London has not, at least thus far, caught on to the Peruvian restaurant boom. That is about to change. In 2012, four new Peruvian restaurants are set to open in various parts of the city:

Lima London: In the summer of 2012, London will be getting one of the most highly anticipated Peruvian restaurants anywhere in the world. Called simply Lima, the kitchen will be headed by Virgilio Martinez, who right now might be the most exciting young chefs in Peru for his work at Central (which will stay open by the way). Martinez has stated that the menu will be a combination of traditional dishes and products, but he won’t ignore what is happening in Lima right now in terms of haute cuisine. He has a brilliant team in place that has worked in some of the cities top restaurants. Fitzrovia/Shoreditch; 7704221989; www.limalondon.com.

Ceviche: The Peruvian born owner Martin Morales opened ceviche in March of this year. The trendy small plate restaurant where dishes average £7-£8 each is already being hailed by London critics as the cities first real look at Peruvian cuisine (ceviches, anticuchos, various light bites) and cocktails (standards, originals, and macerados). 17 Frith Street, Soho;72922040; cevicheuk.com/

Sushi Samba: Sushi Samba is set to make its European debut in June with a 13,423-square-foot space with two terraces, located in the top three floors of the Heron Tower. Like other sushi Samba locations, it isn’t strictly Peruvian, but a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine and cocktails. 110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower; http://sushisamba.com/london.

Coya/Villa Rose: The US born owner of the highly successful contemporary restaurantsRoka and Zuma (with locations around the world), Arjun Waney, is launching Coya (it might be called Villa Rose) in Piccadilly sometime in the Spring.

Nicholas Gill (470 Posts)

Writer and photographer Nicholas Gill is the editor/publisher of New World Review. He lives in Lima, Peru and Brooklyn, New York. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CondeNast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, and Penthouse. Visit his personal website (nicholas-gill.com) for more information.