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Eating Out [edit]

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World> South America> Peru> Lima> Eating Out

Gastronomy has always been, since the days of the Spanish viceroyalty, an essential aspect of life in Lima. During the last few years, however, the city's dining scene has experimented a huge leap, probably because we have become aware of the exceptionality of Peruvian cuisine, and today Lima is considered the Gastronomical Capital of Latin America. The offer in Lima is nowadays most varied and covers a wide range of types and cuisines, both regional and international.

Notwithstanding the wide range of choice in Lima's many restaurants, ceviche is surely number one on the list of dishes you must get to know, not only because it happens to be the peruvians' national dish, but because of its unparalelled delicious taste. With the increasing interest in the peruvian cuisine, the ceviche is quickly making its way into tables all over the world, but if you want to enjoy the real thing you don't miss your stay here in the ceviche's Meca. There is at least one cevichería in every neighbourhood, so it won't be hard to find one. Moreover, most criollo restaurants include ceviche on their menus; indeed, many restaurants do, even the more upscale nouveau-cuisine.

A second must goes to Asian cuisine, both Chinese and Japanese, which, predictably, has a strong Peruvian influence. Chifas -that is, Chinese restaurants-, which can be counted by the hundreds if not thousands, are usually down-to-earth neighbourhood eateries, offering a fare rich in seafood and chicken. Japanese restaurants and sushi bars, on the contrary, are less widespread, and more upscale and expensive. Their forte is, of course, a year-round supply of the freshest and most variegated seafood, which is delightfully transformed into sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

Most of the best restaurants in Lima are located in Miraflores, though some are to be found in San Isidro, Surco, and Barranco.

Some people might be interested to know that fast food from the United States is alive and well in Lima.  McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut can be found in Lima and are very much like their North American versions.  KFC offers a chicken prepared in a way (pressure cooked with its 11 herbs and spices) that is unusual to Peruvians with a choice of yucca chips or papas fritas (french fries).  The best Pizza Hut for atmosphere (When have those two concepts ever found themselves in the same sentence?) is right on the corner on San Martin Plaza.  There are even a Hooters, Chili's, and Fridays in Miraflores, as well as a big two-story McDonalds.  But if you're a die-hard junk-food junkie, then you'd better just stay in Lima, because you won't find American fast food in other parts of Peru.

La Costa Verde [edit]

Great fish and wine, but very expensive.

La Paz [edit]

Good value for money.

Bircher Berner [edit]

Service isn't fast but the food is pretty okay.

El Paraiso [edit]

This is probably the best vegetarian option.

San Ramon [edit]

Also known as Little Italy, this lively street contains some of Miraflores' best restaurants and cafes for those on a budget - nothing too exotic or extravagant, but well worth an evenings' attention. At the top of the inlet, an always-busy open-air bar is populated by scantily-clad cowgirls serving enormous tankards of lager, whilst further down a couple of Italians on the left offer decent pizzas and pastas, with a touch of local cuisine (good Ceviche).

The Mexican restaurant down from here on the right does fantastic, filling Burritos and Enchiladas, whilst The Old Pub (run by an Englishman) at the very end of San Ramon, on the left, shows all major sporting events on a large screen.

Most establishments will attempt to lure in the passing trade with promises of free Pisco Sour or Sangria, although this can be a dubious pleasure at best. Try and negoatiate for beer instead, and you may find it worth a stop. The cafes surrounding the area also tend to do a good Chocolate Caliente (hot chocolate). 

Just off the street, to the left of the entrance and on the western edge of Parque Kennedy, a good Chinese will stuff you full of decent cuisine for a fair price, and is a pleasant place to eat, especially if you can sit near the entrance, where one can watch the Park light up at night through the waterfall-windows. more..

Rosa Nautica [edit]

Best fish restaurant in town, but not very cheap. Great for a sunset drink on the pier.

Lalo's [edit]

Lalo's restaurant is in Lima's modern financial district of San Isidro on the corner on AUGUSTO TAMAYO #169. They serve traditional Peruvian food like Ceviche, Mixto,   Lomo Saltado , Papa a la Huancaina, Aguadito de   Pollo, Chupe de Camarones, Escabeche de pescado the   food is fresh traditional cuisine.     They also have   daily specials that feature international dishes from other South American cuisines.    Eduardo Garland Baron, is the chief and owner, he was born in Peru and has operated restaurants in Cancun, Costa Rica and Houston   The restaurant is surrounded by modern decor and filled with bright colors, it is a great setting to enjoy a wonderful meal.   Open Monday through Saturday's for lunches and happy hour. Meals are from 3 to 5 US dollars plus drinks more..

Parribar [edit]

This grill and bar is a great place to eat quality meat. The owners import the meat from Argentina and Uruguay, so meat lovers understand the meaning.
In the evenings thay have live music from time to time.
It is not a cheap place, but if you come at lunch time on weekdays, there is a business lunch, "menu" which is 10 soles, not too bad.
They also have quite good coffee.

So, if you're in Miraflores and appreciate good meat - check it out.

more..

McDonalds [edit]

If you have never seen a two-story McDonald's Restaurant, then check out the one in the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, just across from Kennedy Park.  The prices are about the same as you would pay for a McDonald's hamburger in the USA. more..

Murphys Irish Pub [edit]

An Irish theme pub in the center or Miraflores. Serving local and international "Pub Grub". Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Only a few blocks from Parque Kennedy.

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