COFFEE –
Which café offers more than just a cup of coffee?

Ebelin Ortiz:
In Barranco, I like Singular, on the malecón. It’s a lovely space, and I can take my dog, Paco. Sitting down for a coffee is a small ritual — a quiet moment for yourself.

Bianca Prado:
My go-to is La Teoría de los Seis Cafés. It’s close to home, so I walk there most days. It’s warm, informal, and doesn’t overcomplicate the coffee. They focus on quality, not pretension. It feels easy and welcoming — you don’t have to be a coffee expert to enjoy it.

Anahí Ocharan:
I like Casa Lola, a small café on Domeyer Street. Their pecan alfajor is my favorite. The lighting is warm, the service is great.

Alanya has incredible croissants — the Nutella and almond ones are a must.

If I need to focus or plan something, Coleccionista Café is perfect — it’s ideal for working without interruptions.

Bianca Pradó, New York Times–published journalist (“36 Hours” series), kindly shared her thoughts and insights on Lima with us.

DANCING –
Where does Lima come alive through dance?

Anahí Ocharan:
I love Monday jazz nights at La Noche. They’re free, and there’s always someone new playing. Last time, a guy sang in this rock-jazz style with a woman, then jumped into a trumpet solo while others played cajón and drums — it was amazing.

I also remember jam sessions at El Gato Tulipán, where anyone can join in.

On Tuesdays, there’s salsa at Sargento Pimienta. I’m not a great dancer, but I love watching and listening to the live music.

For nights out, I’ve been to Terapia, a new salsa spot in Barranco, and Culpa, which has a great LGBTQ+ vibe. I usually end up at Discofobia or Rítmica Paraíso for disco and techno.

We talk with three creatives to reflect on how they connect with Lima — through food, movement, and quiet moments.
Ebelin Ortiz is an actress and singer; Anahy Ocharan is a designer and tattoo artist; and Bianca Padró is a journalist from Puerto Rico who now calls the city home.

RESTAURANTS
–
If a dear friend returned to Lima, where would
you take them to feel at home again?

Ebelin Ortiz:
 I have a soul sister who visits often, and every time, we go to Isolina. It’s her favorite place — it serves home-style dishes that really feel like family. If I want hígado encebollado, a traditional Afro-Peruvian dish, I know I’ll find it there. It’s a place that brings back memories.

Anahy Ocharan: 
What locals miss most when they’re away is comfort food — pollo a la brasa, ceviche, maybe a pan con pejerrey.
I’d take someone a old, family-run spot in Barranco: El Rústic. In a neighborhood that’s become so gentrified, this place still feel genuine.

Bianca Padró: 
I’d choose Sonia, in Chorrillos. It’s warm, welcoming, and the fish comes straight from the nearby harbor.
Lima’s focus on artisanal fishing really stands out to me — where I’m from, in Puerto Rico, it’s less common. Sonia was started by a fisherman and his wife, and the whole place reflects that story. It’s a reminder that you’re in a city by the sea.

Central shines on the global stage, but who is quietly shaping the next chapter of Peruvian gastronomy?

Ebelin Ortiz:
Peruvian food is about family, gathering, cooking with love. I cook sometimes — not often — but when I do, it’s a way to care for the people I love. That’s why I admire José del Castillo’s restaurants — Isolina, La Red, Los Reyes. They’re soulful. Of course, Central and Astrid & Gastón are exquisite. But I always end up preferring the homestyle dishes.

Bianca Padró:
I really admire what chef Juan Luis Martínez is doing at Mérito and Clon. He brings in ingredients and dishes from Venezuela and other parts of Latin America.
That’s exciting, because Lima has changed — so many cultures are part of the city now. His cooking reflects that shift. Just like Chinese and Japanese cuisines transformed Peruvian food — chifa, nikkei — we’re now seeing a broader Latin American influence.