Lima has officially entered its “mic-drop” era.
In the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 rankings, Maido was named No. 1 in the world, while Kjolle landed in the Top 10 at No. 9—making Lima the only city with two restaurants in the global Top 10 that year.
And that’s not even the full flex: Mérito (No. 26) and Mayta (No. 39) also sit comfortably inside the Top 50.
So what makes Lima such a dining superpower—and what should you order once you score that hard-to-get reservation? Let’s dig in.
Maido (Miraflores): Nikkei Genius, Now the World’s Best
Why it ranks so highly
Maido is famous for Nikkei cuisine—the bold, brilliant fusion of Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients—and in 2025 it reached the summit as The World’s Best Restaurant (No. 1).
Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura is celebrated for precision, creativity, and a tasting-menu experience that still feels warm and distinctly Peruvian at heart.
Best dish to order (signature)
Tacuchaufa — often described as the dish that put Maido on the map: a modern mash-up of Peruvian tacu-tacu and chaufa-style fried rice, famously served with rich, savory elements like pork belly.
Kjolle (Barranco): Pía León’s Bright, Biodiversity-Driven Star
Why it ranks so highly
Kjolle (run by chef Pía León) is all about showcasing Peru’s breathtaking ingredients—colorful, seasonal, and laser-focused on flavor. In 2025 it ranked No. 9 in the world, giving Lima that rare “two in the Top 10” bragging right.
Best dish to order (most recognizable)
“Many Tubers” — Kjolle’s most recognizable dish, celebrating Andean tubers and grains in a way that feels simple, artistic, and uniquely Peruvian.
Mérito (Barranco): Peru + Venezuela, and a Front-Row Seat to the Kitchen
Why it ranks so highly
Mérito is a love letter to Peruvian ingredients with Venezuelan soul, led by chef Juan Luis Martínez. It ranked No. 26 on the 2025 list—and it’s especially famous for the energy of its open-kitchen experience (those bar seats are gold).
Best dish to order (can’t-miss picks + signature dessert)
If you want the restaurant’s own “what to order” guidance, look for dishes like:
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Scallops with sanky and jalapeño
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Fish tartare with green tomato and huacatay
And for a sweet finish, the house signature:
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Peruvian chocolate rock (their signature dessert)
Mayta (Miraflores): Refined Peruvian, Beautiful Plates, Big Flavor
Why it ranks so highly
Mayta has become one of Lima’s most consistent “special occasion” dining rooms—modern, polished, and deeply Peruvian. It ranked No. 39 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.
Best dish to order (standout examples)
From the restaurant’s own menu highlights, keep an eye out for:
Central: The Lima Legend (and Former World No. 1)
Why it ranks so highly
Central is one of the most influential restaurants of the modern era—built around Peru’s ecosystems and ingredients—famously exploring the country through a tasting menu that maps “altitudes” and biodiversity.
Central was voted The World’s Best Restaurant in 2023, earning a permanent place in the “Best of the Best.”
Best dish to order (how to think about “the dish” here)
Central is less about one signature plate and more about the journey: a multi-course exploration of distinct Peruvian environments—coast, Andes, Amazon—expressed through ingredients you may have never seen on a menu before.
Astrid y Gastón: The Classic That Helped Spark Peru’s Culinary Renaissance
Why it ranks so highly
If Maido and Central are the headline acts, Astrid y Gastón is the hall-of-famer. It’s widely credited as one of the restaurants that helped propel modern Peruvian fine dining onto the world stage.
On the 50 Best side, it’s recognized for elevating traditional dishes (even guinea pig) into haute cuisine—and it famously topped the inaugural Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2013.
Best dish to order (what it’s known for)
Because the menu evolves, think in terms of “must-try categories” here:
Quick Tips for Booking Lima’s Top Restaurants
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Reserve early for Maido and Kjolle—prime slots can disappear fast (especially Thurs–Sat).
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Consider lunch for a slightly easier reservation and a more relaxed pace.
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Stay in or near Miraflores and Barranco to keep the logistics easy (and the post-dinner ride short).
The Bottom Line
Right now, Lima isn’t just having a moment—it’s setting the pace for the world. With Maido at No. 1, Kjolle in the Top 10, and Mérito + Mayta also ranking among the world’s best, the city has become the rare place where a “food trip” feels completely justified… and still somehow underhyped.