Mérito

Lima, Peru

• No.26 The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025
• No.4 Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

After clocking up experience at one of Peru’s most acclaimed restaurants, Central, Venezuelan chef Juan Luis Martínez flew the nest in 2018 to open Mérito. It’s a cozy two-storey establishment with an open kitchen taking centre stage. Housed in trendy Barranco, the industrial tavern-style dining room sets the scene for introducing Venezuelan dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Small bites are creatively executed, the gamey glazed pork belly "char siu" paired with fluffy arepas have won the hearts of many repeat customers. Also notable is the way desserts are subverted using local produce, a notable example is the airy cakelet made with papa volodora (a tuber), coffee and lucuma fruit. Snag one of four coveted bar seats overlooking the kitchen if you can.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $75
• Lunch: Tue – Sat Dinner: Mon – Sat
• +51 1 277 1628
• Visit Mérito's Website

Location

Av. 28 de Julio 206, Barranco, Lima, 15063