de_DESituated in London, United Kingdom, Lima is a notable fine dining establishment dedicated to showcasing Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant was originally founded and owned by Gabriel and Jose Luis Gonzalez, in conjunction with renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz, who initially spearheaded the culinary direction. Continuing the establishment's culinary evolution, chef patron Diego Recarte takes over the kitchen in October 2025. Recarte brings a wealth of international experience to the role, having trained at the Argentine Institute of Gastronomy and honed his craft at esteemed establishments including Astrid y Gastón, D.O.M., Pakta, and Le Calandre. In October 2025, the culinary footprint expanded further with the opening of another restaurant in Shoreditch.
The interior design of the main restaurant was crafted by Erik Munro, featuring a striking mural set against a predominantly beige backdrop. Physically small and narrow in layout, the dining room employs mirrors strategically to create an illusion of greater spatial depth. The atmosphere is carefully curated through a mix of lighting sources, with a skylight illuminating the rear of the room while the remainder is lit by candles and industrial-style lamps. Adding to the engaging dining atmosphere, the kitchen is completely open to the main dining area, allowing guests to observe the culinary team at work.
From its opening in July 2012, the restaurant has attracted significant critical attention for its vibrant plates and distinct flavours. Reviewers have highlighted visually striking dishes, such as an octopus preparation served with quinoa, shiso, and botija olives, alongside comforting interpretations of lamb shoulder and suckling pig with rough corn mash. Other memorable creations noted by critics include a thrillingly intense sea bream ceviche and a beef pachamanca crusted with huacatay. Milestone recognition followed early in its history, marking a significant moment for the genre when the establishment became the first restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine to receive a Michelin star in Europe.