Every cuisine tells a story, and while many have set borders, Peruvian food spans from the world’s farthest west to its east, blending influences from Indigenous Peruvians, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese culinary traditions due to centuries of migration. Established in London since 2012, LIMA officially opened its third branch, LIMA Shoreditch in Sun Street Hotel near Liverpool St. And let us tell you—their food scores the match winning goal in any World Cup!
Led by Chef Roberto Sihuay, the menu features dishes that combine Nikkei, Chinese, and Latin American techniques and flavours. With over 13 years of dedication to cooking, Roberto graduated from Peru in 2004 before moving to Spain three years later to begin his career in Mediterranean cuisine. In 2014, he opened Ceviche 103 in Barcelona, serving traditional Peruvian food, and later introduced Japanese techniques at his second restaurant, Nikkei 103. His third opening, La Turuleca, won the Best Dish of the Year in 2014 at the Time Out Awards for its Rice with Duck. Roberto’s expertise shines so brightly that he even taught Peruvian cuisine at the Culinary Institute of Barcelona.
The moment you head inside, the entire space radiates with shades of emerald greens and aquamarine, honouring Peru’s breathtaking landscapes. On warmer days, you can enjoy their open terrace outside—or for more intimate dinners, book one of their beautiful dining rooms.
Starters
Ceviches are a speciality but dont forget the snacks. A standout is the Peking Duck Croqueta, bursting with fruity and spicy aji amarillo cream. Vegetarian options include the Aubergine Confit, or the Asparagus and Quinoa Salad with tomato, fresh cheese, aji amarillo & passion fruit dressing, both great. Our favourite – an Amarillo brioche with the most moreish algarrobina butter, a salty creamy butter made with a syrup from the Black Carob tree.
Exclusive to the LIMA Shoreditch branch, you must start with the Bluefin Tuna Tartar made with shiso leaf tempura—fresh, light, and umami. A Peruvian icon, the Ceviche Clasico features stone bass, tiger’s milk, choclo, and sweet potato. Alternatively, a richer variation is Ceviche Mixto, featuring a sea bass, gambas, and octopus, all marinated in a zesty Nikkei tiger milk. In fact, you can even order the Trio de Ceviches including both, accompanied by bluefin tuna with puro, nikkei, and rocoto tiger’s milk.
Main Dishes
A star in Peru, Wagyu Beef Saltado also shines at LIMA Shoreditch. Cooked with wok hei, a high-heat method in well-seasoned wok, the technique imparts a smoky aroma while keeping the Wagyu tender. On the side, you’ll also be served crispy potatoes and jasmine rice. Also meaty, the Beef Ribeye comes with anticucho sauce and yellow potato mash, infusing the dish with a rich, spicy depth
Seafood lovers should order the Miso Sea Bass—a flaky fillet served with corn puree and pico de gallo, tantalising each bite with texture and flavour. Also a LIMA Shoreditch standout, Gamba Roja Quinotto is a hearty dish made from octopus, edamame, and parmesan, bringing creaminess, umami, and a sweet touch all together. If you’d like a vegetarian dish, you could opt for the Cauliflower with morels and aji amarillo sauce, or the Eco Dried Potatoes tossed with seasonal mushrooms al wok and aji panca.
Dessert
The feast doesn’t end without a LIMA Shoreditch treat. Creamy and rich, the Lucuma Tarta de Queso is a traditional cheesecake with butterscotch, sweet potato, and caramel-like undertones coming from the lucuma. Other options include the Piura Chocolate Mousse with raspberry coulis, or the Alfajores, a classic Peruvian dessert filled with luscious dulce de leche and served alongside lime ice cream, modernising the treat. If you’d like something refreshing and light, get the Glazed Pineapple with mango sorbet.
The Bar
When you’re there, we highly recommend getting one of their specialty cocktails, especially those made with pisco, a Peruvian grape spirit. Try the Pisco Sour with lime, the Chilcano with extra ginger ale, or the Pisco Punch, combining complex layers of pineapple, orange, sparkling wine, and chili-infused pisco quebranta with some strawberry. Strong and spicy, Margarita Picante comes with aji amarillo-infused tequila, lime, and triple sec. If you like bittersweet flavours, order El Negroni Grapefruit with gin, thyme, vermouth, and Campari.
Including a well-curated list of wines, beers, and other spirits, the bar also serves delicious bites like guacamole with plantain chips, chicken sandwiches, beef empanadas, miso aubergine, and Cuzco corn cakes.
To make a booking at LIMA Shoreditch, visit this link.
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All imagery courtesy of LIMA London.