Little did I know that Lima is the culinary capital of South America, before travelling to Peru. I thought that Argentina with its mighty steaks proudly held that position, but oh how wrong I was. While in Lima, I had the feeling that the food scene was blooming and the city was packed with trendy restaurants, all spread around the huge city. The first great food experience for me was El Mercado. The restaurant is one of Rafael Osterling's restaurants and almost a must visit in Lima. I am sorry to tell you that I have absolutely no idea where the restaurant is located, excpet that it is in the district of Miraflores. And if you can’t find the right building right away, don’t get upset because one could never tell what a tranquil food heaven is hid behind the rather dull looking building. When you enter the restaurant you are welcomed by a bar where you can wait while a table is set for you (if you have no reservation).
I would classify the restaurant as an outdoor restaurant, but with a ”roof” that protects you from the sun. The atmosphere is very trendy yet relaxed and El Mercado is made for long lunches and even for business lunches. When we visited the the place, there was a sound of laughter, chitchatting and talking, and at a perfect volume. There is nothing I dislike more than restaurants so loud that you can't talk to your friends.
Now to the food. El Mercado is a fish restaurant, but has a few other dishes on their extensive menu for those who prefer something else. I, eager to try one of the delicious looking fish dishes, had the fish of the day from the grill and my friend had the traditional Peruvian dish called gallina de ají (chicken in garlic). My fish was a local white fish with potato creme and tomato chimichurri. The choice was more than easy for me, because of the chimichurri (I mean, is there anything better than that?), but I can assure you that the menu had many other very strong candidates. My dish was just as delicious as I had expected it to be. The fish was perfectly moist coming straight from the grill and the soft potato cream was a perfect companion for the fish. The tomato chimichurri was a very nice addition to the already perfect melange of tastes. I also had a try of the chicken, and although I was overly excited about my fish, I have to say that the chicken wasn't bad at all. Although, ordering the ají de gallina requires one to like garlic since it is the main ingredient. We also had a dessert; El tumbao, that consisted of meringues, passionfruit, pomegranate and soursop in the juice of red fruits. The dessert was prettily served in a martini glass and although a little sweet for my taste, it was a fresh and rich dessert.
I always have one very important criteria for any restaurant, bar, café or hotel I visit and it is the restroom. I think that a restaurant can have the most beautiful interior, the most delicious food or the best service, but if they have completely forgotten about the restrooms, it can't be very very good of a place. I am happy to tell you that the restrooms at El Mercado kept the standars of the rest of the place.
We enjoyed the food and the place so much that our long lunch became very long. But then again, what would be a better way to spend a day?
Perfect place for a date night
A must for every foodie visiting Lima
