The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lima, Peru
FLIGHT: 6½ HOURS
5 Lima is a foodie lover’s paradise, starting with the ubiquitous street vendors selling anticuchos (grilled beef heart kebabs), rice pudding and picarones (squash fritters drizzled with a sticky syrup). For dining in, start with ocean fresh ceviche at Barra Mar ($3-$12, Av. Mariscal La Mar 309, 51 1 715-2972, facebook.com/BarraMarPeru), a casual spot in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood.
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, unusual ingredients meet molecular gastronomy at Central (prix fixe menus $104 and up, Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, 51 1 242-8515, centralrestaurante.com.pe), considered one of the world’s best restaurants for its inventive tasting menus of dishes inspired by various regions of Peru presented in creative ways. You may not recognize anything you eat, but it will be beautiful to look at and complex in flavor and texture.
Huaca Pucllana Restaurant ($10-$18, Gen. Borgono Cdra 8, Huaca Pucllana, Miraflores, 51 1 445-4042, resthuacapucllana.com) is a unique dining experience for different reasons. The lovely, Colonial-style restaurant serves expertly prepared traditional Peruvian dishes such as lomo saltado and scallops in Parmesan. What makes it special, though, is a large outdoor dining area overlooking Huaca Pucllana, the ruins of an adobe ceremonial site dating back to 400 A.D. that is still undergoing excavation. It is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
When the sun goes down, take in the nightlife in the neighborhood of Barranco, a lively, bohemian enclave chock full of interesting restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques. Be sure to have a cocktail and tapas at the venerable La Noche ($3-$7, Sanchez Carrion 199, Barranco, 51 1 247-1012, lanoche.com.pe), a romantic multilevel bar with endless rooms, balconies and cozy nooks that attracts an arty crowd.