Must see restaurants in Lima, recommended by a peruvian foodie

Isolina Restaurant: Where the Flavors of Peru Come to Life Imagine an enchanted corner in the nostalgic streets of Barranco, where the culinary secrets of Peru are revealed in every bite. Welcome to Isolina, a magical place that has earned a prominent place among the 100 best restaurants in Latin America. Chef José del Castillo, with love and respect for his mother, Isolina Vargas, has created a gastronomic tribute that transports us to the traditional Lima taverns of yesteryear. These places were the epicenters of social life, where conversations flowed, glasses were raised and flavors came to life. Isolina manages to capture all that essence and brings it to the present with a charming and memorable experience. Isolina's dishes are a journey through time, full of flavors that linger in the memory. Its generous portions encourage camaraderie and sharing, evoking authentic Peruvian hospitality. Furthermore, I cannot fail to mention the charming terrace that surrounds the restaurant, a corner that I personally fell in love with. So, if you visit Barranco, you cannot leave without experiencing Isolina. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; It is a portal that takes you to the heart of Peruvian gastronomic culture. Let the flavors and history envelop you in an experience that will leave you fascinated. Recommended dishes: First course: Papa Rellena, Causa Limeña, Pan con Chicharron, Ceviche con Chicharron de pulpo, Main course: Lomo saltado, Seco de Asado de Tira con Arroz y Frejoles, Ají de Gallina, Cau Cau con Sangrecita. Dessert: Crema Volteada and Mazamorra morada Drinks: Cuzqueña or House Beer, Chicha Morada, Pisco Sour and a good selection of Wines. Av. San Martín Prologación 101 Barranco Lima 15063 Perú Teléfono: +51 1 2475075 E-mail: reservas@isolina.pe

Canta Ranita: A Huarique with Charm and Passion Like the "younger brother" of Canta Rana, this charming restaurant is hided in El Capullo market, in Jirón Unión, a popular street in Barranco. I included it in my list of favorite restaurants because I firmly believe that enjoying a meal at a market always brings a special touch to the dining experience, especially because peruvian markets truly show the traditional food made with so much love. Vicente Furgiuele, an Argentinian with an overflowing passion for ceviche, has turned Canta Ranita into a true tribute to his roots and to his mother, Teresa, whose influence endures from his time in "Donde canta la rana", where he worked in Venezuela. The first time I discovered Canta Ranita, I instantly fell in love. The delicious aroma of seafood fills the air, and the decorations, consisting of flags hanging from the ceilings, paintings on the walls and sports relics such as football player jerseys, will transport you to the very essence of the neighborhood. The familiarity among the workers is evident. Always accompanied by great hits of salsa and merengue, they provide a memorable and delicious dining experience for anyone who visits it. Here, fine etiquette has no place, as what matters most is the authenticity and exquisite taste of the food. I left this charming corner with enormous happiness and the desire to return. Although it has a smaller menu than its main counterpart, the selection is excellent in my opinion. Canta Ranita offers an enjoyable and memorable experience, that is hard to forget. Some of the popular dishes at Canta Ranita: Langostinos al ajillo: A dish of garlic shrimp that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Causa rellena: A plate of yellow potato stuffed with tuna, chicken, or shrimp. Ceviche de pescado: A traditional Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers. Arroz con mariscos: A dish served hot that consists of rice cooked with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, prawns, among others. Parrillada: A mixed grill of seafood and meat that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Canta Ranita is also known for its excellent drinks such as pisco sours, beers, and fruit juices. Jirón Unión 147 Barranco, Lima

Immerse yourself in an authentic Italian experience at La Linterna. This cozy corner is part of a pizzeria chain that, since 1963, has delighted us with genuine flavors. My experience at La Linterna was more than pleasant. From the very first moment, the warm and charming atmosphere made me feel at home. Whether for a family meal, a celebration with friends or a romantic dinner, the place offers the perfect setting. The team, with their expert attention, added a special touch to the evening. Menu options range from delicious Italian pasta to authentic Napolitan pizzas, all prepared with care. My personal recommendation are the pizzas, with 33 options that adapt to all tastes. In short, La Linterna is a place worth visiting, not only for the quality of the food, but for the experience it gives you. You won't regret exploring this culinary place!

