Meat lovers wait in line here for a chance to savor chef José del Castillo's slow-cooked osso buco, seco de asado de tira (short-rib stew), or costillar de cerdo a la chorrillana (crispy pork ribs with tomatoes and onions). It's the kind of food Peruvians have eaten for centuries, impeccably prepared and served in a tavern setting. The menu also includes sangrecita (blood sausage), hígado (liver), mondonguito (tripe stew), and other delicacies.

You cannot go to Barranco and skip a meal at Isolina, a tavern-style eatery celebrating home cooking and forgotten recipes from generations past. Chef José del Castillo named the restaurant after his mother, and fans have formed a loyal following of his cuisine. Be sure to make a reservation, since tables are in high demand.

This is your grandma’s home cooking, a style that is mostly lost on Lima’s restaurants. Traditionally the term criollo referred strictly to people of Spanish descent living in Latin America. But in Peru, over the centuries, its meaning has transformed from racial to cultural in scope.

My grandpa’s favorite dish, papa rellena, is a deep-fried potato stuffed with a meat stew. Lomo saltado is stir-fried sirloin steak influenced by flavors from Asia.

Isolina is the name for those Peruvian women who go out to work hard every day to support their children, the one who looks for new ways to bring stability and food to their home, and the one who fights every day for the welfare of their children. Isolina is a tribute from a son to his mother, a tribute of chef José del Castillo to his mother Isolina Vargas, owner of the La Red restaurant chain from 1981 to 2009. He grew up supporting his mother in managing the restaurants and learning to prepare ancient and forgotten recipes, those that were jealously guarded by the Lima mothers of yesteryear, to be tasted only by their relatives, without sharing them with anyone.

Located in a house built in 1906 featuring awesome pine woodwork (it was shipped down from Oregon back in the day), this restaurant invites you to try Lima’s traditional cuisine: homemade dishes just like mom used to make. Appropriately José del Castillo, the cook and owner of Isolina, decided to rescue his mother’s old-time recipes (the restaurant is named after his mom, Isolina) to offer classics such as hígado encebollado (fried liver with onions), cau cau (tripe stew), pejerreyes arrebozados (battered crispy silver-side fish), the celebrated lomo saltado, fish ceviche with deep-fried octopus, and other favorites.

If you’re craving honest, hearty Peruvian comfort food served with warmth and tradition, Isolina Taberna Peruana should be high on your list. Located in a charming old mansion in Barranco, this beloved spot is run by chef José del Castillo, grandson of a culinary matriarch, and it brings the generous portions and nostalgic flavors of Lima’s classic taverns to life. The menu reads like an elevated version of your grandma’s best recipes: massive pan con chicharrón, robust lomo saltado, gooey causa limeña, and even offal stars like cau cau and beef brain tortillas—each dish meant for sharing around a lively table.

Isolina es un restaurante de gran prestigio en Barranco, Lima, conocido por su cocina peruana contemporánea. Guisos caseros, chilcanos generosos, leña, Chabuca Granda, un funicular viejo, cervezas, amigos y conversaciones, café de goteo, jamón de la tierra, copas de vino, día y noche, tortillas y quesos, vermuts, coctel Capitán, bajada de baño, cau cau /patitas/riñoncitos (platos tradicionales peruanos), compartir, música, cultura, Lima, Perú. Isolina es un homenaje al espíritu y los sabores de nuestras queridas tabernas de antaño, a esa comida casera peruana ya las recetas olvidadas en viejos cuadernos.

For a taste of Lima’s past, head to Isolina, where the offal dishes that were once synonymous with the city’s cuisine are getting a new lease on life. The restaurant’s currency is nostalgia, whether it’s in the abuela-approved dishes or in the boisterous, tavern-style setting that recreates the Lima of yesteryear. Those curious about criollo dishes—ones developed after colonization—can dip into arroz tapado, a three-decker beauty layering rice and ground beef topped with two fried eggs and accompanied with a side of fried plantains.

