Experience exceptional Peruvian fine dining at this highly-rated Lima restaurant. Savor innovative dishes and impeccable service. Reserve your table.
Nestled in Lima's vibrant Barranco district, this esteemed establishment offers a truly unique culinary journey. Diners consistently praise the innovative approach to Peruvian ingredients, where every element of food is thoughtfully utilized. While some creations are daring, the overall experience is consistently memorable, often highlighted by exceptional service and a palpable sense of culinary exploration. With a strong rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and a fine dining price point, it's a destination for those seeking an adventurous and sophisticated meal. The atmosphere is refined, making it a special place to gather for memorable occasions.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Luxury)
Luxury fine dining ($$$$) - High-end restaurants with exceptional service and cuisine
Meal Time (lunch)
This restaurant primarily serves lunch. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Upscale)
Refined and elegant dining experience
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Let's start out by saying this was a dining experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. The food was interesting, and sometimes over the top, but I understood what they were trying to do. Central is experimenting with ingredients, and they're trying to use every piece of every food available. This is to be admired. I have to be frank. Some dishes were excellent and others were just weird, but the overall experience was memorable, especially the service. They have been ranked 'the best restaurant in the world' a few years ago, and some would think this 'allows' them to have an attitude. This is precisely the opposite of what I experienced. From the moment I walked through the entrance, I felt very welcome, even though I was a solo diner. From the tour of the garden to the presentation of my table, to the stories behind every course (including the local drinks/wines), every moment of my dining experience was fantastic. The team even allowed me to take some photos of the kitchen. I felt like a VIP, even though I am sure I was just an average guest. So the food. Some dishes were among the best I have ever had, while others just didn't work for me. But over 13 courses and maybe 30-35 individual dishes, this was to be expected. This is not a cheap experience, but if you can afford it, you will not regret dining here. The Best Dining Experience in the World Central is, without a doubt, the number one restaurant on the planet. The entire experience—from the storytelling behind each dish to the flawless execution—is unforgettable. Virgilio Martínez, the visionary chef and owner, is one of the most creative talents in the culinary world today. His ability to take you on a journey through Peru’s ecosystems, altitudes, and ingredients is nothing short of genius. Every course is a revelation. The tasting menu is a beautifully choreographed journey through Peru’s diverse landscapes—from the Amazon to the Andes to the Pacific. Dishes like “Extreme Altitude” and “Amazonian Water” are not only exquisite in flavor, but also rooted in deep cultural and ecological meaning. The presentation is stunning, and each plate tells a story. The service and coordination were absolutely perfect, making the entire experience seamless. The liquor pairing (maridaje) was outstanding—thoughtfully curated to elevate each dish. Dining at Central is not just a meal—it’s a profound, inspiring experience. Truly the best I’ve ever had. Make a reservation—you’ll remember it for the rest of your life And finally Central. The flagship restaurant of legendary Peruvian Chef Virgilio Martínez. The restaurant is known for its contemporary interpretation of Peruvian cuisine using modern techniques. Each dish represents a specific Peruvian ecosystem, defined by altitude, ranging from below sea level to the high Andes. Central was crowned the world’s best restaurant for many years. The tasting menu typically features 12 courses. The dishes were “academic”; beautifully crafted but not always memorable in flavour cohesiveness. The experience is experimental with lot of effort in carving visually appealing dishes but the final outcome is confusing. One leaves without understanding what food did he have. The dining room is bright, minimalist, and open, with stone tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open kitchen
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July 23, 2025
Let's start out by saying this was a dining experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. The food was interesting, and sometimes over the top, but I understood what they were trying to do. Central is experimenting with ingredients, and they're trying to use every piece of every food available. This is to be admired. I have to be frank. Some dishes were excellent and others were just weird, but the overall experience was memorable, especially the service. They have been ranked 'the best restaurant in the world' a few years ago, and some would think this 'allows' them to have an attitude. This is precisely the opposite of what I experienced. From the moment I walked through the entrance, I felt very welcome, even though I was a solo diner. From the tour of the garden to the presentation of my table, to the stories behind every course (including the local drinks/wines), every moment of my dining experience was fantastic. The team even allowed me to take some photos of the kitchen. I felt like a VIP, even though I am sure I was just an average guest. So the food. Some dishes were among the best I have ever had, while others just didn't work for me. But over 13 courses and maybe 30-35 individual dishes, this was to be expected. This is not a cheap experience, but if you can afford it, you will not regret dining here.
