LIMA CANTINA is here bringing Peruvian dishes to London

Following a full kitchen and restaurant refurbishment, the new sharing-style menu at LIMA CANTINA transports diners into the heart of the domestic Peruvian kitchen, using the finest ingredients and traditional cooking methods to offer a truly authentic and accessible South American dining experience.

Taking inspiration from Peru’s natural landscapes and colourful Andean culture, LIMA CANTINA’s new interiors are reminiscent of Peruvian tradition and history. Creative Director Joseph Jeantet sought to showcase this heritage through the vibrant colours and intricate textures, fusing contemporary design with preserved Incan handicrafts.

The restaurant space, split over two beautifully designed floors, has gained an additional 20 covers from the renovation, with a brand-new bar on the upstairs floor that’s perfect for a pre-dinner Pisco, which we strongly recommend.

The downstairs restaurant space has been designed with Latin American parties in mind and boasts its own bar and seating area – the ideal place for intimate dining or to host private events and larger group experiences, right in the heart of Covent Garden.

The kitchen has also gained new equipment to allow for more traditional cooking methods, with some of the most exciting introductions being the Josper charcoal oven and an industrial wok for cooking ‘chifa’ – an authentic Chinese-Peruvian style of cuisine based on Cantonese elements fused with traditional Peruvian ingredients and traditions.

What we personally love the most though is the new ‘rotombo’ rotisserie oven for cooking the stand-out ‘Pollo a la Brasa’ – succulent roast chicken marinated for 23 hours in Peruvian herbs and spices. The chicken is unbelievably moist, which helps retain that wonderful flavour of the marinade.

Another dish we’d urge you to try is the Strip Loin Lomo Saltado. The cubed steak is packed with an Asian-inspired flavour thanks to the soy marinade and comes served with Andean potatoes and jasmine rice.

The portions are generous so you will be full, but if you want a starter we’d highly recommend El Ceviche with sea bream, tiger’s milk and crispy Cuzco corn. Bursting with zesty flavour, this is a traditional Peruvian dish that’s taken inspiration from Japanese fusion known as Nikkei.

If you’re more of a sweet toothed diner, then hold out for the traditional Peruvian doughnuts known as Picarones that come with lime flavoured ice cream.

The rest of the menu continues to feature an eclectic array of Peruvian classics, divided between sharing plates like the Prawn Causa Nigiri as well as the addition of the ‘Barbacoa’ section which includes dishes cooked on the new charcoal grill such as the Yakiniku-style Aji Panca BBQ Pork Ribs.

A set lunch and pre-theatre menu are also available Tuesday – Friday at two courses for £25, three courses for £29 and a ¼ ‘Pollo a la Brasa’ for just £14.