LIMA, an award-winning Peruvian restaurant group, announced the opening of its third branch in Shoreditch this upcoming October. Renowned for its innovative take on traditional Peruvian cuisine through Nikkei and Chifa techniques, the third restaurant at the Sun Street Hotel will feature Peruvian classics and contemporary sharing-style dishes.
Curated by Executive Chef Roberto Sihuay, the menu at Lima Shoreditch reflects the rich cultural influences Peruvian food has undergone given the vast waves of immigration shaping the country. Founded by Gonzalez brothers Gabriel & José Luís, you’ll see Nikkei, Chinese, and Latin American flavours all harmoniously blended in every dish, sourced from British and local produce. Even though Sihuay’s menu takes a contemporary twist, it remains deeply honest and authentic.
The Menu
Combining native Peruvian flavours with Japanese as well as Chinese techniques through Chifa and Nikkei cooking, you’ll sure love all these bursting flavours.
To begin, try their oyster with basil foam and togarashi, a delicate starter combining the briny sweetness of oysters with basil’s fresh aroma and togarashi’s spiciness. Another highlight is the ceviche mixto Nikkei, a vibrant mix of seabass, gambass, and octopus marinated in Nikkei tiger’s milk, served alongside sweet potatoes. We could have drank a pint of thay milk! For non-seafood options, the Peking Duck Croqueta excels — paired with creamy ají amarillo aioli — the texture here really stands out.
Onto the mains, the Lima Shoreditch Wagyu beef salted is a must-try, featuring wok-tossed wagyu beef with crispy potatoes and steamed jasmine rice. This dish particularly testifies to the influence Chinese immigrants’ had on Peruvian cuisine. The menu also serves LIMA classics such as Lamb Chops Al Josper, expertly grilled and accompanied by traditional pachamanca as well as corn tamal. For a rich fusion of flavours, have the octopus and crab causa atop crushed potatoes, complimented by botija olives, cevichera sauce, avocado, and tobiko.
Be sure that LIMA’s desserts such as the Alfajor with dulce de leche will satisfy your sweet tooth — traditional Peruvian buttery cookies filled with incredible cream. For fruity options, try the Maracuya tart made with tangy passion fruit. And if you don’t have much room left, order the Peruvian ground cherry truffle, light and bursting with sweetness.
Drinks
Originating from Peru, you have to try their Pisco cocktails before anything else — amber in colour and made from fermented grape juice into a high-proof brandy. Sharp and refreshing, their Pisco Sour combines Pisco, lime juice, sugar, and topped with frothy egg whites, balancing tart and sweet flavours. For a spicier option, the Chilcano features ginger beer with lime juice and sugar, adding a nice tanginess to the Pisco.
The wine selection offers a fine array of sparkling, white, red, and rosé options from Italy, France, Spain, as well as Chile, Argentina, and of course, Peru itself.
The Atmosphere
Located in Sun Street Boutique Hotel, LIMA Shoreditch’s decor honours Peru’s cultural heritage and diversity, showcasing the entire space with shades of emerald green and aquamarine evoking Peru’s colourful and stunning landscapes. Outside, there’s a terrace which you can enjoy on warmer days. And if you’re seeking an intimate dinner or lunch with your loved ones, the restaurant designated two private dining spaces.
LIMA has two other branches located in Fitzrovia and Covent Garden — LIMA Cantina.
To discover more, visit limalondon.com
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All imagery courtesy of LIMA London.