Central Restaurante

Name: Central Restaurante
Telephone: +51 1 242 8515

Restaurant

Lima, Peru

About Central Restaurante

A Peruvian fine-dining must, chef Virgilio Martínez’s Central came top of the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023 for its ground-breaking ‘Mater Elevations’ tasting menu, which plates Peru’s diverse ecosystems. Conscientious and diligent research into ingredients and their origins has led the restaurant group – which includes award-winning Kjolle under the same roof – to work closely with Andean indigenous communities. The result is a thoughtful, elegant, vibrant, artistic and delicious experience. Like the ingredients themselves, the interior’s materials are sourced from all over Peru, with muted natural hues allowing dishes from the 16-course menu to stand out. Ask to see the theobroma and liquids labs.

While Central cellars around 600 labels with no fixed list per se, there are several ways to enjoy its gems: world wine; South America; no-alcohol; cocktails created by in-house mixologists who have distilled and macerated botanicals from the highs and lows of Peru; or a mixture of all four.

In the case of the wine, the sommelier team chooses to work with small wineries. “Liquids are a way of uniting the Andes, and so while we know many diners are used to sampling vintages from around the world, we also like to give South America a protagonist’s role, working with small producers whose stories we can tell,” says sommelier Diego Vasquéz.

Those wishing to purchase a bottle simply take recommendations from the sommelier team; the same goes for the 30-strong by-the-glass selection.