Lima, Peru with Kids

A Food-Lover’s Guide to Eating Really Well (and Feeding Your Kids Without Overthinking It)

If you’re traveling to Lima, this is most likely your first stop in Peru.

And if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking:
“We’ll just stay one night and then head to Cusco.”

I get it.

But also… don’t do that.

Lima is not just a stop. It’s where you ease into Peru, recover from travel, and most importantly…. eat really well.

And when you’re traveling with kids, it’s actually one of the easiest cities to start your trip.

Arriving in Lima (Set Yourself Up for Success)

You’ll land at Jorge Chávez International Airport, which has been recently upgraded and is honestly one of the nicest airports in Latin America right now.

After a long flight, especially with kids, that first impression matters. It feels modern, organized, and welcoming.

Now here’s my first real tip, and this one will save you stress:

We always book Taxi Green in advance.

When you land, instead of standing in a long line trying to figure out transportation while your kids are tired and you’re holding bags, you just walk up to the Taxi Green counter, give your name, and they take you straight to your driver.

It’s simple. It works. We’ve done it for years.

Where to Stay (Because Location Matters)

When you’re traveling with kids, where you stay makes a huge difference.

We always recommend:

Miraflores
Barranco

Miraflores is our go-to. It’s safe, very walkable, full of parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and you’re right by the ocean. You can just walk out of your place and do things without overplanning.

Barranco is more colorful, artsy, and great for wandering and slower afternoons.

If you like hotels, JW Marriott Hotel Lima is right in front of Larcomar.

Or stay at this Airbnb (yes, it is ours) ….and yes, I recommend it because I know exactly how convenient it is when you’re traveling as a family.

Why Lima Is Worth It: The Food

Let’s just say it clearly:

You are coming to Lima to eat.

In the last 20–25 years, Peru has taken flavors that have always been incredible and elevated them into one of the best food scenes in the world. The flavors were always there—now the presentation, creativity, and recognition caught up.

Some of the most famous restaurants in the world are here:

But (and this is important) some of the best food you will eat in Lima is not in those places.

Eating in Lima with Kids (Let’s Be Real)

Could you take your kids to a 2–3 hour tasting menu?

Yes.

Will everyone enjoy it?

That depends on your kids… and your expectations.

Places like Central are incredible, but they’re an experience. Maido might work depending on your kids’ palate.

Personally, I lean into the casual side of Lima when I’m with my kids.

And honestly? That’s where Lima really shines.

Lima Food Guide: Eat High-Low

Here’s how to do it:

One nice meal.
One market lunch.
One cevichería.
One chifa dinner.
One sandwich stop that you didn’t plan but end up loving.

Also, very important, pay attention to what’s going viral.

Lima has an incredible food scene, and places go viral for a reason. If something keeps showing up on your feed and it’s packed… go. Yes, you might wait. Yes, it’s busy. It’s usually worth it.

Restaurants We Love

At Panchita, don’t skip the ronda criolla. It’s basically the best way to try a little bit of everything without having to choose.

Seafood + Ceviche

Ceviche de Pota with corn cakes- Terminal Pesquero

Canta Rana
Los Tigres de Monterrico
Muelle 46
Terminal Pesquero
La Mar
Punto Azul
La Picantería

Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese)

Chifa is always a win. Fried rice, noodles, wontons: everyone finds something they like.

Markets + Local Favorites

Mercado N°2 de Surquillo
Tía Claudia (for the best soup chupe)
Huerta Chinen
El Rey de la Papa Rellena at Mercado de Magdalena

Markets are where you see everyday Lima. It’s not curated, it’s not polished…but it’s real.

Sandwiches + Casual Bites

Try:

butifarra
pan con chicharrón
pejerrey sandwich

What to Eat for Breakfast

Breakfast in Lima is not light. Just accept it.

salchicha huachana with eggs
pan con chicharrón
pejerrey sandwich
butifarra

And if you want something lighter, Tanta has an oatmeal with granola and poached peach that is honestly so good.

Drinks You Have to Try

Peru has really elevated its drink scene, and honestly, you’ll notice it right away. Even casual places put effort into their drinks—they’re well made, beautifully presented, and part of the experience.