Isolina, set in a lovely old house, and with a vibe that is part-family home, part-pub, has brought a much-needed air of fun into Barranco’s burgeoning dining scene. Chef José del Castillo’s food could best be described as gutsy: he loves offal and dishes made with tripe, liver and brain predominate on the menu; there are also seafood, pasta and meat dishes for those who are a bit squeamish. Try the chicharrón de pulpo – like pork scratchings, but made with octopus – or chaufa, a classic Lima Chinese dish made with savoury rice.

This old tavern in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, owned by chef José del Castillo, offers traditional and homey recipes from Lima. Isolina’s star, the ceviche, is a classic Peruvian ceviche made with the freshest catch, boiled sweet potato, red onion, canchita, choclo, and a perfectly battered fried octopus that adds a touch of elegance to this dish. For those looking to try ceviche which feels like the home-style cooking of a Peruvian grandmother with the accolades and recognition of the culinary community – try it here.

Chef José del Castillo turned a 114-year old house in Barranco into Isolina, a traditional Peruvian tavern “where the spontaneous laughs and the freedom to eat as everyone wishes are celebrated.”. Named after his mother, herself a restaurant owner, Castillo’s focus at Isolina is “the forgotten recipes in old notebooks,” harkening to a time when family-style meals relied on less costly organ meat. Interesting items include pickled pig’s feet and onions, beef brain omelet with nutmeg and parmesan, and beef kidneys in red wine.

Located in the heart of the bohemian arts district Barranco, Isolina is a neighborhood hangout helmed by highly revered chef Jose del Castillo. Located in a historic building, the eatery retains its original colonial tile floors and ancient wood paneling and bar, and Castillo honors the past in his fresh takes on criollo cuisine, which is rooted in the traditions of slaves who brought African culinary influences to Peru. Here, dishes might include black beans and rice patties and tortillas with calf’s brains.

En una decoración de taberna a la antigua, donde se sirve una generosa comida reconfortante en grandes platos de esmalte, Isolina, del chef José Del Castillo, lleva ya tres años consecutivos nominado en los 50 mejores restaurantes de Latinoamérica, alcanzando el puesto 13 en 2018. Para aprovechar al máximo tu visita, te sugerimos ir con un grupo lo más grande posible y pedir medias raciones de varios platos para poder probar muchas cosas. Eso sí, una ración completa suele satisfacer a dos comensales medios.

Isolina Taberna Peruana was famous with food lovers in Lima long before it made the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants (it’s at #24 on the 2021 list) thanks to finessed versions of beloved traditional dishes like grandma used to make. This Barranco neighborhood institution is the place to try adventurous dishes like cau cau con sangrecita (Peruvian tripe stew), and pigs’ feet. Or stick with more mainstream favorites like lomo saltado (Peruvian beef stir fry) and sancocho (a meat-veggie-tuber stew).

En el interior de esta casa barranquina construida en 1906 se elabora cocina casera tradicional criolla. Su carta está llena de los platos típicos que se elaboran desde antaño en las casas limeñas, esas que se cocinan a fuego lento y con mucho amor. Isolina, además del nombre del restaurante hace referencia a Isolina Vargas, la madre de José del Castillo, su chef, quien hace un homenaje con su restaurante homónimo a su madre y a su cocina de los sabores olvidados y la comida de antaño.

I made a reservation at Isolina, but I don’t think it’s necessary if you’re not in a massive rush. Isolina’s specialty is home-cooked staples that pay homage to the historic taverns of the area – all the dishes you’d be served at someone’s home if you were invited for dinner. The handwritten menu is full of favourites, specifically the pan con pejerrey (fried pejerrey fish sandwich), seco de asado (cilantro beef stew) and aji de gallina (chicken and yellow pepper stew)

En Isolina encontrarás un espacio de homenaje a las tabernas de antaño, a la cocina peruana casera, y a la preservación de las recetas familiares. Se establece en una preciosa casa de 1906, lo que complementa a la perfección su propuesta gastronómica. Esta última core a cargo del chef José del Castillo, quien homenajea a su madre a través de porciones abundantes para compartir al centro de la mesa, guisos preparados por largas horas, especialidades criollas y más.

