Best Ají de Gallina in Lima

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Offers an elegant and refined version of the dish; eating Ají de Gallina while looking out at the illuminated ancient pyramid is one of the most spectacular dining experiences in Lima. — Miraflores

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8:00 PM; the restaurant overlooks a literal 1,500-year-old pre-Incan adobe pyramid.

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$$$

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They pride themselves on using the most authentic pre-industrial recipes; their Ají de Gallina is exceptionally rich and follows a meticulous preparation process to ensure perfect texture. — Miraflores

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8:00 PM; a high-end restaurant dedicated to the research of historic Peruvian recipes.

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$$$

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11:00 AM; mobile carts serve "Ceviche al paso" (on-the-go).

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$

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The Lomo Saltado here is prepared in small, fresh batches throughout the lunch service, allowing you to sample it alongside other "Criollo" classics in a single sitting. — various (Barranco)

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12:30 PM; a massive and high-quality buffet featuring dozens of Peruvian dishes.

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$$

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While famous for churros, their "Ají de Gallina Sandwich" is a local favorite, providing a fast and safe way to sample the flavors of the stew in a casual cafe setting. — Miraflores

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4:00 PM for a mid-afternoon snack or "lonche" (afternoon tea).

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$

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The portions here are meant to be shared; the Lomo Saltado is rustic and served with "tacacho" or traditional rice, representing the "hearty" side of Limeño cooking. — Miraflores

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1:00 PM; a Gaston Acurio "taberna" that focuses on large, affordable comfort plates.

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$$

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Famous for their roasted pork (chicharrón), their Lomo Saltado is a high-heat masterpiece that has been a city favorite for over 60 years; it represents the most authentic street-origin version of the dish. — various (Centro / Miraflores)

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11:30 AM; the original Centro location is a historic landmark of the city's Chinese-Peruvian heritage.

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$

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While famous for their stews, their "Ceviche con Chicharrón de Calamar" is a masterclass in the classic Limeño style, focusing on generous portions and high-quality, traditional ingredients. — Barranco

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12:30 PM; a traditional "taberna" that serves massive family-style portions of historic Lima dishes.

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$$$

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Famous for large-format Peruvian comfort food; their Ají de Gallina is famously rich and use high-quality yellow potatoes, representing the "hearty" side of Limeño home cooking. — various (Miraflores / San Borja)

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1:30 PM; a boisterous and very popular "Criollo" grill by Gaston Acurio.

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$$$

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A long-standing favorite for its consistency; their Lomo Saltado follows the strictly traditional recipe with no modern frills, focusing on juicy beef and very crispy fries. — various (Miraflores)

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12:30 PM; a classic neighborhood spot popular with Miraflores office workers.

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$$

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Consistently voted as having the "best value" Lomo Saltado in the city; they are famous for their high-heat wok technique that gives the beef a spectacular smoky char. — various (San Miguel / various)

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12:30 PM; a popular and high-turnover neighborhood favorite.

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$

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A favorite for Lima families; their Lomo Saltado is a staple of their Sunday lunch buffet and is known for its consistent, traditional quality. — Pueblo Libre

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1:30 PM on a Sunday; a massive and historic restaurant in a quiet residential district.

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While primarily a sandwich shop, their "Lomo Saltado" sandwich is a legendary way to eat the dish on-the-go, served on fresh, crusty bread with their famous hand-cut fries. — various (Kennedy Park)

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10:00 PM for a late-night sandwich version of the dish.

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$

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Watching a market chef handle a high-flame wok is part of the experience; the Lomo Saltado here is the cheapest and most "alive" version you will find in the city. — Surquillo

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12:00 PM; small counters serve "saltados" prepared right in front of you.

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$

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A massive and legendary spot that is the "temple" for Alianza Lima fans; the ceviche portions are enormous and the atmosphere is electric, especially on game days. — La Victoria

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12:00 PM; located right next to the Alianza Lima football stadium.

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$$

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A guardian of "Criollo" cuisine; their Lomo Saltado is refined and classic, representing the dish as it was served in high-society Lima houses for over half a century. — San Isidro

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1:30 PM; a historic and traditional restaurant frequented by Lima’s business elite.

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$$$

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Offers a "safe" and consistently perfect version of the dish for travelers; the beef quality is exceptional and the presentation is elegant, providing a reliable introduction to the dish. — various (Larcomar / San Isidro)

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1:30 PM; a very popular high-end casual chain by Gaston Acurio.

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While famous for soup, their Lomo Saltado is prepared in massive woks in an open kitchen; it is fast, high-quality, and one of the most popular late-night meals in Lima. — various (Lince / Surquillo)

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3:00 AM; legendary 24-hour spot famous for its lines and its soulful soups.

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$

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Pairing a Lomo Saltado with a Pisco cocktail in this historic setting is one of the most essential "old Lima" experiences available to travelers. — Pueblo Libre

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1:00 PM; a historic "pulperia" operating since 1880.

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$$

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