Lima
in Peru

Book Vivant is a charming bookstore that seamlessly blends literature and wine. It’s welcoming and chill vibe will lead you to a peaceful experience to pick out your next read. Their curated selection of books is perfect and ideally meant to be paired with their also magnificent selection of wines. This store is dedicated to those book and wine lovers who love to sip and flip pages, so, don’t be afraid to ask the pros for some advice, which author goes with which ageing barrel or which genre will be processed better with a red rather than a white. 

Bottega Dasso is a modern kitchen and bar that runs from dawn’s first light to the late-night glow. Although they have a fantastic range of dishes, all the way from Eggs Benedict to scallops sautéed with Pinot Grigio, their cocktail bar and vibrant evenings are what we constantly look forward to. Rub shoulders with the loudest negroni-drinking locals, tipsy first dates and the most cheerful crowd of 50-year-old friend groups who stay until closing. For us, this place is one of the best cocktail bars in Lima.

Across the gorgeous 18th-century royal building that hosts the museum, is a gorgeous garden filled with bougainvilleas. Get a romantic lunch or an intimate dinner on the rooftop of this café. Catch up with your loved ones over classic Peruvian dishes and of course, a Pisco sour to get the gossip rolling. 

Caleta Dolsa is an extraordinary cafe, located in the best districts: Barranco and San Isidro. This boho surf-ish spot is incredibly successful for its toasts and smoothie bowls. They’ve aced the game of the classic poached egg avo toast and have moved on to better things: their tuna tartare toast. It is to die for. If you woke up in a fruity mood you must try their smoothie bowls. For those fans of raspberry and mango, try the Sunrise bowl, if you are a devoted passion fruit lover, go for Maruyeah and if you are a sucker for the banana and peanut butter combo, go crazy with Pico Altero. If we haven’t convinced you yet, then think twice, their buttermilk pancakes are nothing but glorious. 

The most authentic and fresh Peruvian food has been served in Canta Rana, located in the bohemian district of Barranco since 1987. Canta Rana is the best and most iconic spot to enjoy a classic ceviche and a beer and every Peruvian knows it. The sense of community and “barrio” inspired look bring locals and visitors together to savour the deliciousness of Peruvian culture. We heavily recommend their ceviche apaltado and arroz con mariscos.

Casa Bulbo is a funky and alternative bar and venue that guarantees unexpected fun nights. Whether you visit to dance the night away and groove to a DJ set as you sip a vodka tonic or visit them on a relaxed night to enjoy live music, a deep conversation and a dry martini, Casa Bulbo is always an extraordinary option for a late night drink and awaited gathering with the gals. 

Ofelia is an extraordinary all-day cafe and breakfast in an antique house in Barranco. The ideal spot for brunch. Have some eggs benedict in their garden, avocado toast in their salons and a rich matcha latte with a sugary pastry to go. Besides giving cool aunt vibes, Ofelia has hip and local art exhibitions that change constantly, always keeping the ambience fresh and innovative. From murals to ceramics, embroidery and fashion collections on display. Lastly, if you are just feeling like a caramel latte and some gossip, check out when they host arts&crafts events as they love to welcome afternoon date plans, perfect for catching up with friends. 

Celeste Solar Bar is an eclectic rooftop bar in San Isidro. This place is superb for a fun night out with friends or a rad double-date plan. Enjoy the views and their amazing appetisers as you sip the evening away and aim to try as many cocktails as possible. The vibes, music and drinks here never miss. If you are looking for a groovy night in Lima, this is a phenomenal option. 

Since 2012, Central has been featured in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. After climbing its way to the top, in 2023, they finally celebrated being the best in the world. Central, run by chef Virgilio Martinez, is all about Peru’s varied ecosystems and the ingredients that live on the shores of the Amazon, in the highest peaks of the Andes and the oceanic currents of the coastal region. Central has mind-blowing tasting and drinking menus, inspired by the altitudes that vary in the country. Although it is pretty hard to get a reservation, you should try it all: a table in this life-changing culinary travesty is worth it.

Clon is a casual and contemporary restaurant that plays with Peru’s high-end ingredients and Venezuela’s recipes. Both the presentation and the unique taste of combinations leave the crowd surprised but completely hooked, ready to tease the palate one more time. This welcoming space is perfect to dine solo at the bar with a bottle of their fantastic selection of wines or to come with friends and family and try as many dishes and cocktails as possible. 

Cordial is the perfect spot to unwind and get groovy within the vibrant nightlife of Barranco. Their cocktails celebrate unique spirits and thus make creative drinks…however, they also advocate for natural wines for those who love to try new flavours. This cool and laidback bar jams to dJs that have fun with vinyl and combining retro and current sounds. A superb bar for a first date or a night on the town. 

