Peru may be world-renowned for its incredible cuisine, but it’s also at the vanguard of the third-wave coffee movement. Today, gourmet beans are harvested in Peru’s fertile coffee regions and finding their way to local artisans, who treat them with love—here are some of the best places to score a perfect cup.
When the topic of gourmet coffee in South America arises, the conversation often gravitates towards established coffee powerhouses like Colombia and Brazil. However, visitors venturing to Peru should not be quick to dismiss this vibrant nation. Peru, a significant coffee producer in its own right, is rapidly gaining recognition for its exceptional organic and specialty coffee offerings, standing shoulder to shoulder with its more renowned counterparts.
This burgeoning coffee scene is particularly evident in Lima, where coffee culture is not just present; it’s thriving, pulsating with energy, and deeply ingrained in the city’s daily life. The Peruvian capital boasts an impressive array of cafés, each with its unique character and charm. From the cozy and quaint establishments that exude warmth and intimacy to the bustling and funky spots that radiate a vibrant, modern energy, Lima’s cafés cater to every taste and preference. For those seeking the perfect cup of coffee, a guaranteed, expertly crafted brew, here’s a curated list of must-visit locations in Lima.
## Arabica Espresso Bar
Nestled in the charming seaside neighborhood of Miraflores, Arabica Espresso Bar provides a serene escape, a tranquil oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its super friendly staff and effortlessly relaxed vibe, Arabica is more than just a café; it’s a community hub. The latte, a signature offering, is highly recommended, best savored on the inviting outdoor patio, soaking in the pleasant Lima atmosphere. Complementing the exceptional coffee are culinary treats like freshly baked quiches and decadent desserts, adding to the overall experience. The soothing music creates a calming ambiance, and the occasional drink specials, such as 2×1 espressos, offer an extra layer of delight. For those who find themselves needing to attend to work responsibilities while in Lima, Arabica provides the ideal setting to connect to the internet and dedicate an hour or two to productivity.
*Calle Gral Recavarren 269, Miraflores, Lima*
## Buena Vista Café
In any thriving café culture around the globe, the ambiance of the location is often considered almost as crucial as the quality of the coffee itself. Buena Vista Café excels in both aspects, offering striking views and an unparalleled relaxing vibe. Situated on Lima’s stunning waterfront malecón in Miraflores, Buena Vista Café lives up to its name, providing a truly *buena vista* – a breathtaking view of the vast Pacific Ocean. This stunning vista makes it an exceptional spot to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the water. The café boasts an extensive menu of Italian coffees, catering to a wide range of preferences. For those seeking something with a bit more of a kick, they also offer stronger options like Irish coffee and a *carajillo*, a potent combination of a double-shot of espresso spiked with pisco, a local brandy. Beyond the beverages, Buena Vista Café provides a solid breakfast menu and a tempting array of desserts, including classic churros served with *dulce de leche* and an Oreo cheesecake that has locals flocking to the counter.
*Cuadra 15 del Malecón Cisneros, Miraflores, Lima*
## La Bodega Verde
Stepping into La Bodega Verde, translating to “The Green Winery,” is akin to being transported to an open-air bistro nestled in the heart of France. This popular spot in the trendy Barranco district is renowned for its comprehensive offerings, catering to a diverse range of tastes. From meticulously crafted coffees and refreshing smoothies to gourmet sandwiches served on artisanal bread and exquisite salads, La Bodega Verde seems to have it all. As a special treat, on weekdays, guests are presented with an opportunity to earn a free cappuccino by skillfully folding an origami heart according to the establishment’s specific instructions. The café also boasts a variety of healthy breakfast options, including granola and fresh fruit, catering to health-conscious patrons. With vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options, La Bodega Verde ensures inclusivity for all dietary preferences. Furthermore, they receive bonus points for serving *acai*, the celebrated Brazilian super-food revered for its health benefits.
*Jiron Mariscal Jose Antonio de Sucre 335A, Barranco, Lima*
## La Mora Pasteleria & Café
When it comes to cafés offering an abundance of artisanal products and exceptionally delectable desserts, La Mora Pasteleria & Café stands as a strong contender, rivaling La Bodega Verde. Located in a beautiful and inviting space in Miraflores, La Mora specializes in gourmet sandwiches served on freshly baked bread, embodying the essence of a classic French-inspired *patisserie*. The coffee menu is stellar, featuring quality standbys like americanos, *café con leche* (coffee with milk), and cappuccinos, each prepared with precision and care. However, the dessert menu is where La Mora truly shines, presenting a sweet tooth’s ultimate dream. The selection of cakes, tarts, and pastries seems almost limitless, offering a diverse range of treats, including macaroons, strudels, and eclairs, ensuring a memorable experience for any dessert enthusiast.
*Av. Grau 400, Miraflores, Lima*
## Neira Café Lab
Neira Café Lab is the brainchild of Harrysson Neira, a passionate mad-scientist owner whose childhood was filled with the comforting aroma of his grandmother’s freshly roasted coffee. These classic tastes and smells ignited a passion that propelled him to become Peru’s barista champion in 2013. The café fittingly embodies his deep love for fresh coffee, combining it with the same kind of artisanal bread that his grandmother used to create. Many of his concoctions feature a distinct Peruvian twist, such as the *cacaoccino*, a unique drink crafted from local *cacao* – the beans used to make both coffee and cocoa, showcasing the rich flavors of Peru.
*Calle Enrique Palacios 1074, Miraflores, Lima*
## The Coffee Road
The Coffee Road, a newer coffee shop that opened its doors in 2014, was founded by Alejandro Chu, who deliberately chose to eschew the trendier neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco. Instead, he boldly blazed a trail in Lima’s bustling financial district, San Isidro. The spacious interior is comfy and artistic, boasting a design scheme reminiscent of a tinkerer’s workshop, with relics of old coffee machines adding to the unique atmosphere. The Coffee Road excels in brewing up amazing French presses, espressos, Aeropresses, and a wide variety of other coffee preparations, all utilizing beans sourced from farms in three distinct regions of Peru: Junin, Amazonas, and Cajamarca. Beyond coffee, they even offer microbrew beers and tasty desserts, such as carrot cake, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors.
*Av. Guillermo Prescott 365, San Isidro, Lima*
## Tostaduría Bisetti
Out of all the esteemed coffee establishments in Peru, Tostaduría Bisetti stands as one of the most venerated, distinguished by its rich family legacy that traces its roots back to the Italian tradition of roasting beans. David Torres, the owner, is the grandson of Romulo Bisetti, a Peruvian/Italian coffee brewer who meticulously passed down his time-honored technique through generations. After refining his craft as a barista in New York City, Torres returned to his homeland to establish his own space in Miraflores. Due to its rapid success and growing popularity, the café relocated to a larger venue in the vibrant hipster neighborhood of Barranco.
The secret to Tostaduría’s enduring success lies in its unwavering commitment to quality. They exclusively use the finest organic beans sourced from Peru’s renowned Cajamarca, Villa Rica, and Junin regions, while also supporting sustainable growing practices. The expansive Barranco space exudes a relaxed and welcoming vibe, and the on-site coffee lab offers roasting courses to the public, allowing enthusiasts to delve into the art of coffee preparation. A must-try is the Brew Fruit, a house specialty that tantalizingly mixes cold coffee and refreshing pineapple juice.
*Av. Pedro de Osma 116, Barranco, Lima*
B-2092