The tasting menu at Central is an all-out celebration of Peru’s incredible biodiversity. It consists of 10+ courses that take foraging to a whole new level. Each course brings together ingredients from a particular ecosystem at a specific altitude under Chef Martínez’s artistic vision
Congrats on going to Central. I always wanted to go there, but the price is a bit out of my range. About how much did it cost when you went? How would you compare Central to some of the other Peruvian restaurants you've gone to?
The tasting menu at Central was the equivalent of around 120 dollars (without pairings) when I went. Now, it's about 380 dollars!
Central is definitely a one-of-kind experience, and you experience flavors and textures that you never have had before. It's completely different than any other Peruvian restaurant I've been to, except Mil which is of course is another Mater Iniciativa restaurant.
I actually prefer Mil because it's focused on one region-the Andes. However, that tasting menu is also more than double than when I went.
If you want to get a sense for what these types of experiences are like at a lower price point, I'd suggest the a la carte option at Kjolle, Pia León's restaurant. Of course, the vision is a bit different, but you'll see some of the same ingredients used in innovative ways. More of my thoughts about Kjolle here: https://www.howtoeatinperu.com/p/three-of-limas-most-innovative-restaurants.
No, I don't live in Peru, but my wife is Peruvian and we go at least once a year, except when there was quarantine. My book, Of Pisco and Peru, with chapters added here on Substack, is a gonzo-style travelogue through Peru, with Pisco recipes for chapter headings. You might enjoy it.
380 dollars per person is way outta my league. Thanks for the info. on Kjolle. That sounds like more my bank account's style.
Great article! Eating at Central must be such a great experience. We recently passed by Lima during our trip to Peru but unfortunately it was fully booked.
Congrats on going to Central. I always wanted to go there, but the price is a bit out of my range. About how much did it cost when you went? How would you compare Central to some of the other Peruvian restaurants you've gone to?
Cheers
The tasting menu at Central was the equivalent of around 120 dollars (without pairings) when I went. Now, it's about 380 dollars!
Central is definitely a one-of-kind experience, and you experience flavors and textures that you never have had before. It's completely different than any other Peruvian restaurant I've been to, except Mil which is of course is another Mater Iniciativa restaurant.
I actually prefer Mil because it's focused on one region-the Andes. However, that tasting menu is also more than double than when I went.
If you want to get a sense for what these types of experiences are like at a lower price point, I'd suggest the a la carte option at Kjolle, Pia León's restaurant. Of course, the vision is a bit different, but you'll see some of the same ingredients used in innovative ways. More of my thoughts about Kjolle here: https://www.howtoeatinperu.com/p/three-of-limas-most-innovative-restaurants.
Do you live in Peru?
No, I don't live in Peru, but my wife is Peruvian and we go at least once a year, except when there was quarantine. My book, Of Pisco and Peru, with chapters added here on Substack, is a gonzo-style travelogue through Peru, with Pisco recipes for chapter headings. You might enjoy it.
380 dollars per person is way outta my league. Thanks for the info. on Kjolle. That sounds like more my bank account's style.
Take care
Cheers
Great article! Eating at Central must be such a great experience. We recently passed by Lima during our trip to Peru but unfortunately it was fully booked.
Together with MIL, this was one of the most unique experiences, simply wonderful to eat and travel across ecosystems.