Cosme is known for its modern take on traditional Peruvian cuisine. Colorful and vibrant, this hip spot is perfect for lunch or dinner in San Isidro, the upscale district of the capital. While this gem is laid back and cool, it is always packed, so make sure to make a reservation. We recommend trying their glorious Arroz Cosme and for dessert, Coulant de Lúcuma. 

DELOSANTOS is a trending Peruvian brand that inspires women to knock down outdated taboos and prejudices, uplifting them to dress fearlessly. This cool identity draws inspiration from the history and culture of the motherland, making garments that mix prints, suits and gowns with impeccable tailoring and outfits made up of unusual fabrics with unexpected cut-outs. By experimenting with materials and purpose, the brand not only defies the ordinary but also heightens its main theme: a dialogue between good and evil. 

Right across the street from Hotel B is this well-known café and concept store. Dédalo sells everything you didn't know you needed and wanted. Find gorgeous Andean textiles to decorate a wall, a hidden photo gallery,  a new pair of silver earrings for a gift, a minimalist tea set and ponchos made with the finest of Alpaca wool. Dédalo is the place to get a meaningful souvenir from Lima and the ideal store to get some indie decor or fun plants for your terrace at home. Before you walk out with your new treasures, visit their backyard for a quick espresso in the sun. 

Demo is a fantastic place for brunch in the heart of Barranco. Famous for their dishes that combine Venezuelan and Peruvian cuisines and traditions. Calm your coffee thirst with a refreshing orange espresso and while you are there, leverage in their pastries, their classic Tequeños and the much loved Arepa Benedicta (the Latin version of eggs benedict). Visit Demo for a breakfast outdoors after walking among the coastal sea breeze. 

You know how some days your sister’s closet is just way better than yours? And you want everything? This store encapsulates and seeks to transmit that experience. This beloved women’s boutique is blissful, laidback and bohemian-ish. Visit them for the softest tank tops and the hippest plaid pants...or, for a cute bedside table ceramic set. El closet de mi hermana is also a wonderful place to browse for a gift: will it be a delicate silver necklace or a unique scented candle. 

El Mercado is a radiant, open-air restaurant known for its fresh seafood and market-inspired vibe. Loyal locals, visitors and fanatics of chef Rafael Osterling’s creative take on Peruvian classics like ceviche and tiraditos, live for this place and will never miss a weekend. The atmosphere is casual yet energetic since dishes are meant to be shared and the communal dining experience is heightened, aligning with Peru’s cultural emphasis on family and community.

El Pan de la Chola is a classic breakfast spot in Lima. They are known for being a simple and laidback place that many argue make the best sourdough and pastries in the city. Visit after an early yoga class for a detox juice and their iconic avocado toast, for a chill gathering with friends, an oat latte and a peanut butter and jelly delight or almond croissant and if you want to go for a light dinner, go for their savory salads. 

Pointy black heels, chunky knee-high boots, burgundy cowboy clogs—they have all the shoes you or Carrie Bradshaw have dreamed of. Enya is a Peruvian brand that makes funky and hip shoes, from the sleekest summer sandals to the perfect winter boot for nights out on the town. They take personalized orders, so if you are yearning for a unique new pair or a wardrobe staple, this is who you should reach out to. 

Genes is a Lima-based knitwear brand that emphasizes sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. They produce refined knit garments made from locally sourced materials and through zero-waste processes. Genes is recognized for being 100% vegan, plastic-free and extremely comfy but simultaneously stylish. 

Helado de Lima is a wonderful ice cream store that is celebrated for their artisanal flavours, all made with high-quality local ingredients. The brand offers Peruvian beloved flavours like lucuma (a sweet fruit), aguaymanto (golden berry) and chocolate made with grains from the Amazon. However, you will also find delightful yet typical flavours like pistachio and raspberry. This is the perfect spot to cool off after a day exploring the city. 

Hotel B is a boutique hotel located in Barranco, very close to the sea and very close to all the bohemian cafes and concept stores we all love. Their hip rooftop is perfect for a cocktail afternoon with the girls or a breezy dinner with your partner. However, the highlight of this hotel is the attention to detail in each suite and the phenomenal service. While it is small and often full, they know how to enchant their guests and make their establishment your go-to every time you visit the city. 

Isolina is where you will get the best taste of homely Peruvian cuisine. This place of tradition is a flavour extravaganza for those who love to try new dishes. Big portions, unpretentious and majestic cooking and a locally-fueled crowd of Peruvians who would lick the plate for one last taste of Isolina's authentic creole dishes. 

La 73 brings a modern take on classic Peruvian cuisine. It is acclaimed for its fresh seafood dishes, featuring heavenly tender scallops, savoury shrimp and octopus that will caress your taste buds. We recommend trying their renowned Lomo Saltado, ceviche, and tiraditos— a Peruvian dish of raw seafood marinated in lime juice and ají peppers (Peruvian chilli). For those who can’t miss dessert, their churros are a must-try.