South America is renowned for its coffee production so if you happen to find yourself in any of the great cities of this continent, it only makes sense that you should try the local brew.
If you’re in the Peruvian capital and are in need of a pick-me-up you’re in luck: Peru’s coffee is often underrated compared to its neighbours next door in Colombia but explore the cafes of Lima and you’ll find there is plenty to whet your appetite. Here are ten of the best for a trip to Peru.
Caribbean-themed and a bit of a time warp, Café Haiti is the sort of place you go to cheer yourself up. The desserts here are particularly delicious and given that the café has been in operation in Miraflores since 1962, it’s something of an institution among locals. Try the lemon pie with a cup of Joe and sit back and watch the world go by.
The term café often connotes somewhere to grab a coffee and maybe something sweet, and while that’s certainly on offer in San Antonio Caffe, it’s the savoury food here you should really try. The salads and sandwiches are brilliant and surprisingly filling while the selection of sorbet and ice-creams make for a great dessert.
There’s even a guiding image of the café’s patron saint to watch over you while you eat.
If great coffee and cool design is a combo you’re after then head to Puku Puku in Miraflores. This quirky café does great hot and cold brew organic coffees and is a gem of a place to go and chill out in.
Their motto is despertemos al mundo or “awaken the world” so head down early to make the most of your day.
As the name would suggest, Sofá is a pretty cozy place to hang out in: nab a sofa to chill out on in this café and it’s pretty much yours for as long as you want. The desserts here are unbeatable, particularly the heartier ones such as the sweet French toast, waffles and apple tart. The Wifi here is also pretty good.
Small but packing a serious punch, Arabica café is just like their speciality drink, the espresso. The star combination of interesting and ever-changing coffee blends and friendly service make this place an essential stop off for any coffee aficionados while the sweet treats to accompany your coffee make it a real gem of a café.
An oasis of calm in the heart of Barranco, La Bodega Verde is possibly more of a tea room than a café, however, the coffee here is still pretty damn good. The toasted sandwiches here are particularly satisfying and their cute garden is a lovely place to chill out in the sun. Nab a milkshake and work on your tan.
If Arabica Espresso Bar sounded like the place for you, then you will definitely love The Coffee Road in San Isidro. Their high-quality aeropress coffees and meticulous latte art make this place incredibly Instagramable and the staff here really know their stuff.
With something of a hippy vibe and decently-priced grub, Agora is a firm favourite whatever you’re up to. Chocolate, alongside coffee, is another famous product of Peru and the chocolate tarts and brownies to accompany your cup of Joe here are a delight.
There’s also a nice terrace at the front where you can watch the world go by.
As the name would suggest, Librería Contracultura is a bookshop first and a café second but if anything, that’s only more of a reason to go there. Release the left-wing liberal in you with their decent selection of reading materials including a rather nice comic section.
Pick up a book and nestle down in their coffee corner with a flat white and some peace and quiet.
The last stop on our list is more of a bistro than a café but to my mind all that means is that you can come for a coffee and stay for dinner and beyond. The selection of traditional Peruvian food at Café de la Paz (both sweet and savoury) is great: try the classic ceviche for a cool summer dish or indulge in their classic dessert, susprio a la Limeña, a caramel and cinnamon meringue dish.
Do you want to wake up and smell the coffee in Lima?
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