Gastronomy is a big part of Peru, and we have many top Peruvian chefs to thank for putting its cuisine on the world map.
Take a look at the best Peruvian chefs and some of their famous eateries:
1. Gastón Acurio
Coming in at number 1 is Gastón Acurio. And that’s because he was a pioneer in actively positioning Peruvian gastronomy on the map, not only as a chef but also as an ambassador for the thousands of cooks and chefs across the country.
As a talented cook and entrepreneur, Gastón Acurio has opened around 34 restaurants worldwide, including nine here in Peru:
Astrid & Gastón
Where: Av. Paz Soldan 290, San Isidro
Cebichería La Mar
Where: Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores
Tanta
Where: various locations
Panchita
Where: various locations
Papacho’s
Where: various locations
Madam Tusan
Where: various locations
Chicha
Where: Plaza Regocijo 261, Cusco
El Bodegón
Where: various locations
Barra Chalaca
Where: various locations
2. Virgilio Martínez
By combining contemporary techniques with Peruvian ingredients, Virgilio Martínez has climbed his way to becoming one of the world’s top chefs.
His famed restaurant Central, once located in Miraflores, is now in the bohemian district of Barranco, and is one gastronomic experience that we recommend you don’t miss. More recently he opened up Mil, a food research center and restaurant with views of the archaeological site Moray.
Central Restaurante
Where: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco
3. Rafael Osterling
Influential chef Rafael Osterling has been in the restaurant game for a while, and his work has paid off.
He’s earned numerous awards for his restaurants, including the highly praised Rafael. His namesake restaurant has been for some time included in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, more recently at number 19 in 2019.
Rafael
Where: Calle San Martín 300, Miraflores
Felix Brasserie
Where: Av. Santo Toribio 173, San Isidro
El Mercado
Where: Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores
4. Mitsuharu Tsumura
Mitsuharu, better known as Micha, is Peru’s renowned chef of Nikkei, the fusion between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Known for its creative plating and unique flavors that use top quality and fresh ingredients, Maido has won the hearts of many and the most coveted awards. In 2019, Maido was named the best restaurant in Latin America.
Maido
Where: Calle San Martín 399, Miraflores
5. Palmiro Ocampo
Quickly on the rise, Ocampo created the organization Ccori: cocina optima to 1) produce less food waste, 2) lower malnutrition rates among children, 3) empowering women chefs and cooks across the country.
In 2016, Palmiro Ocampo became one of the youngest chefs to direct Peru’s renowned food festival Mistura. He also just opened a new restaurant with two other associates called Huevón.
Huevón
Where: Av. Vasco Núñez de Balboa 755, Miraflores, inside Mercado 28.
If this list of top Peruvian chefs and their restaurants doesn’t have you salivating for more, we’re not sure what will. Be sure to check them out on your next trip to Peru.
Cover photo: Gaston Acurio Facebook Page
This article has been updated from the original version published on August 31, 2018.
