new dishes all the time for fans of food everywhere to enjoy.
Because of the attention surrounding Peru’s food scene, its restaurants are growing in both quantity and popularity: many of them have been favorites for years, some of them are newer and spearheaded by beloved chefs, and there are also the gems that are known only by the locals. As some of the best restaurants in Peru are also the top restaurants in the world, we wanted to create a list of some of Knowmad’s favorites to help you navigate the delectable world of Peruvian dining!
As you read on below, if you are interested in making a reservation for your trip to Peru at any of the restaurant featured here, you can either use the links within each restaurants’ details to reach their website, or you can let your Trip or Operations Specialist know if you would like help, and we would be happy to assist in making those reservations for you.
BEST PERU RESTAURANTS: Lima
For the true cuisine connoisseurs, Lima should be at the top of your destinations list in Peru. Home to three of the top 50 restaurants in the world according to The World’s 50 Best, Lima is a foodie’s playground, with restaurants like Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón for your palate’s entertainment.
Central
Chef Virgilio Martínez’s top-rated restaurant artistically presents Peru’s ingredients, and the tasting menus are based on the altitudes at which ingredients are found.
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Required; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Maido
One of the top restaurants in Latin America, Maido is an excellent example of Nikkei cuisine (the fusion of Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients) and also offers an incredible 15-course tasting menu. Reservations required.
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Required; website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Astrid y Gastón
A hybrid Criollo restaurant with French roots, expect creativity and execution at one of the top-ranked, world- renowned gourmet restaurants.
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Rafael
Owned by Rafael Osterling, owner of El Mercado, this beautiful Art Deco townhouse in the Miraflores area, celebrates Peru’s diverse food culture, taking from its many different culinary roots, such as Italian and Asian influences.
Price: $$$-$$$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Huaca Pucllana
Located in a breathtaking setting within the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana archaeological compound, expect nouveau Peruvian food served gourmet style. For something local with a twist, try humitas verdes (tamales) and causitas pucllana (balls of mashed potatoes with shrimp and avocado).
Price: $$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
La Mar
Specializing in ceviche, this Gastón Acurio restaurant offers an ever-changing menu based off the fresh catch of the day. No reservations accepted.
Price: $$
Reservations: Does not take reservations.
Isolina
Enjoy a family-style meal at Isolina. Known for its delicious comfort food & traditional Peruvian dishes, this is a favorite among locals.
Price: $$-$$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
BEST PERU RESTAURANTS: Cusco
While Lima is very well known for its food scene, Cusco certainly has made a name for itself in the cuisine community, as well. Food-lovers journeying through Peru will certainly not want to miss Cusco, where you can continue to enjoy more delicious Peruvian fare and explore the incredible former Incan capital.
Cicciolina
Inhabiting a lofty colonial courtyard mansion, Cicciolina has long held its position as Cusco’s best restaurant. The eclectic, sophisticated food is divine, and the service exemplary.
Price: $$
Reservations: Recommended for restaurant, although not needed for Bar area; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Baco
The sister restaurant to Cicciolina, Baco has a relaxed atmosphere, offers a variety of South American wines, and has fantastic pizza prepared in a wood burning stove.
Price: $$
Reservations: Recommended but generally not needed depending on the season; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Map Cafe
Nouveau Andean and international cuisine is served up in a smart atmosphere, however you may run into large tour groups from time to time slowing the service a bit. Reservations are recommended.
Price: $$$-$$$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Chicha
Enjoy an Andean fusion meal at one of Gastón Acurio’s lovely properties, overlooking Plaza Regocijo.
Price: $$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
BEST PERU RESTAURANTS: Sacred Valley
The restaurants in the Sacred Valley are a little more spread out and may take just a bit longer to get to, depending on your accommodations, but they are certainly worth the wait. Many of Knowmad’s favorites are located in the towns of Urubamba and Yucay, where you will be able to relax over a meal with stunning Andean views as your backdrop.
Mil
Thrill your taste buds at Mil, a unique restaurant owned by renowned chef, Virgilio Martinez. Not only will you learn about his research taking place here, but enjoy a gourmet, Peruvian tasting menu while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. Please note that Mil is only open for lunch and should be planned as part of your Knowmad itinerary in advance.
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Required; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Huacatay
Located on a side street, Huacatay is an unexpected culinary experience. You’ll want to take your time at this creative and intimate restaurant serving Peruvian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Price: $$
Reservations: Recommended but generally not needed depending on the season;; contact information on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Kaia Shenai
Kaia has excellent healthy options (including vegan and gluten-free) and a relaxed, eco-friendly vibe.
Price: $-$$
Reservations: Generally not needed.
Tawa
Located next to the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay hotel, Tawa has fantastic risottos and quinottos in a rustic setting.
Price: $$
Reservations: Generally not needed; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
BEST PERU RESTAURANTS: Aguas Calientes
Situated in the town below Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is often where travelers stay before or after visiting the Lost City of the Incas. The restaurants in Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo) certainly maintain the Peruvian standard, with award-winning and fusion cuisine to accent what is usually an already spectacular occasion of visiting the site.
Indio Feliz
Award winning international cuisine with French and Peruvian influences, this eclectically decorated place is centrally-located and has a warm atmosphere that will likely have you lingering long after you’re finished eating.
Price: $$-$$$
Reservations: Recommended; contact information on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
Tree House
Contemporary Peruvian and international fusion served in a lovely, secluded setting, the food is worth the climb up the steps! The Tree House also has great vegan options.
Price: $$-$$$
Reservations: Recommended; available on website or through your Knowmad specialist.
With food being such a large part of Peru’s culture, you’ll want to be sure to factor it in when planning your trip. Knowing the different restaurants and their styles of food, price ranges, and locations can help you narrow down from the many dynamic options that Peru has to offer, making exploring this incredible country all the more delicious!
To learn more about the fantastic food in Peru, or to discuss which restaurants would fit perfect into your itinerary, give a Knowmad Peru Trip Specialist a call today at 612-315-2894 ext. 105 or email our Peru Trip Specialist Renee at [email protected] to begin planning your personalized Peru itinerary.
Adiós,
Carmen
Carmen is an Operations Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to crafting specialized custom, private trips to South America. Carmen has lived in three countries, spent some time backpacking in Europe and Central America, and studied Spanish, Italian, and Greek. She loves to explore languages, new places, and all the ways in which people can share their stories, and is excited to help travelers add to their own story with their next adventure!
