LIMA, LONDON REINVENTS CLASSIC PERUVIAN FOOD.
LIMA, the pioneering Peruvian restaurant recently celebrated its tenth birthday by undergoing a transformation aiming to transporting guests to the culinary capital of South America, and the restaurant’s namesake. The restaurant was launched in 2012 by the Gonzalez brothers Gabriel & Jose Luis, however, the new menu is spearheaded by newly appointed Culinary Director, Roberto Sihuay, a leading Peruvian chef. Roberto heralds the diverse cultural influences the Peruvian kitchen has adopted through its vast immigration to the country, all while using British and local produce. We were told to expect a menu with innovative takes on the Chifa (Chinese), and Nikkei (Japanese) cuisine, derived from the dishes he grew up with, think Shiso Tempura with Otoro and salsa cevichera. Regional dishes like the tiradito are also being reinvented – Cornish scallops with parmigiano tiger’s milk, and a causa limena using the freshest Iberian octopus. Though fret not – LIMA’s classic ceviche will still make an appearance!
Guests can choose from the a la carte menu or have a vibrant, six-course tasting menu representing Peru’s three biodiverse regions – the Pacific Coast, the Andes Mountain range, and the Amazon. The unique dining experience is offered for £70, and the recommended chef-curated drinks pairing is priced at an additional £35. My friend and I chose to go with the a la carte menu as she had been to restaurant before and wanted to share with me her favourite dishes.
While choosing what to have, we would be amiss if we did not try the Pisco Sour. This is a classic Peruvian drink and it was made to perfection. If it hadn’t been a school night, I’m sure we would have been quite happy to spend the night drinking away these delectable cocktails. Instead we opted for INTIPALKA, a sauvignon blanc hailing from the Ica valley in Peru.
During the evening we consumed Lima’s home made bread with algarrobina butter, Croquetas, Scallop Toradito, Secreto Iberico A La Brasa, Ceviche Mixto and finished with the Pear for desert. The Scallop Toradito was the standout dish for us, as was the Ceviche Mixto! These are not to be missed.
Overall we had an absolutely enjoyable evening in this intimate restaurant. Staff were friendly and attentive to all guests at the restaurant and it was lovely watching them share stories with other diners.
So if you’re looking for authentic Peruvian food, look no further than Lima.
Website: www.limalondon.com
Tel: 020 3002 2640
Written by Tegan LeBon
