From Chifa to Nikkei to Italiano-Peruano, Peruvian Cuisine takes the meaning of “fusion cuisine” to the ultimate level. While undoubtedly a cuisine of many different culinary traditions and modern influences from around the world, the bedrock of what makes Peruvian Cuisine “Peruvian” is Peruvian Criollo.
The word “criollo” means creole in Spanish. The colonial-era word has had many different meanings over the years, but it’s generally used as an adjective that refers to a mix of European and non-European in the New World. Nowadays generally the most common use of “criollo” in Peru refers to Peruvian Criollo, a term that more or less means Peruvian homestyle cooking. Peruvian Criollo is in itself a mix of different cultural traditions with contributions from native Peruvians, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and African populations in Peru, but this combination of diverse cultures and peoples is truly what makes the post-Columbian Peru, Peru.
While considered more homestyle, Peruvian Criollo dishes can be found in virtually every restaurant in Lima, no matter how casual or upscale. However few restaurants have solely specialized and mastered Peruvian Criollo quite like Isolina Taberna Peruana.
Isolina Taberna Peruana
Housed in a colonial-style building in Barranco that dates back to 1906, Isolina Taberna Peruana has become one of Lima’s most highly-regarded restaurants since opening its doors 2015. Its rise in the Lima restaurant scene has even led it to attract some famous Hollywood stars recently.
Meaning “Isolina Peruvian Tavern” in English, Isolina revives not only the look and feel of a historic Peruvian tavern with its early 20th-century decor, but it does with its criollo cuisine as well. Isolina Taberna Peruana combines the flair of modern fusion cuisines and the timeless traditions of Peruvian Criollo to deliver a diverse menu that’s both inventive and good old fashioned Peruvian homestyle cooking.
Peruvian Criollo at Isolina
Like recipes straight from a page of your abuela’s (grandmother) or bisabuela’s (great-grandmother) cookbook, the criollo dishes at Isolina Taberna Peruana have withstood the test of time. From Cau Cau con Sangrecita (tripe and potato stew with blood sausage) to the all-time criollo classic Lomo Saltado, Isolina’s dishes are the exact same criollo dishes that Peruvians have been enjoying for generations.
The main courses at Isolina have large portions and are enough for multiple people to share. Isolina’s offerings are best enjoyed in a group where you can share multiple starters, side dishes, and main course dishes like you would at a family gathering in your own home. There are simply way too many tasty dishes that you have to try. No matter what food you choose to order just make sure you try a glass (or full jar) of Chicha Morada! It’s easily one of the best in all of Lima!
Like many upscale restaurants in Lima, Isolina Taberna Peruana is reservation only. Depending on how large your party is and how strict your preferences are, we suggest booking a reservation several weeks in advance. If you are lucky you may be able to show-up without a reservation and still get a table that day, but there are no guarantees.
The criollo cuisine, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and 5-star service makes Isolina Taberna Peruana the perfect spot to eat, drink, and have a good time with friends and family. We can’t recommend it enough. Provecho!
Isolina Taberna Peruana Info
Av. San Martin Prologación 101, Barranco, Lima 15063
Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday to Friday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reservations: http://isolina.pe/en/reservations/
To check out various pictures of the Isolina Taberna Peruana below, just click to enlarge! Or for high-res slideshow viewing, see our Isolina Taberna Peruana photo album on the official Lima City of Kings Facebook page!
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