Food is a pillar of Peruvian culture and nowhere is it more popular than in the trendy Lima neighborhood of Miraflores.
Lima’s historical allure and vibrant surfing scene attract tourists from around the globe. Most travelers prefer to hang around the historic city center, but there is much more to explore. Just outside of the city center is the coastal neighborhood of Miraflores. This is one of Lima’s wealthiest districts and an interesting mix of natural beauty and modern architecture. Streets are lined with palm trees and buildings are draped in bright pink flowers, while glass high rises and shopping centers loom in the background.
Miraflores boasts a hip, young culture and a robust food scene. Due to Lima’s proximity to both the ocean and the rich growing soil near the Amazon, this is a city where, fresh native cuisine is never far away. Miraflores itself is very much a foodie hotspot with a wide range of dishes to try, from contemporary to more traditional offerings. Here are some of the best restaurants in Miraflores, Lima.
El Bodegon de Miraflores
El Bodegon de Miraflores is the first stop. This bustling restaurant serves up classic Peruvian fare in a laid-back, casual environment. The front room is full of long tables packed with patrons and their heaped dishes of food. The pared-down wooden interior and community tables give the dining experience at El Bodegon the feeling of being in a cozy local tavern.
The menu showcases a series of classical Peruvian dishes, but the star is their ceviche. Made with freshly caught seasonal fish, this dish strikes a perfect balance of brine and bite. The restaurant pairs it with lightly-cooked kernels of maize with a nutty crunch that seamlessly compliments the tang of the citrus-cured fish. Round out your meal with a glass of chicha morada, a classic cool drink in Lima made from dried purple corn and mixed with spices and fresh lime juice. It is ideal on a hot day in Lima, and the chicha morada at El Bodegon is a must-try.
Av. Tarapacá 197, Miraflores 15074, Lima – Peru
Restaurant Huaca Pullana
Thousands of years before the Incas ruled over Peru, the city of Lima was inhabited by the Lima Culture. Most of the remnants of this highly advanced civilization have been lost under paved streets and new developments, but in the 1980s a massive clay pyramid was discovered in the heart of Miraflores. Restaurant Huaca Pullana overlooks the pyramid from under a vine-covered terrasse decorated in blooming orchids and vibrant green plants.
The menu is a curated selection of traditional Peruvian dishes with an emphasis on sourcing ingredients freshly caught from the sea or procured from local vendors. Excellent cocktails are also served, but their take on the iconic Pisco Sour is the perfect sweet yet tangy balance, pairing well with any meal. Make a reservation for the evening to see just how beautiful the pyramid is at night when it’s all lit up.
General Borgoño Cdra 8, Huaca Pucllana, Miraflores 15074, Lima – Peru
La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla
La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla is a fast-paced sandwich shop that has quickly become a favorite in Lima. Their meats are cured and marinated to perfection and in line with traditional Peruvian cuisine, but this doesn’t mean the sandwiches are in any way basic. Every sandwich is made fresh that day in their open-concept kitchen. The style of this restaurant is grab-and-go fast food, but the flavors are anything but.
The Chicharron is made with wood-fired pork that is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the papas fritas huayro are considered some of the best in Peru. Their seating is limited, but their Miraflores location is right across the street from Kennedy Park. Walk to the park to enjoy these fresh bites from what is considered one of the best sandwich shops in the world.
Diagonal 308, Miraflores 15074, Lima – Peru
Barra Maretazo
Barra Maretazo is well on its way to becoming an institution in Lima. It is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city and for good reason. The roots of this seafood spot are firmly based in Peruvian cuisine, but it is also an interesting fusion with Japanese food.
Peruvian cuisine is highly centered around meat and seafood, which can pose a challenge for those with dietary restrictions. Barra Maretazo is one of the few restaurants that prepare a vegetarian ceviche so that anyone can try this popular local dish. The gentle modern interior is the ideal setting for sampling this upscale culinary experience. The restaurant still manages to feel like a hidden gem despite its well-respected reputation.
Calle Alcanfores 373, Miraflores 15074, Lima – Peru
Restaurant La Rosa Nautica
Out on the end of the Miraflores pier stretching far out into the Atlantic sits Restaurant La Rosa Nautica. This Peruvian restaurant is less of a local secret and more of a destination. The offerings follow classic coastal Peruvian fare with a few international dishes to appease a wide range of pallets.
The food is delicious, but the real draw is their location. Lima sits on the West Coast of Peru and is known for having beautiful sunsets. La Rosa Nautica is surrounded by the ocean and offers full, uninhibited views of the sun as it sinks into the Atlantic. To maximize your experience as the sun is going down, be sure to book your table on the Western side of the restaurant (though it’s still stunning on the eastern side as well). The view comes with a premium which is reflected in the prices but it’s worth every penny.
Espigon 4 Circuito de Playas, Miraflores – Lima, Peru
Raw Cafe
If you’re looking to veer away from more traditional food (or you just want to try something different) Raw Cafe is a great pick. This eatery specializes in vegetarian and vegan options and source their ingredients from local farms and vendors. The menu is completely vegetarian and while it is less authentic Peruvian food, it still incorporates local flavors along with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Raw Cafe is busiest during brunch and is open every day from 9am to 9pm. Additionally, there is a great selection of healthy grab-and-go bites. Their Maraculisa smoothie is bright and sweet, made with Maracuya, Verbena, and Pamela (a natural sweetener popular in South and Central America). The anti-inflammatory properties of the Verbena make it the perfect reparative re-fuel after a long day of strolling and sightseeing.
C. Independencia 596, Miraflores 15074 – Lima, Peru
Pardos Chicken
No trip to Peru is complete without getting Pollo a La Brasa. Small shops throughout the city serve up the same no-frills chicken and fried potato. However, the pollo a la brasa at Pardos Chicken is some of the best. The interior is very basic but what they lack in decor, they make up for in flavor. The chicken is heavily seasoned with a top-secret formula and fire-roasted low and slow until the meat falls off the bone.
Each dish comes with salad, fried potatoes, and dipping sauces. The best by far is the green chili sauce which is tangy and rich in umami but with enough spice to pack a punch. This meal is best paired with an electric yellow Inca Kola— it tastes a bit like bubble gum but is a must-try, especially when you’re at a Peruvian poillería.
Av. Alfredo Benavides 730, Miraflores 15048 – Lima, Peru