On a mission to make offal cool again, Chef José del Castillo is leading the way at Isolina. Peruvian cooking has always included a fair amount of offal but it’s great to see a younger crowd also getting excited about the oft-forgotten offcuts. Huge portions mean sharing is the way to go with dishes like Cau Cau con Sangrecita (a fried blood and tripe dish), chicken sweetbread stew, and pan-fried beef liver regularly making an appearance on the menu.

Isolina, one of the best traditional Peruvian restaurants, located in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, is celebrated for its authentic Peruvian cuisine served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on offering traditional dishes that highlight the richness of Peru's culinary heritage. With a menu curated by chef José del Castillo, Isolina showcases hearty and flavorful plates.

Isolina is a Creole tavern where you can enjoy a traditional food seasoning, presented in large platters, making it an incredible option for those who like to eat a lot. Among the stews that have been carefully prepared for long hours the homemade flavor is felt in every bite, of course you can also accompany it with a delicious cocktail such as pisco sour that complements the Peruvian flavor.

For a more relaxed take on traditional Peruvian plates, in-the-know travelers are reserving a spot at neighborhood haunt Isolina: purveyor of nostalgic, family-style comfort cuisine in a converted Barranco manor. Follow the barrio’s picturesque Bajada de Baños alley to seaside Restaurante Javier, or in Miraflores, head upstairs to the lively al fresco terrace at Saha Peruvian Kitchen.

Isolina: Isolina is another local favorite to hit the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for Latin America. So, there is sure to be a wait, but it’s also made much more bearable with their excellent pisco sours that you sip while rubbing elbows with the rest of the crowds filling the sidewalk, impatient for a table. Don’t let the wait deter you and do get the crispy fried pork ribs!

Located in the bustling arts district of Barranco, Chef José del Castillo serves traditional Peruvian staples, evocative of meals you would enjoy in the comfort of your family’s home. Celebrated for his authenticity, Castillo serves delicacies that verge on the bazaar, like cau-cau, a potato and cow stomach stew, and tortilla de sesos, a fried omelet inclusive of calf brains.

Ever since the place opened, it’s had lines outside that can wrap around the corner and it made its way on to the list of best restaurants in Latin America. The concept is an old-school tavern that features classic Peruvian dishes that give the feel of home-cooking. This Peruvian soul food induces nostalgia for the locals and provides an insider experience for visitors.

It’s not uncommon to stroll past Isolina and have to step off the sidewalk in order to get by the bulging crowd waiting to get in. Before Chef José del Castillo opened this popular joint in 2015, the concept of serving traditional criolle food was not a hot item in the restaurant scene. Since then, many restaurateurs (and even Castillo himself) have played copy cat.

The common perception of homestyle Peruvian cooking is alive at Isolina but reimagined in such a way that you will feel like a Lima native the minute you set foot inside. Established recipes by Chef Jose del Castillo are hearty classics that hit Peruvians in the nostalgia, taking them back to their grandmother’s Peru. The intimate tavern setting adds to the appeal.

One of our favorite restaurants for Peruvian dishes is Isolina in Barranco. They have a very large menu with many of the classics like lomo saltado, papa rellena, ceviche, ají de gallina, and lots more. It’s a nicer place, so you’ll pay a little more than you would at a hole in the wall or local spot, but you taste the higher quality and care put into these dishes!

Off the main road leading towards the plaza, is Isolina Taberna Peruana. Isolina, a restaurant specializing in parts of the animal not usually on the menu is housed in a rustic building on the corner with wooden shutters opened to the night air. This was one of our designated restaurants to visit as it is #13 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants List for 2018.

