El Mercado

Peruvian restaurant · Lima

El Mercado

Peruvian restaurant · Lima

Av. Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Highlights

El Mercado serves up fresh, bold Peruvian ceviche and seafood in a lively, beachy spot with a cool, Ibiza-like vibe.

Av. Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores 15074, Peru Get directions

elmercado.pe

@elmercadorestaurante

PEN 100+

@eater

For the Best Ceviche in Lima, Hit These 12 Cevicherias - Eater

"Rafael Osterling’s lunchtime-only cebicheria is all about honoring Peruvian cuisine with quality ingredients in a festive, energetic atmosphere. The namesake cebiche el Mercado might be the most popular choice on offer; the kitchen combines the catch of the day with ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow pepper), leche de tigre, and crunchy fried calamari, creating an outstanding contrast of textures and temperatures." - Liliana López Sorzano

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-ceviche-lima-peru

View Postcard for El Mercado

@afar

"The open-kitchen, low-key vibe at El Mercado is Rafael Osterling’s take on the traditional cevichería , but he offers some modern twists guaranteed to keep taste buds active and delighted. The restaurant’s name—Spanish for “The Market”—alludes to a commitment to constant communication with providers, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients make it to your table. Though El Mercado is justly hailed for ceviche, there is much more on the menu, including a wide variety of tiraditos , causas , sushi, grilled meat and fish, chaufa (fried rice), pastas, and Osterling’s rendition of other Peruvian comfort foods. Along with cuisine grounded in what’s found at farmers’ markets, catch-of-the-day specials are wide-ranging and likely to be winners."

The Best Restaurants in Lima

View Postcard for El Mercado

Sara A

Google

one of the best experiences ever! I loved everything, from the welcoming hostess, the service was fast and attentive, food was out of the world (the bao and the tiradito were to die for), pisco sour was perfectly made. I would definitely return as my first stop in Lima.

Tamas Molnar

Google

One of our best meals in Lima, highly recommended. The place is absolutely brilliant. All the dishes are executed amazingly to the last detail. Service was nice and helpful. The highlight was the ceviche, absolutely perfect dish. Portions are nice too. We loved the buzzing and relaxed atmosphere of the place, it was a nice match with the food.

Kenny Pearson

Google

Very good food, prompt service, and a good environment without being too over the top or stuffy; there isn’t much to not enjoy. It is one of the top restaurants in Lima in my opinion. It is not trying to be the 3 star, one bite of food per course type restaurants, which is a good thing. I gave only 4 star for atmosphere as it is more of an open air restaurant and is a bit on the loud side, but you can still easily hold a conversation and it’s a fun change of pace from many other “top” restaurants.

Keith Moore

Google

I visited El Mercado for my second lunch of the day because I wanted to compare it directly with the nearby La Mar. It had a little bit more upscale feel to it, but I thought the mood was a bit dark for lunch. I was seated immediately, but it took a while for my server to come by and take my order. I did enjoy an excellent Negroni 'El Mercado' while I awaited my ceviche. The ceviche itself was well-presented and quite good. I would rate it just a tad below the one I had earlier. That said, I would have been quite satisfied if I didn't have the earlier one to compare it to. Overall, El Mercado is a nice spot, and it will be on my list of regualar places to visit in Lima.

Tolga B.

Google

El Mercado is a standout for anyone serious about flavor. The ceviche alone is worth a visit—sharp with citrus, a kick of heat, and an umami depth that lingers just right. It’s the kind of dish where every element earns its place: the fish was impeccably fresh, the marinade punchy but balanced, and the spice level left a pleasant tingle without overpowering. A beautifully executed balance of sour, spicy, and savory. Other dishes followed the same philosophy—refined but full of character. Nothing bland or overcomplicated. You get the feeling the kitchen cares about what they put on the plate. The interior is Ibiza-chic: laid-back yet upscale, with warm lighting, textured finishes, and a coastal-luxury vibe that fits the food perfectly. It’s the kind of place you could linger in for hours over a bottle of wine—and speaking of which, the wine list is excellent. Smart selections, including some unexpected but well-matched options for seafood. The only downside was the hostess, whose attitude was a bit cold and dismissive—not quite in line with the rest of the experience. Luckily, it was easy to overlook once the food and wine started flowing.

Ju Thi

Google

Don’t know why in never wrote a review… Lovely place, amazing service, delicious food and cocktails! It’s the second time Christian was our server and he’s divine! Just had a Lazy Sunday lunch with a friend and although I forgot to take pictures from our main course, lunch was lovely, as always!!!! If you are in Lina, make sure you have a lovely lunch at El Mercado!

Michelle Resnick

Google

Had lunch there today and the place was packed. We waited an hour for a spot at the bar and/or table. Totally worth the wait! We ordered cocktails while we waited and they were phenomenal. Once at the table we ordered a bottle of Riesling (not often that you can get a Riesling in Peru) and 3 appetizers. The chef/owner personally came to our table to serve us our ceviche. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this place. It is one of the best places to eat in Lima. The ambiance is unparalleled. Will definitely go back.

David Holdcroft

Google

Great place, had a fantastic lunch here, highly recommended