Inside of a Lima mansion in Barranco, you will discover the gastronomic treasure of AWICHA, a corner where contemporary Peruvian cuisine merges perfectly with French, Italian and Japanese influences, thus creating a unique culinary style. Under the direction of the passionate chef Jason Roman, this place is much more than a restaurant; It is a dream come true. AWICHA is the materialization of Chef Jason's native Peruvian roots, enriched by the tradition of his grandmother and mother in the Huacho countryside. The name itself, "Awicha," is the quechua word for "grandmother," carefully chosen as an homenage to the figure who inspired his love for cooking. This deep connection is translated into each dish, where the evolutionary seasonal cuisine harmonizes perfectly with the products that the Peruvian land offers. What captivates from the first moment is AWICHA's unique concept: an intimate space with few tables and a kitchen that stands proudly in the center, open and elevated, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the culinary experience. Here, you can see and be seen, feel and hear, as the aromas of delicious dishes dance in the air. AWICHA's menu is a visual delight, a canvas that reflects the artistic presentation of the dishes. A varied menu is complemented by a selection of exceptional wines, adding a refined touch to the dining experience. In every detail, AWICHA invites you to live a unique experience, where the passion for cooking becomes a banquet for the senses. Let yourself be seduced by this culinary corner that celebrates the fusion of tradition and creativity in every bite!

On the old Barranco boardwalk, in the heart of the charming district, emerges Singular & Co., a vintage and elegant cafeteria that harmonizes perfectly with the style of the area. Maricel Ballester, a passionate gastronomic entrepreneur, has given life to this coffee corner in the iconic Soyer house, a century-old mansion that now houses the essence of Singular & Co. This cozy cafe invites you to enjoy full breakfasts, sandwiches, waffles and toast. If you want to live a unique experience is to explore their "samplers", perfect portions that allow you to try a variety of delicious toasts and waffles. Maricel, with her business vision since she was young, has assembled an exceptional team and selected top-of-the-line inputs to consolidate this new venture. The choice of coffee is crucial, and at Singular & Co. it relies on the Chabela blend (90% Jaén, Cajamarca, and 10% Villa Rica, Pasco), carefully prepared by the renowned Harry Neira, which is served in various variants, including Espresso. Among the jewels on the menu, the Mokaccino stands out, a generous 12-ounce cup that combines a double espresso with five units of chocolate, a true delight for coffee lovers. In additionto this, the offer is completed with good pastries and fine pastries from La Verité Patisserie, all of them always fresh and irresistible. The terrace of Singular & Co. not only invites you to enjoy your coffee but also a captivating and relaxing environment, it gives you a beautiful view of the boardwalk and the serenity of a less-crowded street. The combination of vegetation, birds and shade on summer days makes this terrace a truly special place, in particular, I love it. Singular & Co. is not only a coffee, it is a unique experience that fuses vintage elegance with the passion for good coffee and quality gastronomy. A visit to this charming corner on the Barranco boardwalk promises to awaken your senses and leave you wanting to return. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this gastronomic treasure in Lima!

