Renowned as the best cuisine in South America and among the finest in the world, our beloved Peruvian cuisine continues to showcase its rich flavors and diversity, vying for the title of the best cuisine globally. If you follow our blog, you’ve likely seen our dedication to exploring the incredible world of Peruvian food.
Whether you enjoy it in an upscale restaurant or on the street, Peruvian food is truly an experience in itself. This time, we’ll highlight some of the best restaurants where you can savor an authentic culinary adventure.
While indulging in these dining experiences may require a bit of splurging, you’ll thank us later for the journey your taste buds will embark on. The restaurants we’re about to share are not only the best in Peru but also recognized worldwide. So, let’s dive into these culinary gems that will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!
Mil
Mil Restaurant is a gastronomic retreat in the middle of an ancient inca lab, in Cusco’s Sacred Valley. Mastermind and creator, renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez combines this restaurant with a research lab, where along with the support of local communities search for new ingredients and new techniques
Mil is the best fine dining restaurant located more than 3500 meters above sea level. The restaurant makes the most of its amazing location by using local organic resources and an on-site research facility, highlighting the beauty of the surrounding area. Mil’s menu has an eight-course option that mixes ingredients like llama meat, grasses, roots, tubers, ducks, and wild plants.
All of these dishes are inspired by the Peruvian Andes: From extreme altitude climates and Andes areas, forest Andes, and central Andes. Each dish is beautifully adorned and offers Andean textures and flavors that will excite your taste buds. Those traveling to Mil can book the ‘Immersion’ package, which includes a visit to the fields to experience local daily life.
This package also includes a lab tour, including the cacao and distillation plant. The colorful plates reflect the rich heritage of traditional Andean fabrics and clothing, making each meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Address: Highroad to Moray, Maras, Cusco.
Maido
Maido was born thanks to Peru’s mix of cultures and races. Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura main chef focuses on Japanese cooking techniques using Peruvian ingredients to create “nikkei cuisine”, a food concept that is considered a fusion cuisine of two countries. Chef Tsumura brings his passion for food from his studies abroad and his time in Japan to create “Maido.”
The name means “welcome” in “Kansai-ben,” a friendly dialect from Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city. When you step into the restaurant, you will feel this warm greeting right away. In this year, Maido received an impressive honor, ranking fifth on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This position makes Maido not only the best restaurant in South America but also in Latin America.
Maido’s tasting menu is full of seafood dishes, many of which feature fresh fish. Maido’s à la carte menu shows 15 years of culinary mastery, blending traditional Peruvian dishes with a Japanese touch. Maido’s creations capture the essence of Nikkei cuisine that blend unique elements of Peru and Japan.
In addition, the restaurant serves a variety of teas, citrus sodas, and aphrodisiac drinks created with camu camu, passion fruit, and other fruits. Otoro Nigiri, a delicacy served at Maido, is made with tender tuna belly slices that are imported from Tarragona, Spain. It goes well with orange juice, garlic, soy sauce, and a little tart lemon.
Before serving, the rice is warmed on a hot volcanic rock. Gindara (black cod), presented in a glass with “huacatay”, a Peruvian Andean spice powder and a ramen reduction, is an additional taste option. If you want to experience the best of both cultures, Maido is the perfect place for you!
Address: San Martín Street, 399, Miraflores, Lima.
Isolina
Isolina’s concept is a “Criolla food tavern.” It aims to honor traditional Peruvian cuisine and revive long-lost flavors that evoke family memories. Isolina’s culinary approach is all about rescuing forgotten recipes and preparing them in a homemade style, capturing the essence of the old Lima taverns. You’ll find slow-cooked stews served in large platters at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Opened in 2015 by José del Castillo, Isolina resides in a historic Barranco house built in 1906. The restaurant proudly showcases Peruvian criollo cuisine. Its flavors, aromas, and music, including Chabuca Granda’s beautiful tunes, evoke fond memories.
This setup encourages sharing, creating a relaxed, communal meal where delicious food and laughter shine. This traditional restaurant features classic Peruvian dishes. Try “ceviche,” the country’s flagship dish. There’s also “lomo saltado,” a stir-fry favorite. You’ll find “papa rellena,” or stuffed potatoes, and the delicious “seco de carne.”
Isolina aims to connect diners with Peru’s rich home-cooking traditions. It seeks to do so in a friendly, inviting place. Also, to the stews, the menu boasts criollo sandwiches, chilcanos made with pisco, and classic house cocktails. They are all delightful and refreshing. It all happens in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. It encourages guests to return and rediscover their beloved Peruvian flavors.
Address: Prolongación San Martin Ave, 101, Barranco, Lima.
Central
We have the best for the end. Well, what else could we talk about Central Restaurant? Central received the Best Restaurant in the World award last year, its unique flavors, innovative cooking techniques, and the leadership of chef Virgilio Martinez and his wife also a chef Pia Leon make it an otherworldly experience.
Their exploration of Peru’s diverse cuisine lets them connect with local producers and find unique ingredients. Their commitment led to the creation of Mater Iniciativa, a research center that studies Peru’s biodiversity, which greatly influences their menu. Central offers a menu that showcases the diverse ecosystems of Peru, ranging from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the heights of the Andes.
Their tasting menus, like “Territorio en Desnivel” and “Experiencia Creatividad del Dia”, take diners on an extraordinary journey through Peru’s culinary heritage. Each dish reflects the local flavors and seasonal ingredients, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by collaborating with local communities and producers.
The concept is not just about fine dining; it’s a way to educate diners about Peru’s culture and biodiversity through its rich and varied flavors. With new spots like Mil in the Sacred Valley and Maz in Tokyo, Martínez and León are still ambassadors of Peruvian cuisine, pushing culinary art’s limits while staying true to their roots. Central offers a lavish tasting menu and beverage pairings. Dining there is an unforgettable experience that celebrates Peru.
Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Perú.
After this blog, we can bet you are mouthwatering just like us! Peru, its delicacies, and these restaurants are waiting for you! We really hope you can visit at least one of the restaurants we showed you. In Peru, trust Viagens Machu Picchu.
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