Central

"Would a guide to Barranco that does not include the number 1 restaurant in the world be complete? Probably not. Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon's ode to the Peruvian pantry - Central - is extravagant yet lovely. A 14 course tasting menu (costing about 1400 soles) takes you on a journey around the country, showing different ingredients from the various altitudes around Peru. "14 courses" is selling it short as many courses have two or three dishes - 20 courses is probably more accurate. The service is knowledgable, passionate, yet completely unpretentious. Should you visit Central? If you have the budget to visit, I say yes. The experience is as much educational as it is a culinary journey. You get to learn about the various parts of Peru and the various ingredients you can find - some known (clams, potatoes) and others a bit off the beaten path (special Amazonian fish and unique high altitude fish roe). If you can go at the end of your trip to Peru after you've visited other places (and seen the various landscapes) you will likely enjoy more of the meal. If Central is out of your budget, have no fear; Pia's solo project Kjolle is located on site and also offers a great dining experience. Just like Central, Kjolle shows off unique ingredients from around Peru, especially tubers. Despite being highly acclaimed, the price tag is significantly less than its brother restaurant. One last piece of advice: Central and Kjolle - and for that matter their restaurant MIL outside of Cuzco - are pretty similar in approach. Despite all three having significant plaudits, going to more than one is a bit redundant. If you can only pick one, I'd say Central is probably the best, but MIL's full day trip experience is also pretty cool. Regardless, picking any of the three restaurants will give you an amazing experience into the wealth of Peruvian ingredients. "

"An affordable Michelin starred restaurant and the food and ambience was just unmatched. The potato dish and the dessert are incredible. The foamy fish dish....that's one thing that I won't be eating again. "