5 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Peruvian Restaurant That ...

Despite its stunning presentation and flavourful fare, LIMA feels like eating at home: hearty meals with a side of warm hospitality.

Following my visit to Fitzrovia’s LIMA a couple of years ago, I was delighted to hear the news that the Sun Street Hotel had now opened LIMA in Shoreditch, East London, marking another outpost for this delectable Peruvian eatery after 10+ years in the capital. The offering at LIMA – in both these outposts, plus their smaller LIMA Cantina – is clear: fine dining dishes in an unpretentious environment. They do it well. Here are five reasons why you should visit LIMA.

1. LIMA brings the vibrancy of Peru to the grey streets of London Photo credit: Tamsin Salfrais

Look, I love London. I was born and bred here, after all. However, in the winter especially, we could do with a little more vibrancy. LIMA’s dishes definitely bring that wow factor in both the flavours and the presentation.

The a la carte menu at LIMA comprises a carefully curated list of bites, starters, mains and desserts; the menu clearly demonstrates the span of influences on Peruvian cuisine, particularly from East Asia. In fact, my favourite of the ‘bites’, back when I visited LIMA Fitzrovia, was the otoro tuna nikkei. Soft tuna met with crunchy shiso tempura, and was reminiscent of Japanese cuisine.

Meanwhile, over at LIMA Shoreditch, I utterly adored the Cornish crab and octopus causa – LIMA strives to reinvent regional dishes with British ingredients and flair. The presentation was just WOW, with bright yellows, oranges, and greens, and it was tasty. The octopus was melt-in-your-mouth soft, and that aji amarillo potato? The best “mash” I’ve had. I also must shout out the vegetarian offerings at LIMA; dishes like the aubergine confit and eco dried potatoes did something unique with the vegetables that, elsewhere, are often cooked in the same ol’ style. Other notable dishes to try include the wagyu – which was to die for – and the light, airy, yet indulgent, piura chocolate mousse dessert.

2. The decor honours Peruvian culture while creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere LIMA Fitzrovia

The decor at LIMA draws inspiration from Peruvian landscapes: think greens, blues, yellows, and reds. Hanging from the skylight in LIMA Fitzrovia, and from the ceiling at LIMA Shoreditch, you’ll find a quipu – an ancient record-keeping system used by the Inca people, made from string and wool – recreated by local British artists. This was a great, and noticeable, nod to Peruvian culture that extended beyond the food.

In general, the decor felt warm and welcoming. Despite the staff being dressed in shirts and waistcoats, the decor felt relaxed. There are soft seating options, alongside casual seating. The round tables encouraged shared dining, adding to the unpretentious feel.

3. Service at LIMA is friendly and attentive

One memory I often recall from my visit to LIMA Fitzrovia a few years ago is a couple we got speaking to at an adjoining table. They made it a yearly tradition to return to LIMA in London, and there was only positive feedback to be heard from their first visit to their most recent. Later on, we even caught snippets of their conversation with the manager about football. All of this is a testament to the service at LIMA – something that was also replicated at the Sun Street Hotel outpost on my most recent visit. Staff members took the time to explain the dishes to us, answer any questions, and share their own recommendations. They even made the effort to share well wishes for a celebration we were marking before we left.

4. The cocktails are great – and the wine list is long

A succinct, South American-inspired cocktail list awaits at LIMA and, let’s be honest, it would be a crime to visit and not try their signature Pisco Sour. The drink went down very well; it was the perfect balance of being just sweet enough and just sour enough. While the Margarita Picante, created using aji amarillo-infused tequila, was nice too, I specifically enjoyed the Mango Mule mocktail: the sweetness of the mango flavour really softened the sharpness of the ginger ale.

LIMA really comes into its own when it comes to the wine list. It has been expertly curated to showcase dozens of South American and New World wines, spanning sparkling, roses, whites, and reds. There is even a specific sake section, which harks back to Peruvian cuisine’s Japanese influence.

5. LIMA’s credentials speak for themselves Photo credit: Joseph Jeantet. LIMA Shoreditch.

If my review isn’t enough to convince you to make a visit, perhaps LIMA’s credentials will be. The LIMA concept has 10+ years in the London game – and in a post-COVID world, that’s an impressive feat in itself, eh? The brand has won many accolades, most notably attaining a Michelin star in 2014, and being the first restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine to do so in Europe. Today, I can’t wait to see how LIMA Shoreditch’s journey goes.

To round off this review: yes, the calibre of exemplary ingredients and gorgeous presentation you would expect from luxury dining is maintained, but all the pretentious rules are left at the door at LIMA. LIMA celebrates Peruvian culture through everything they do at the restaurant, and they do so with warmth and a sense of invitation to all.