Gastronomy has always been, since the days of the Spanish vice royalty, an essential aspect of life in Lima. During the last few years, however, the city's dining reputation has experienced a huge leap in the eyes of the world due to the fact that experts gathered in the Fourth International Summit of Gastronomy Madrid Fusión 2006 and formally declared Lima to be the "Gastronomy Capital of the Americas". The offerings in Lima are nowadays most varied and cover a wide range of types and cuisines, both regional and international.

Despite 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 "Peruvian national dish", but because of its unparalelled delicious taste. With the increasing interest in the Peruvian cuisine, ceviche is quickly making its way onto tables all over the world. But if you want to enjoy the real thing, don't miss it during your stay here in ceviche's Mecca. 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, have 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, 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.

Peruvian food tend to be spicy and heavy. Try it with method and ask if any dish is picante (spicy), and if you are not fond of that, avoid it since it may be really picante. A full meal may be really heavy and cause problems even if it's perfectly nice and well prepared with fresh ingredients.

Travelers longing for a delicious falafel or shwarma sandwich will be pleased to learn there is an excellent cafe along Parque Kennedy that serves these type of Middle Eastern foods at reasonable prices.

There is a heavy presence of Western fast-food chains such as KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, Subway and Starbucks Coffee all over the city if you'd rather not try anything new to you. Places such as Chili's and Friday's are scarce, but can be easily found around Miraflores. Also, you shouldn't miss Peruvian-style hamburgers at Bembos or traditional Peruvian sandwiches in Pasquale if you want to give your everyday fast-food a local twist.

Lima is home to around 220,000 restaurants, cafes, juice bars and runs a program (Restaurante Saludable) to recognise clean and healthy restaurants. Only around 800 or 1.2% of venues have recieved this award, so keep your eyes open for the logo Restaurante Saludable.

Lima, the culinary capital of South America, is a paradise for food lovers. Here's a taste of what you can expect from the vibrant culinary scene in Lima.
Ceviche: Start your culinary adventure with Peru's national dish, ceviche. Fresh fish or seafood is marinated in tangy lime juice and mixed with onions, cilantro, and aji peppers for a refreshing and zesty treat.
Nikkei Cuisine: Lima's fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, known as Nikkei cuisine, is a must-try. Savor dishes like tiradito (a ceviche variation) and sushi with a Peruvian twist.
Anticuchos: Grilled skewers of marinated beef heart, known as anticuchos, are a popular street food. They're typically served with potatoes and a spicy peanut sauce.
Pisco Sour: Wash down your meal with a Pisco Sour, Peru's iconic cocktail made with Pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters. It's both refreshing and potent.
Chifa: Explore Lima's Chinatown for Chifa cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors. Try dishes like lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries.
Food Markets: Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting Lima's bustling markets. Mercado Central and Mercado Surquillo are great places to sample street food, exotic fruits, and fresh produce.
Gastón Acurio's Influence: Chef Gastón Acurio has played a pivotal role in elevating Peruvian cuisine on the global stage. Visit one of his renowned restaurants, like Astrid y Gastón, to experience innovative and traditional dishes.
Seafood Heaven: Lima's coastal location means an abundance of seafood. Try dishes like jalea (fried mixed seafood) and tiradito de pulpo (octopus tiradito) for a taste of the ocean's bounty.
Huariques: Seek out local huariques, small eateries often hidden away in neighborhoods, for authentic and budget-friendly Peruvian cuisine.
Picarones: Finish your meal with picarones, sweet potato and squash doughnuts drizzled with molasses syrup. They're a beloved Peruvian dessert.
Culinary Tours: Consider joining a culinary tour in Lima to get an insider's perspective on the city's food scene. You'll have the opportunity to taste a wide range of dishes and visit hidden gems.
Lima's culinary scene is a vibrant and evolving journey through Peruvian flavors and international influences. Whether you're dining in a high-end restaurant or savoring street food, you're sure to be enchanted by the diverse and delicious dishes that make Lima a culinary destination like no other.