Lima, London

Having enjoyed the food at Ceviche and the Peruvian tinged Pakta and Nobu, Fitrovia’s Lima had secured a place on my ‘to do’ list. When they were awarded a Michelin star in the 2014 guide it became a ‘must do’.

What Michelin say, ‘Lima is one of those restaurants that just makes you feel good about life - and that‘s even without the Pisco Sours. The Peruvian food at this informal, fun place is the ideal antidote to our recessionary times: it‘s full of punchy, invigorating flavours and fantastically vivid colours.’

As such, hopes were high but sadly, foodwise, it failed to live up to my expectations. The service and atmosphere were wonderful (as were the pisco sours) but despite their vibrancy and ‘fantastically vivid colours’, I did not find the dishes ‘full of punchy, invigorating flavours’.

The two ceviche dishes were the strongest for me as I like acidity in my food. The duck dish was good too but I found the bread, dips and desserts surprisingly lacklustre and bordering on unpleasant; the partridge main lacked seasoning.

Organic Salmon ceviche, rocoto ají, red onion

Duck, Amazonian nuts, giant Peruvian corn

Hot black bream ceviche, avocado, rocoto pepper

Achiote braised partridge, yellow potato, sauco sauce

Piura chocolate cake, lucuma cream

Purple corn jelly, macambo, molle pepper crisps

Verdict (Would I return?): I’m sad to say that this one was ‘not for us’ and we probably wont be returning but don’t let that put you off; there were many positives and it’s good to try something different. 

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