The best restaurants Peru

Timetable

Peruvians eat at all hours! It is not uncommon that as early as 6am, the street vendors are at their post for a breakfast at the corner of the street. Restaurants usually serve from 12 to 2pm and from 6 to 9pm. In Lima and the larger cities, you can find options outside of these hours, but generally have lunch or dinner early. Weekends are busier and some restaurants close on Mondays to compensate, but this is an exception.

Budget & Tips

All price ranges can be found here. There are many ways to find small snacks or hearty meals at street vendors, markets or small popular restaurants. On the other hand, if you stop at a cafeteria, a good quality coffee and a sandwich or cake will easily cost S/25 to S/30, the price of a full menu elsewhere. It's all a matter of taste and desires.

Meals up to S/ 30. It is possible to eat for less in many establishments within the cities. The most touristy places are not always the cheapest. For the cheapest restaurants, check the hygiene conditions. They rarely accept payment by credit card. Many restaurants offer a set menu at lunchtime with suggestions on the slate, but desserts are rare.

Meals range from S/ 30 to S/ 100. A la carte, you will find happiness in this price range for quality products. We eat well and generously in Peru, do not worry. Certain small hotels will also carry out dishes on request. Be careful, the bill rises quickly if you add alcohol, a dessert or a coffee

It is possible to ask to take away an uneaten portion "para llevar".

What costs extra

Tipping is more than welcome here. In small restaurants with menus, it is not customary, but not unwelcome either. In restaurants or cafeterias, it is not uncommon to be asked if you want to add your "tip" on the credit card for example, so that the color is announced. This is not an obligation, you can also leave some coins

Drinking water carafes as well as bread baskets are absent from the tables, you have to order them separately. Water is often still bottled. Menus often come with a glass of refresco, lemonade or other fruit-flavored water, which is usually very sweet.

The local way

For ceviche, you should remember to indicate the level of spiciness you want "bajo en aji", "medio en aji" or "bien picante". It is rare that meats are served in blue or red, except in specialized restaurants where you will be asked to choose. It is not a bad idea to order several dishes and share them, especially since the portions are generous. There are also dishes served in fuente made to be shared, especially in cevicherias. There are also many dishes made with boiled meats or soups served in the Sierra. In these popular cuisines, everything is valued. It is not uncommon to see a chicken leg floating on the surface of a stew. Watch out for the little pot on the table which is often theaji to spice up the dish.

To be avoided

You will often be asked if you want to drink your drink "helada" (cold) or "sin helar" (at room temperature).

Kids

In some bars where cocktails or other items are sold, children are not welcome. Everywhere else, no problem.

Smokers

All establishments are non-smoking except on the terrace (ask permission, it depends on the type of establishment). It is rare to smoke during the day or during meals in Peru.

Tourist traps

As everywhere, trust the clientele. Hustlers are more common in the village below Machu Picchu and are specialists in getting the final bill wrong. Some foreign specialties can only be eaten in specialized restaurants, in local restaurants it is better to eat local.