July 6, 2025
The Best Dining Experience in the World Central is, without a doubt, the number one restaurant on the planet. The entire experience—from the storytelling behind each dish to the flawless execution—is unforgettable. Virgilio Martínez, the visionary chef and owner, is one of the most creative talents in the culinary world today. His ability to take you on a journey through Peru’s ecosystems, altitudes, and ingredients is nothing short of genius. Every course is a revelation. The tasting menu is a beautifully choreographed journey through Peru’s diverse landscapes—from the Amazon to the Andes to the Pacific. Dishes like “Extreme Altitude” and “Amazonian Water” are not only exquisite in flavor, but also rooted in deep cultural and ecological meaning. The presentation is stunning, and each plate tells a story. The service and coordination were absolutely perfect, making the entire experience seamless. The liquor pairing (maridaje) was outstanding—thoughtfully curated to elevate each dish. Dining at Central is not just a meal—it’s a profound, inspiring experience. Truly the best I’ve ever had. Make a reservation—you’ll remember it for the rest of your life
September 19, 2025
And finally Central. The flagship restaurant of legendary Peruvian Chef Virgilio Martínez. The restaurant is known for its contemporary interpretation of Peruvian cuisine using modern techniques. Each dish represents a specific Peruvian ecosystem, defined by altitude, ranging from below sea level to the high Andes. Central was crowned the world’s best restaurant for many years. The tasting menu typically features 12 courses. The dishes were “academic”; beautifully crafted but not always memorable in flavour cohesiveness. The experience is experimental with lot of effort in carving visually appealing dishes but the final outcome is confusing. One leaves without understanding what food did he have. The dining room is bright, minimalist, and open, with stone tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open kitchen
September 6, 2025
“Dining at Central is not just a meal, it’s a journey through Peru’s ecosystems. From the moment we entered, the experience felt like visiting a living museum: the garden and entrance are filled with plants, trees, and ingredients that later appear on the menu. We were welcomed with warm towels, seated at a beautiful table designed with privacy in mind, and immediately noticed how attentive the service was. Every course came with its own unique cutlery and a small theatrical demonstration – sometimes a book with QR codes explaining the plants, sometimes an entire octopus or stones representing the Andean landscape. Even small gestures, like discreetly wiping drops of water on the table or changing napkins when leaving the table or before desserts, showed remarkable attention to detail. The 12-course tasting menu was extraordinary. Each dish represents a different altitude of Peru, from the depths of the sea to the highest Andes. Highlights included the Warm Sea Current with lobster and razor clam, Rainforest Connection with Amazonian fish, and the spectacular desserts inspired by the Sacred Valley and 100% cacao. Every plate felt like a masterpiece, both in taste and presentation. Service, storytelling, and culinary creativity are perfectly intertwined at Central. It’s educational, emotional, and delicious at the same time – an unforgettable dining experience and truly deserving of being named the best restaurant in the world.”
July 10, 2025
This is a fabulous experience. They are so meticulous with every detail. It was wonderful to watch the bustle of the open kitchen, like a show. All the dinner ware and serving plates/dishes were so delicate and beautiful. And I love their theme of sourcing food from all altitudes in Peru. Most of the ingredients I have never heard of or tried before, so it was really intriguing. The service and atmosphere was definitely fit for a number one restaurant of the world. But I personally feel the food fell a little short. There’s prob a reason why every part of different animal and plants are not eaten, because it doesn’t taste great. But Central wanted to incorporate all parts into the meal. In the end it has the taste great and a few dishes did fall short. We also had a server who did not speak English very well and I couldn’t understand her explain the dish.
Features and amenities that make Central special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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