Best Cafes in Lima 2025: 5 Trending Spots Locals Are Keeping Secret

Arepa Café - Venezuelan comfort that coffee people love

Arepa Café is not new, but it is having a second life thanks to word of mouth and social buzz. With a 4.5 rating and more than 1300 reviews, it has become the go-to spot in Lima for Venezuelan arepas paired with a solid cup of coffee.

Why it is trending now:

• The mix of hearty arepas and quality espresso makes it a natural brunch and late-lunch favorite.
• It pulls a loyal community of Venezuelan expats plus curious Limeños, which keeps the vibe warm and lively.
• Instagram-friendly plates and colorful interiors keep showing up in local foodie feeds, giving it steady momentum even without being a brand-new spot.

Best for:

• A filling breakfast or brunch with coffee that is better than most casual spots.
• Groups who want something comforting and shareable.
• Travelers who want a break from ceviche but still want a very local, Latin American feel.

Pro tip: Pair a classic reina pepiada arepa with a cappuccino or a cold brew if the day is hot. Go slightly off-peak (just after lunch rush) if you want a quieter table to linger.

Rutina Café - Your stylish work-and-chill base

Rutina Café is one of Lima’s most beloved cafe names, with a 4.7 rating and over 2000 reviews. It has evolved into a kind of “third place” for locals who work remotely, meet friends, and rotate through its pastries and brunch plates.

Why it is trending now:

• High rating plus huge review count means it is a proven favorite, not just a hype spot.
• Reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and laptop-friendly tables keep it in constant rotation for remote workers.
• It has become a reference point in neighborhood guides and TikTok “day in Lima” videos, so visitors now seek it out.

Best for:

• Digital nomads who need a base with coffee refills and light food.
• Slow mornings, journaling, and catching up on messages.
• People watching in a neighborhood that feels lived-in, not touristy.

Pro tip: Arrive early if you want a power outlet and a quieter corner. Order something from the brunch menu rather than just coffee so you can stay longer without feeling rushed.

Puku Puku Café Larco - Miraflores surf-town energy

Puku Puku Café Larco sits right in Miraflores, close to the action but still relaxed. With a 4.5 rating and more than 600 reviews, it has become a favorite for travelers and locals who want to mix specialty coffee with a beach-adjacent vibe.

Why it is trending now:

• The Larco location is ideal for pre- or post-walk coffee if you are heading toward the Malecón or Kennedy Park.
• Puku Puku is known in Lima’s specialty coffee circle, and this branch keeps that reputation consistent.
• It shows up often in “Miraflores in one day” itineraries, which keeps a steady flow of curious visitors.

Best for:

• A quick quality espresso or pour over between sightseeing stops.
• Travelers who want a cafe that feels casual and local rather than polished and corporate.
• Coffee lovers who like to try beans from different Peruvian regions.

Pro tip: Ask staff what single-origin coffees they are featuring that week. Grab a bag of beans as a very packable Lima souvenir.

Caleta Dolsa Coffee - Under-the-radar for coffee purists

Caleta Dolsa Coffee has a 4.6 rating and nearly 1000 reviews, yet it still feels slightly under the radar compared with the bigger names. That combination makes it a sweet spot for coffee-first visitors.

Why it is trending now:

• Local coffee geeks mention it as a place where baristas really care about extraction and flavor.
• It has strong review momentum over time, which shows it keeps regulars happy rather than relying on quick tourist spikes.
• The atmosphere leans more “serious coffee bar” than “big brunch spot,” which appeals to purists.

Best for:

• Espresso flights, filter coffee, and people who like asking baristas for recommendations.
• Short, focused visits rather than long laptop sessions.
• Travelers who are building a mental map of Peru’s coffee regions.

Pro tip: Sit at the bar if you can. It is the best place to chat with staff about roast profiles and brewing methods without feeling rushed.

Sofá Café Barranco - Big, social, and arts-district ready

Sofá Café Barranco is one of the most established names in Lima’s cafe landscape, with a 4.5 rating and over 3000 reviews. The Barranco branch fits perfectly into the neighborhood’s artsy, bohemian energy.

Why it is trending now:

• Barranco keeps getting more attention as Lima’s creative and nightlife district, and Sofá benefits from that foot traffic.
• Its large space, comfortable seating, and all-day menu make it an easy meeting point.
• It is frequently tagged in date-night and “Sunday in Barranco” posts, which keeps it top of mind for locals.

Best for:

• Long conversations, casual meetings, and group hangouts.
• Combining coffee with dessert or light meals before exploring galleries and bars.
• Travelers who want one dependable, central spot in Barranco to start or end their day.

Pro tip: Time your visit around golden hour, then walk toward the Barranco viewpoint after your coffee. It is a simple way to pair good cafe time with one of Lima’s best sunset walks.

How to navigate Lima’s cafe scene like a local

• Follow neighborhoods: Miraflores and Barranco are the easiest areas for cafe-hopping on foot.
• Think beyond coffee: Many of Lima’s trending cafes are really about the full experience, from brunch and pastries to community and design.
• Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon: These are usually the sweet spots between breakfast and dinner rushes.

Lima’s cafes are where remote workers, artists, expats, and travelers quietly overlap. Use MapsBuddy to track which spots are gaining real momentum, not just hype, so you can find the next neighborhood favorite before it turns into a line-out-the-door classic.