Where to Eat in Lima Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Are Talking About

Where to Eat in Lima Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Are Talking About

Lima’s restaurant scene keeps evolving, mixing classic cevicherías, creative bars, and new comfort-food spots. Instead of listing every famous place, this guide focuses on what is trending now based on recent review momentum, local chatter, and MapsBuddy data.

Use it to plan a focused food crawl or pick one standout dinner while you are in town.

The American Table Family Restaurant - New comfort-food favorite in Lima

The American Table Family Restaurant is a new arrival with a solid 4.0 rating and a strong growth score, which means it is gaining attention fast despite having relatively few reviews so far.

Why it is trending:

• New kid on the block: As a new business, each fresh review in the last month carries extra weight, pushing it up in MapsBuddy’s growth rankings.
• Comfort-food niche: In a city dominated by Peruvian and Nikkei options, a dedicated American-style family restaurant stands out for burgers, fried chicken, and big breakfasts.
• Family-friendly vibe: Large portions, casual service, and kid-friendly menus make it a go-to for groups who want something easy and familiar.

What to try:

• Stacked burgers with crispy fries
• Fried chicken plates or wings for sharing
• Pancakes and eggs if they run an all-day breakfast menu

Good to know:

• Ideal when you want a break from ceviche and fine dining.
• Expect a relaxed, no-fuss setting rather than a high-end experience.

Zinum 12 - Late-night energy and social buzz

Zinum 12 has a 4.4 rating and a strong review base, with new comments still coming in. That steady stream of feedback shows it is not just a one-season hit but a place people keep returning to.

Why it is trending:

• Nightlife crossover: It feels like a hybrid between a restaurant and a bar, which suits Lima’s late-night culture.
• Instagram factor: Colorful plating, cocktails, and a lively interior keep it visible on social feeds.
• Group-friendly: Big tables, shared plates, and upbeat music make it popular for birthdays and pre-party dinners.

What to try:

• Signature house cocktails or pisco-based drinks
• Shared platters or bar bites that work well with drinks
• Any chef specials that rotate with the season

Good to know:

• Expect a louder, high-energy setting, especially on weekends.
• A smart-casual dress code fits the vibe.

La Mar Cevichería Peruana - Iconic ceviche with fresh momentum

La Mar Cevichería Peruana is already famous, with more than 8,000 reviews and a stellar 4.6 rating. What keeps it on a trending list is that it still pulls in new reviews and strong growth, which is rare for a long-established spot.

Why it is trending now:

• Still the ceviche benchmark: Locals and visitors keep comparing new cevicherías to La Mar, so it remains a reference point.
• Daytime destination: Its lunch-focused energy fits Lima’s coastal lifestyle, especially on sunny days.
• Menu that evolves: Seasonal fish, playful causas, and updated tiraditos keep regulars coming back.

What to try:

• Classic ceviche de pescado with leche de tigre
• Pulpo a la parrilla if it is on the menu
• Causa limeña and other cold starters to share

Good to know:

• Often no reservations at peak times, so go early for lunch.
• Great option before or after a walk along the Miraflores or coastal area.

Cevichería Barra Maretazo | Peruvian Food - Casual ceviche with big local love

With a 4.6 rating and thousands of reviews, Cevichería Barra Maretazo | Peruvian Food is a crowd favorite that still shows strong growth. It is less polished than some upscale spots but full of character and value.

Why it is trending:

• Price-to-quality winner: Generous ceviche portions and fair prices keep locals recommending it.
• Barra-style energy: The counter and bar feel give it a relaxed, almost beachy vibe even in the city.
• Tourist-friendly but local-approved: Staff are used to visitors while still keeping a very Peruvian feel.

What to try:

• Ceviche mixto with a mix of seafood
• Jalea (fried seafood platter) for sharing
• Chilcano de pescado or a cold beer with your meal

Good to know:

• Expect a casual, busy atmosphere at peak hours.
• Great choice if you want a ceviche experience without fine-dining formality.

Fricker's Lima - Wings and sports for a different kind of night out

Fricker's Lima has a more modest 3.3 rating, but its growth score and recent review activity show it still draws a steady crowd. It fills a different niche in Lima’s restaurant scene as a sports and wings spot.

Why it is trending:

• Game-day hub: Screens, beer, and wings make it a magnet for sports fans, especially during big matches.
• Fast-casual alternative: When you do not want a long sit-down meal, this style of place is convenient.
• Curiosity factor: Locals and travelers interested in American-style sports bars keep trying it out.

What to try:

• Chicken wings with different sauces
• Burgers or sliders if available
• Pitchers of beer for groups watching a game

Good to know:

• Go for the atmosphere and convenience more than gourmet food.
• Best with friends, especially on match nights.

How to use this guide

• Mix classic and new: Pair a legendary cevichería like La Mar Cevichería Peruana with a newer comfort spot like The American Table Family Restaurant.
• Plan by vibe: Choose Zinum 12 for a night out, Cevichería Barra Maretazo | Peruvian Food for a relaxed seafood lunch, and Fricker's Lima for a casual sports evening.
• Follow the momentum: Places with rising growth scores are where locals are heading now, not just where guidebooks send you.

Lima’s food scene moves fast. MapsBuddy helps you spot the restaurants gaining real traction so you can find trending spots before they become mainstream and taste the city at its most exciting.