Gastronomic Guide

Peru is recognized worldwide as an elite gastronomic destination, but as of August 2025, the Michelin Guide has yet to award stars in the country. However, Lima and other cities are home to Michelin-standard restaurants: haute cuisine techniques, product research, cultural narrative, and world-class service. Here you’ll find history, context, prices, menus, recommended hotels, and integrated tourist experiences for an SEO-optimized landing page that appeals to foodies and discerning travelers.

History and Context of the Michelin Guide in Peru

The Michelin Guide was founded in 1900 in France to recommend exceptional restaurants. Today, it operates in more than 40 countries and awards:

• ★ One star: exceptional cuisine worth a visit.
• ★★ Two stars: outstanding cuisine worth a detour.
• ★★★ Three stars: unique experience worth a trip.

To this day, Michelin does not award stars in Peru. The reason is simple: there are no inspectors assigned to the country. In South America, the guide is operational in Brazil and, since 2023, in Argentina (Buenos Aires and Mendoza), but Peru is still awaiting inclusion.

However, Lima has consolidated its global leadership: restaurants such as Maido, Central, Kjolle, and Mayta appear in major international rankings, competing with Michelin-starred establishments in other countries.

Top “Michelin-caliber” restaurants in Lima

Although they don’t have official stars, these Peruvian restaurants are among the best in the world and offer experiences comparable to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

1. Maido – Signature Nikkei

• Chef: Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura
• Recognition: Best Restaurant in the World 2025 (The World’s 50 Best).
• Concept: Nikkei fusion, Peruvian ingredients, Japanese techniques.
• Tasting menu:

• Classic: from S/ 750 (~USD 200).
• With pairing: from S/ 1,100 (~USD 290).

• Recommendation: Book 60–90 days in advance.

2. Central – Territories and Altitudes

• Chef: Virgilio Martínez and Pía León
• Recognition: Best Restaurant in the World in 2023, currently #2.
• Concept: A journey through Peruvian ecosystems from 0 to 4,200 meters above sea level.
• Tasting Menu:

• Mater Elevations Tasting: S/ 880 (~USD 235).
• Premium Pairing: S/ 1,350 (~USD 360).

• Experience: Each dish tells a story of the Peruvian terroir.

3. Kjolle – Feminine Creativity

• Chef: Pía León (Best Chef in the World in 2021).
• Concept: Amazonian ingredients, vibrant colors, and delicate flavors.
• Tasting menu: from S/ 680 (~USD 180).
• Special feature: Use of local producers and sustainable fishing.

4. Mayta – Lima Modernity

• Chef: Jaime Pesaque.
• Ranking: #9 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
• Special feature: Signature cuisine with a plant-based approach and innovative pairing.
• Tasting menu: S/ 590 (~USD 155).
• Atmosphere: Elegant, minimalist, and cosmopolitan.

5. Astrid & Gastón – Living History

• Chef: Gastón Acurio.
• Importance: Pioneer in the Peruvian gastronomic boom.
• Special feature: Contemporary Creole cuisine with Andean products.
• Tasting menu: S/ 550 (~USD 145).
• Recommendation: Ideal for a first taste of elite Peruvian cuisine.

Peruvian Restaurants with Michelin Stars (Outside Peru)

While the Guide doesn’t operate in Lima, some Peruvian chefs are shining abroad:

• Papa Llama (Orlando, USA) – ★
• Causa (Washington, D.C., USA) – ★
• Llama Inn (New York) – Recommended.
• China Chilcano by José Andrés (Washington, D.C.) – Bib Gourmand.
• La Mar Miami – Official Recommendation.

These examples demonstrate the global influence of Peruvian cuisine and build international credibility.

How to get to Lima: Gastronomic Epicenter

• By Air: Fly to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM).
• Transfers: Licensed taxi, Uber, Beat, or private transfers.
• Recommended areas to stay:

• Miraflores: Ideal for foodies, near Maido and Astrid & Gastón.
• Barranco: bohemian atmosphere, art, and access to Central and Kjolle.
• San Isidro: sophistication, Mayta and Pullman Miraflores just minutes away.

Recommended Hotels with the Michelin Keys Quality Seal

The Michelin Hotels Guide already highlights accommodations in Peru under the Michelin Keys system, such as:

• Belmond Miraflores Park (Lima) – contemporary luxury.
• Atemporal Hotel Boutique (Miraflores) – design and privacy.
• Pullman Lima Miraflores – excellent for foodie travelers.
• Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica (Tambopata) – sustainability and haute jungle cuisine.
• Titilaka Lodge (Puno) – lakeside dining experience.

Prices and Reservations

• Tasting menus: between S/ 550 and S/ 1,350 (~USD 145–360).
• Premium pairings: additional from S/ 300 to S/ 700 (~USD 80–190).
• Advance booking:

• High season (July–September): book 90 days in advance.
• Low season: at least 30 days in advance.

Ideal weather for your foodie trip

Lima:

• Summer (Dec-Mar): 22–28°C (72–82°F), ideal for ceviches and seafood dishes.
• Winter (Jun-Sep): 14–18°C (58–64°F), perfect for broths, stews, and Andean dishes.

• Tip: Plan lunch reservations in the summer and dinner reservations in the winter.

Complementary Activities and Experiences

• Peruvian cooking classes: make your own ceviche or lomo saltado (lomo saltado).
• Pisco Route in Ica: tastings and pairings with seafood cuisine.
• Market tour: Surquillo, San Isidro, or San Pedro (Cusco) to learn about ingredients.
• Barranco Art Walk: galleries, viewpoints, and signature bars.
• Larco Museum + gourmet dinner: culture and haute cuisine in one day.

Suggested Foodie Itinerary in Lima (3 Days)

 1:

• Arrival and check-in in Miraflores.
• Walk along the Malecón.
• Lunch at Mayta.
• Afternoon at the Larco Museum.
• Tasting dinner at Central.

 2:

• Breakfast with specialty coffee.
• Visit to local markets (Surquillo).
• Lunch at Astrid & Gastón.
• Barranco Art Walk.
• Dinner at Maido.

 3:

• Private Peruvian cooking classes.
• Criollo brunch.
• Shopping in gourmet boutiques.
• Dinner at Kjolle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Peru have Michelin stars?
Because the Michelin Guide hasn’t yet rated the country; without inspectors, there are no stars.

What is the best restaurant in Peru right now?
Maido was voted #1 in the world in 2025; Central and Kjolle are close behind.

Is a culinary trip to Lima worth it?
Yes: the capital offers haute cuisine comparable to Paris, Tokyo, or New York.

Do you need to book far in advance?
Yes, especially at Maido, Central, and Kjolle: 60 to 90 days in advance.