Once a hangout for agave purists, Maria Mezcal is now a beloved spot for Margaritas, tequila shots, and late-night quesadillas. Most nights end in spontaneous karaoke, with a largely female crowd belting out Luis Miguel and Maná like group therapy. It’s chaotic, cathartic, and kind of magical. Try the house Piñata de Burrito or a classic Paloma. 

This bar might be just what the doctor ordered, thanks to its witty spin on medicinal cocktails, vigorous tonics and curing infusions inspired by Chinese medicine. With bartender Efraín Naime behind the stick, El Infusionsista is best-known for Transfusión, the much-photographed cocktail with a vodka base, red berries and beetroot. While the blood bag cocktail might not be for everyone, the pretty-in-pink grape-led Somnífero (The Sleep Inducer) inspired by the Japanese siphon coffee technique is more palatable for its elegant pisco, Lillet and Moscatel grape flavours.

With a strictly Peruvian lens on both food and drinks, Lady Bee has set the pace for Lima’s drinking scene – and has justly been appreciated by ranking 16th in World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024. Noma-trained chef Gabriela León works with her bartender husband Alonso Palomino to create a sophisticated seasonal take on their local environment, championing Peruvian products cultivated by smallholders, such as the mashua tuber. Cocktails to order include the 3 Sips Martini, with a garnish of salicornia, sea lettuce and Arapa trout caviar, or the LB Bloody Mary, made with Andean Aqará agave spirit. Currently located in Miraflores, the bar will move to a larger space in Barranco in July 2025. 

Acclaimed as the best sushi spot in Lima by Nobu Matsuhisa himself, Matsuei is an underrated local front-runner for Nikkei enthusiasts. By blending Japanese and Peruvian cuisines seamlessly, they bring heavenly bites to the table. Head to Matsuei for an understated date night and indulge in their exquisite selection of rolls (the Acevichado is a must) and their variety of surreal nigiri. We encourage you to try the Hotate Truffle, Torched Fatty Salmon and Angus Usura nigiris. To finish the evening, treat yourself to their Matcha crème brûlée.