Top Tables: Lima’s Best Restaurants

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Lima, for any occasion.

Related: Melissa’s Travels: An Insider’s Guide to Peru

Tucked in the gardens of the 18^th-century colonial villa–turned-museum, Museo Larco, this café is the perfect spot for a relaxed midday meal. Tables are set under a pergola surrounded by bougainvillea and hanging plants with views of the sprawling lawns and award-winning gardens. In the evening, the restaurant offers dining in the former stables, which is now filled with banquettes piled with Peruvian embroidered pillows and decorative colonial furniture and artifacts. The gourmet Peruvian food matches the setting, which may be why this has been called the best museum restaurant in the world. Av. Simón Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Libre

El Mercado

Peruvian celebrity chef Rafael Osterling’s lively bistro, El Mercado prepares fabulous ceviche (which Limens know is only eaten at lunch) like scallops served still in the shell and other dishes such as duck tacos and shrimp curry. El Mercado does not take reservations, so come early to grab a table and save room for the churros, which come with chocolate and dulce de leche for dipping. Av. Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores

Pescados Capitales

Pescados Capitales is a stylish seafood restaurant in Miraflores, attracting locals including ladies who lunch and well-heeled families. Av. Mariscal La Mar 1337, Miraflores

Isolina Taberna Peruana

Located in the heart of the bohemian arts district Barranco, Isolina is a neighborhood hangout helmed by highly revered chef Jose del Castillo. Located in a historic building, the eatery retains its original colonial tile floors and ancient wood paneling and bar, and Castillo honors the past in his fresh takes on criollo cuisine, which is rooted in the traditions of slaves who brought African culinary influences to Peru. Here, dishes might include black beans and rice patties and tortillas with calf’s brains. Av. San Martín 101, Barranco

Restaurant Huaca Pucllana

Delicious and hearty Peruvian fare with pride of place, Restaurant Huaca Pucllana overlooks an ancient pyramid. Ca. Gral. Borgoño Nº860, Miraflores

A near impossible reservation and consistent foodie favorite, Central is helmed by Gastón Acurio’s creative protegé Virgilio Martínez Véliz in Barranco. Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco

Astrid y Gastón

Astrid y Gastón is the landmark restaurant of Peru’s most celebrated chef Gastón Acurio. Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro

Mérito

Located in the trendy Barranco neighborhood, Mérito has quickly become one of the hottest tables in town, offering inventive tapas-style Peruvian dishes in an intimate setting. Jr, 28 De Julio 206, Barranco

Cala

Cala is a sexy waterfront restaurant with a resemblance to Sydney’s Icebergs. Cto. de Playas, Barranco

Maido

Stylish Nikkei restaurant in Miraflores that brilliantly combines Peruvian and Japanese cooking techniques. Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores

Osaka

Peruvian-born Chef Ciro Watanabe’s restaurant focuses on Nikkei cuisine, which is a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian foods, with an emphasis on ultra-fresh seafood. Osaka’s atmosphere is buzzing and attracts a mix of well-dressed locals and tourists. The menu is a bit tricky to navigate, but a highlight is the mariscos al fuego, which is served to the table on fire. Felipe, Av. Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro

Rafael

One of the most famous Lima restaurants, Chef Rafael Osterling's eponymous eatery opened in 2000 and has not lost popularity since. The fine-dining spot is located in a beautiful Art Deco townhouse and specializes in delicious fusion dishes like housemade pastas and grilled octopus with pimento chimichurri, olives and garlic confit. Ca. San Martín 300, Miraflores