The rap on PeruThe capital of is a place to stay for a couple of nights and eat at some famous restaurants. Central or Astrid y Gastón before continuing on to the Andes Or the Amazon. Lima offers so much more to visitors than just great food. This seaside city is best known for the sounds of salsa ringing across its roofs, and the jokes thrown over kaleidoscopic fruit mountains at its mercados. Contemporary Peruvian designers are setting up shop in colonial mansions, which once belonged to elite Spanish families. They also have wine bars and boutique hotels where DJs play records. Lima is a place where you can encounter layers of history (yes, those are pre-Inca ruins in the middle of that traffic circle) as well as modern Peru—and the creatives who have made it one of South America’s great cities. To know Lima is to love Lima—all you need is a little patience and the confidence to strike up a conversation with one of the laughing Limeños in the cevichería. It’s worth it.
Lima is a popular lime. Best Places to Eat in 2025. To see the entire list, click here here.
Breaking down barrios
Barranco and Miraflores, two of the most popular destinations in Barranco, are now more vibrant than ever. There’s more to discover. Here are some ideas for what to do.
Cercado de Lima
Downtown Lima, also known as Centro is a fascinating mix of European architecture with a bustling Latin American city: traffic, people, buskers. Grab a churro at Churros San FranciscoThen, sip on a pisco-sour catedral – a stronger version of Peru’s most famous cocktail. Gran Hotel Bolívar.
Pueblo Libre
This part of Lima is home to the most parks in the city and a number of historic watering holes. The collection of precolombian art at Museo LarcoThe 19th-century is the place to be. Antigua Taberna Queirolo, for homestyle dishes like ají de gallina. Or, try El Bolivariano The oldest restaurant in America (established in 1780), for dinner and dance.
Barranco
This charming bohemian enclave is home to Virgilio Martínez’s acclaimed restaurant Central, where guests can now book behind-the-scenes kitchen tours. Clon The latest video from Venezuelan Chef Juan Luis MartínezEnjoy the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere of these restaurants Mérito You can also find out more about the following: Demo. You want something more casual, old-school and comfortable? There’s nothing better than ceviche adobo. Canta Rana.
San Isidro
This chic corner of Lima is where the well-heeled Lima locals go to shop and eat. On a stroll along Miguel Dasso you can visit the popular Blu: Il Gelato del Barrio You can also find out more about the following: El Pan de la Chola The bakery uses ingredients from Peru. Or, duck into the newly-unveiled speakeasy Kero by Osaka.
Surquillo
Among the hardware stores of this former factory district are the beloved huariques—informal hole-in-the-wall restaurants—alongside trendy new culinary outposts. Order a whole fried fish at the venerated La PicanteríaOr something more casual? S’concha Barriada Cevichera.
Miraflores
Numerous restaurants and regular events make this breezy neighbourhood a natural hub of travelers. Paragliders will soar above the Parque del Amor clifftop, and you can then enjoy a drink in the nearby tavern. Casa Rebara 1921 Buzzy Lady BeeCocktails that feature native ingredients.
