This is Where You Can Get the Best Ceviche in Peru
“This is the best ceviche I’ve ever had in my life!” Kike and Catterina said as we dined in Perroquet Restaurant, part of the 5-star Country Club Hotel. I questioned the validity of this statement since they’ve lived in Peru their entire lives, however, they both eagerly agreed as they slurped up their meals.
It was the best meal I had during my stay in Lima; and luckily I had it during my last night. It was the perfect way to say “Goodbye” to the modern metropolis of Lima. Perroquet Restaurant had a classic luxury feel of extreme elegance that complemented its location in the Country Club Lima Hotel.
We began the night exploring the beautiful grounds. As I entered the space, women dressed in floor length gowns came into view. Since it was Saturday night, they were hosting a world-class wedding at the hotel. The sounds of violins playing classical music filled the air. I was in heaven.
Catterina arrived and we changed into a dresses by Lazos de Seda. As a fashion blogger, she always had the connections for fabulous attire and tonight was no exception. As per the usual, she arrived with two looks for both of us; one for dinner and one for our night out. If only I could dress myself this well on a normal basis!
It was time for dinner and we were excited because Perroquet Restaurant is a five-time Summum Award winner, awarded each year to the best restaurant in Lima, Peru. This meal was going to be epic.
Perroquet Restaurant has a seasonal menu, based on authentic Peruvian cuisine and international specialties. One of the most charming aspects of the restaurant is its head chef’s story. Executive Chef Jacinto Sanchez was born in a small town of Peru and at age 14 (while only speaking Quechua) he moved to Lima and began working in kitchens cleaning up after the chefs. He became passionate about cooking and eventually worked his way up to the position he is at today. He did all of this while having an incredible teacher, the famous Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio.
My meal began with the tuna tartare trio. It featured three tartare creations including; oriental style with sesame oil, fermented soya and wasabi sauce, and acevichado sauce (flavors of lime juice, peppers and fish) and avocado. It was a dream. As someone who loves ceviche, I didn’t know how the meal could possibly get better from here. It was too good!
Kike and Catterina ordered the classic Peruvian sea bass ceviche and swore that it was the best ceviche dish they’ve ever had. That is saying a lot since they are born and raised in Peru and ceviche is one of the national dishes. The ceviche featured fresh Peruvian sea bass fillet in bite size cuts, marinated with lime, limo chili and cilantro then garnished with red onions, Peruvian corn and sweet potato.
For my main course, I had the chicken saltado. If you’ve never had a saltado dish, stop what you’re doing right now and go to your nearest Peruvian restaurant. It will change your life. This dish is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. It’s a stir fry that typically combines marinated strips of sirloin with onions, tomatoes, french fries, and other ingredients; and is typically served with rice.
Kike ordered the outside skirt certified angus beef dish and was speechless at how flavorful, juicy and perfectly cooked it was. Our dessert was a 3-part crème brulee, each with a different infusion. Kike practically started crying from happiness at how delicious the flavors were. I agreed, it was the one of the top 5 desserts I’ve ever had. In fact, our meal was one of the top 5 meals I’ve ever had in my life.
As our meal came to a close, a singer began performing. It’s always a treat when restaurants host live music. Alas, it was time for us to head out. With our belly’s full we began the night.
As always, our night out is another story for a different time. Until next time, Chao!
We were guests at the Country Club Lima Hotel, however, the opinions are our own. Rooms at the hotel start at $209. Dishes at Perroquet Restaurant start at $14. To learn more visit HotelCountry.com.es.
