Chefs Know Best
Virgilio Martínez’s Lima
When it comes to experiencing a city through its food, local chefs know best. That’s why we regularly tap the address books of some of the world’s most renowned chefs to guide you expertly through the culinary scene of their city.
Virgilio
Martínez
Virgilio Martinez, co-owner of Central, Kjolle, and Mill, has brought global attention to the indigenous ingredients and culinary culture of the land of the condor. Working together with his wife, chef Pia Leon, Martinez has made a lasting impact on the international gastronomic scene. In 2023, Central—his flagship restarant in Lima—secured the top spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, confirming his commitment to celebrating Peru’s rich biodiversity and culinary legacy. One of the paramount projects he’s actively involved is “Mater Iniciativa”—a network that maps Peruvian territories, gathering knowledge about resources, inputs, and people, in order to develop methods that connect gastronomy with science, arts, humanities, and other areas of study.
- BREAKFASTCiclos Café
- TRADITIONALIsolina Taberna
El Bodegón - MODERN CUISINERafael
Astrid & Gastón
La Gloria - PASTRYCaféteria San Antonio
Demo
Alanya Reposterìa - DRINKSJuanito de Barranco
Lady Bee
La Rosa Náutica
MAISON Ë What’s the ultimate way to begin a day in Lima?
VIRGILIO MARTINEZ I like to start the day at Ciclos Café in Barranco by grabbing a coffee to go and then walking along the Malecón, overlooking the ocean.
M.Ë Which restaurants reflect the city’s gastronomic legacy?
V.M. Places like Isolina Taberna and El Bodegón are great examples, as well as the traditional sandwich shops specializing in chicharrón.
M.Ë Which projects have built a reputation as serving a creative take on Peruvian cuisine?
V.M. Restaurants like Rafael, Astrid & Gastón, and La Gloria Miraflores have each contributed in their own way to reimagining Peruvian cuisine.
M.Ë Where can one enjoy typical Peruvian or modern sweet treats?
V.M. For more classic Peruvian pastries, I’d suggest Caféteria San Antonio. For something with a modern touch, Demo and Alanya Reposterìa are great options.
In 2023, Virgilio Martinez’s Central Restaurant
secured the top position on the prestigious
World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
BY VIRGILIO MARTINEZ AND PÍA LÉON
CATAPULTA EDITORES, 2023
M.Ë Do you have any tips on how to drink your way through the city?
V.M. I’d begin the afternoon in Barranco at Juanito’s, then head over to Lady Bee, and finish the night with a Pisco Sour by the ocean at La Rosa Náutica.
M.Ë You have published a great number of books in the past few years. Can you tell us a few words about them?
V.M. My books reflect my way of seeing food as a lifestyle, of finding beauty in both the simple and the profound, of highlighting my collaborations with colleagues, friends, and producers, and of showing why coherence is essential in everything you do.
Ken Motohasi
PR