Enter the universe of Zara Alanya, a master pastry chef trained in Barcelona who has elevated Peruvian pastries to new heights. Eight years ago, she gave life to Alanya Repostería, a corner of delight that, in the last Summum Awards, was hailed as the best pastry shop in Peru. Located in the picturesque district of Barranco, this charming place with a contemporary, artistic, minimalist, aesthetic and vegetation both inside and outside makes the place emanate serenity. Zara Alanya, with her bold approach, arouses the curiosity of passers-by. From the window, the view of the espresso machine, the intoxicating aroma of Peruvian coffee and the tempting display case of sweets invites you to enter this gastronomic paradise. Personally, I must highlight that the hot chocolate that they serve is simply divine, an experience that everyone should have in Lima. Alanya Pastries has also gained renown for its croissants, offering an impressive variety: from the classic to innovations such as passion fruit, cappuccino, cheesecake, almonds, manjarblanco, chocolate, raspberry, apple, mango, lucuma, and more. Let's now talk about coffee, coming from the Tarcuyoc farm in Cusco, 1850 meters above sea level. With notes of red apple, caramel and mandarin orange, this type of coffee perfectly complements the house's croissants and sweets. My recommendations at Alanya Pastries are unmissable: - Lemon crunch (with lemon curd spheres and cream cheese mousse). - Zara cake (caramel mousse, vanilla cream and salted caramel interior). - Opera (soft chocolate sponge cake, 70% coffee ganache and coffee whipped cream). - Vanilla cheesecake (which looks like a cheese mold, filled with apple crumble). Alanya offers an exceptional experience with its exquisite flavors and charming atmosphere. This is an invitation to immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience. ¡Visit them soon!

Cala Restaurante, a place with gastronomic art next to the Pacific. Cala fuses traditional charm with culinary innovation. Here each place vibrates loudly to enjoy magical sunsets in the lounge, share laughter on the terrace or live special moments in the main room, all to the sound of the waves as if they were dancing around you. Under the direction of the talented chef José Alfredo Aramburú, Cala stands out for its gastronomic proposal that selects ingredients from the coast, mountains and jungle, creating unforgettable culinary experiences. The exclusive menu is a sensory journey that includes everything from the exquisite Bucanero Loin to the surprising Amazonian Octopus and the comforting Choclo Risotto with Cheese. Immerse yourself in a unique selection of wines, including Casal Mendes, a Portuguese blue with a fruity flavor that conquers the most demanding palates. Cala also offers a wide variety of pastas, rice and meats, from grilled options to dishes with regional influence from the Peruvian highlands. To culminate your experience, delight your palate with the Chirimoya Margarita, a delight that will further elevate the magic of this place. In Cala, the beauty of the environment merges with the attention of the staff and the excellence of the cuisine, creating a gastronomic oasis that invites you to discover and enjoy. Come and let yourself be carried away by the passion of Cala Restaurante.

Canta Ranita: A Huarique with Charm and Passion Like the "younger brother" of Canta Rana, this charming restaurant is hided in El Capullo market, in Jirón Unión, a popular street in Barranco. I included it in my list of favorite restaurants because I firmly believe that enjoying a meal at a market always brings a special touch to the dining experience, especially because peruvian markets truly show the traditional food made with so much love. Vicente Furgiuele, an Argentinian with an overflowing passion for ceviche, has turned Canta Ranita into a true tribute to his roots and to his mother, Teresa, whose influence endures from his time in "Donde canta la rana", where he worked in Venezuela. The first time I discovered Canta Ranita, I instantly fell in love. The delicious aroma of seafood fills the air, and the decorations, consisting of flags hanging from the ceilings, paintings on the walls and sports relics such as football player jerseys, will transport you to the very essence of the neighborhood. The familiarity among the workers is evident. Always accompanied by great hits of salsa and merengue, they provide a memorable and delicious dining experience for anyone who visits it. Here, fine etiquette has no place, as what matters most is the authenticity and exquisite taste of the food. I left this charming corner with enormous happiness and the desire to return. Although it has a smaller menu than its main counterpart, the selection is excellent in my opinion. Canta Ranita offers an enjoyable and memorable experience, that is hard to forget. Some of the popular dishes at Canta Ranita: Langostinos al ajillo: A dish of garlic shrimp that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Causa rellena: A plate of yellow potato stuffed with tuna, chicken, or shrimp. Ceviche de pescado: A traditional Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers. Arroz con mariscos: A dish served hot that consists of rice cooked with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, prawns, among others. Parrillada: A mixed grill of seafood and meat that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Canta Ranita is also known for its excellent drinks such as pisco sours, beers, and fruit juices. Jirón Unión 147 Barranco, Lima