Here’s what to try (and what to expect):

Chicha Morada – non-alcoholic
A traditional drink made from purple corn. Slightly sweet, refreshing, and something kids usually love.
Inca Kola – non-alcoholic
The national soda. Bright yellow, tastes a little like bubblegum, and somehow goes with everything. Your kids will probably be obsessed.
Pisco Sour – alcoholic
The classic. Citrusy, slightly frothy, and smooth.
My favorite is the maracuyá (passionfruit) version, which is a little sweeter and easier to drink.
Algarrobina (algarrobina cocktail) – alcoholic
This one is stronger and richer. Made with algarrobina (a syrup from the carob tree), it’s creamier, slightly sweet, and almost feels like a dessert drink. Definitely not light, but very good. My husband’s favorite.
Pisco Punch – alcoholic
A lighter, more tropical cocktail. Easier to drink if you don’t want something as strong as a traditional pisco sour.
Cuzqueña – alcoholic
A classic Peruvian beer. Simple, refreshing, and you’ll see it everywhere.
Cerveza artesanal (craft beer) – alcoholic
Peru has a growing artisan beer scene, so if you like trying local beers, there are a lot of newer options popping up.

A Personal Favorite: Barrio Chino

One place that feels very special to us is Barrio Chino.

We always go to Restaurante Dulcería Tsukayama.

My husband’s grandfather used to take his son there. Then his dad took him. And now my husband takes our kids.

So it’s more than just a meal: it’s a tradition.

We order the udon soup, which is simple, warm, and comforting. Downstairs, they make fresh mochi all day, and there’s always a line. They also have yuca bread, which the kids love.

It’s not trendy. It’s not fancy.

But it’s one of our favorite places in Lima.

Shopping in Lima (a.k.a. You Will Buy More Than You Planned)

If you want to shop, go to Gamarra.

This is not a mall.

This is buildings just full of clothing stores. Blocks of them. It’s basically its own little city dedicated to clothes.

You’ll find everything:

basics
kids’ clothes
Pima cotton
knockoffs
and original pieces

A lot of clothing is made in Peru, so sometimes you’re buying overstock or items that didn’t make it to retail for very minor reasons (if any)

I shop here for my kids because:

they grow out of everything
they’re messy
and the quality is actually really good

It’s busy, chaotic…but also very controlled. There’s police on almost every corner because of how much business happens there.

Things to Do in Lima (Besides Eating… but Mostly Eating)

Books:

My youngest enjoyed this books before traveling to Lima:

Plaza de Armas de Lima

Go into central Lima at least once.

Walk around, see the Government Palace of Peru, the cathedral, and the colonial buildings.

The balconies are what stand out: those enclosed wooden balconies that feel very old Lima.

Mirabus

If you want something easy, take the Mirabus.

It’s a simple, slightly old-school sightseeing bus that takes you around Miraflores and gives you a little history. Not fancy, but fun and low effort, especially with kids.

Parque de las Leyendas

Zoo + food from all regions of Peru.

Try Ñusta and pachamanca—traditional food cooked underground.

Parque de la Reserva

The Magic Water Circuit. Go at night. Let the kids run.

Jockey Plaza

Indoor play areas, shopping, and familiar food. Sometimes you just need easy.

Larcomar

Ocean views, restaurants, and the Paddington Bear statue.

Parque Kennedy

Perfect for an afternoon or evening walk and for fresh picarones. Weekends bring markets and festivals to this park. Also, it is home to a lot of stray cats that are well taken care of by the locals.

Morphotheca Lima (Bug + Animal Experience)

If your kids are into animals, bugs, or anything a little hands-on, this is such a fun stop: Morphotheca Lima.

Practical Tips (Things I Wish People Told Me)

Download WhatsApp, everyone uses it.

Use Uber… we do not grab taxis on the street.

Bring more than one credit card. ATMs can occasionally hold cards, especially on weekends.

At restaurants, ask them to bring the card machine to your table. Don’t hand your card away…. it’s not how it’s done there.

Tipping

Tipping is much more relaxed than in the U.S.

a few soles for casual meals
around 10% normally
10–15% for nicer restaurants

Cash is best if you have it.

Weather

Summer: December–March
Winter: June–August

Winter feels colder than expected because of the humidity. Bring layers.

Before You Leave Lima…

One of the best things about staying in Lima a few days is that you’re also close to amazing day trips.

Places like Paracas and Huacachina are completely different: desert, ocean, wildlife and very doable from Lima.

I’ll talk about those next, because they’re worth it.

Final Thoughts

Lima is not just a stop.

It’s where your trip begins.

Where you eat well, slow down, and adjust before the rest of Peru.

Come hungry!!!

Thank you for reading!