Restaurante Javier (Barranco, Lima)

Restaurant with decent food and a spectacular view

Restaurante Javier is a restaurant that I passed by many times before trying it out. I’d always assumed that it was touristy which it is. However, as I’m constantly reminded in Peru, a place can be touristy but also good. If you’re not in a rush and don’t mind the service which can at times be chaotic, Restaurante Javier offers one of the best views of Costa Verde and good, shareable versions of classic Peruvian dishes.

Location

Restaurante Javier is located at the bottom of the Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) in Barranco, Lima.

Restaurant Layout

Come early for a table with a view

The restaurant is much bigger than it looks outside. The seating area is long and narrow with two levels. We recommend the outside section of the bottom level for the view.

Also, make sure you walk to the lookout point after your meal to enjoy an unobstructed view of Costa Verde.

View from the lookout point

Reservations

I would recommend a reservation, especially if you want to sit in the terrace area with the best view. The wait can be long, especially on the weekends.

Menu

Restaurante Javier’s menu has something for almost everyone and includes many favorites including Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Anticuchos.

The extensive menu is divided neatly into sections including Cold Appetizers, Hot Appetizers, Salads, Tiraditos, Ceviches, Seafood, Chicharrones, Whole Fish, Criollo, Tacu Tacu, Rice Dishes, Wok Dishes, Soups, Pastas, Fetuccini, Risotto, Carnes, Vegetarian Dishes, a Kid’s Menu, Grilled Dishes, Desserts, Juices, and Sides.

Javier's extensive menu

The menu had an English translation, but the translation which looks like it had been done with Google Translate mangles the names of several dishes. See for yourself:

The translation in Javier’s menu could be improved some.

There are a lot of choices of appetizers ranging from Tequeños to Choritos a la Chalaca to causas (six types) that are ideal for sharing. If you can’t decide, you can choose a Ronda or one of the other platters available at the end of select sections (for example, the grill platter).

Notably, there were three options for Lomo Saltado (classic with rice and fries, with Tacu Tacu, or with pasta in Huancania Sauce). There’s also a wide selection of Grilled dishes including Anticuchos.

The beverage menu includes Chilcanos, Pisco sours, and international cocktails such as mojitos. There is also beer and non-alcoholic fruit juices.

Finally, Javier is known for their Picarones.

Prices

The prices are a bit higher than at an average, local restaurant but not as high as restaurants like Panchita which caters mostly to higher-end tourists. A personal size ceviche is just under 50 soles while the Lomo Saltado starts at 49 soles for the classic. Several premium dishes were more than 70 soles including the Cuy Chactado (72 soles) and Sudado de Lenguado (78 soles). Most dishes were generously portioned.

What We Ordered

We (three people) ordered Chicharrón de Pescado, Lomo Saltado with pasta in Huancania Sauce, Picarones, and a pitcher of Maracuya Juice.

Chicharrón de Pescado (fried fish pieces)

Lomo Saltado with pasta in Huancania Sauce

Picarones for dessert

Our Take

Mariela, her mom, and me at Javier

Restaurante Javier is a good choice for a leisurely weekend meal. I don’t recommend Javier within a packed itinerary or even on a first visit to Lima. There are many more standout restaurants in Lima.

The service is slow and a bit chaotic. We saw several waiters try to bring dishes to the wrong table and had to ask for one of our entrees after it took a bit longer than normal.

I recommend sharing and ordering one fewer main dish/appetizer than the number of people. I recommend ordering from the “Land” portion of the menu and save seafood dishes for a cevichería.

Behind-the-Scenes

Busy kitchen feeding the Sunday Crowd

Essential Info

Restaurante Javier is located at Bajada de Baños 408 in Barranco, Lima.

Reservations recommended

Pet-Friendly: Yes

Number of times we’ve visited: 2

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