For a taste of homey Peruvian comfort food, Isolina is the place to be. With modern decor inspired by the classic Peruvian ‘taberna,’ this award-winning restaurant is named after chef and owner José del Castillo’s mother. Isolina specialises in traditional Peruvian and Limeño (Lima) recipes with international influences, offering a nostalgic culinary experience.

A very popular restaurant in Lima – Peru, known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Inspired by home cooking, Isolina offers comforting dishes that evoke the nostalgia of traditional flavors. With authentic recipes and fresh ingredients from the region, it is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

El restaurante de José del Castillo se hace un espacio en los ‘50 Best Latam’ y se ubica en el puesto 68 y en sexto lugar en los Premios Summum. Este restaurante, que lleva el nombre de su madre, abrió sus puertas en 2015 ofreciendo recetas de la abuela, guisos abundantes y sabores que son una fiesta, así es la comida criolla. Los precios son los siguientes:

Un monumento histórico y arquitectónico te recibe remodelado en un bar de taberna para que puedas pasar momentos agradables con tus amigos. El Restaurante Isolina Taberna Peruana está ubicado en el distrito de Barranco, un cálido espacio que te invita a vivir una experiencia relajada e íntima con tu grupo de amigos, con tu familia o con esa persona especial.

This is located in the bohemian district of Barranco, one of the best places to get to know the nightlife of Lima. The restaurant offers many different services and traditional dishes, all with home and family recipes from the owner’s mother. One of the best things to do in Lima is to try a good plate of food and then enjoy everything the city has to give.

This little gem of an apartment was easily one of our favorite meals in Peru. It’s located in the trendy and hip neighborhood of Barranco (just south of Miraflores), and serves up home style cooking. It came highly recommended from our Airbnb host who seemed to know all the hotspots around Lima, and it happened to be highly ranked on Tripadvisor as well.

Huge portions and deliciously authentic dishes are waiting for you in Isolina. With dishes from all over Peru and specializing in the truly criolla, this is a great place to really get a taste of Peru. If you’re a foodie, why not check out our Farm to Table: Culinary Experience of Peru adventure, or our cooking class in the home of a Peruvian Chef?

Isolina is one of the best restaurants in Barranco, Lima’s bohemian neighborhood. One of the best traditional Peruvian restaurants, Isolina revives techniques and flavors long lost to time. Best known for their stews, chilcanos, and old tavern feel Isolina’s chef, José del Castillo, followed in his mother’s footsteps to create his own restaurant.

En este local José del Castillo ha querido rescatar las recetas de su madre Isolina Vargas. Desde el local en una casona barranquina, el sabor de la comida, el lomo saltado por ejemplo lo sirven en fuente, es un plato para compartir, viene con una porción de arroz. Lo encuentras en la avenida San Martín Prolongación 101 a un costo de 58 soles.

San Martín 101, BarrancoPrice: $$–$$$Best For: Traditional Peruvian comfort food. Step into this converted early 20th-century house for hearty criollo classics served family-style. Chef José del Castillo honors traditional recipes and slow-cooking techniques, with dishes like creamy aji de gallina and juicy, wok-fried lomo saltado.

Isolina Taberna Peruana is one of Lima’s most recommended destinations for enjoying authentic traditional Peruvian food in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. This restaurant has gained popularity for its generous portions of typical dishes, offering a dining experience combining quality and excellent value. Isoline’s Gastronomic Proposal

Chef José del Castillo has made it his mission to make offal cool again, and it's working. My main love for Isolina is that they use animal parts that would normally be thrown away. On the menu for my visit was a fried blood and tripe dish called Cau Cau con Sangrecita, chicken sweetbread stew, and pan-fried beef liver.

For traditional Peruvian food, Isolina should be your first stop. This cozy tavern served us our all-time favorite pisco sour, and incredible food alongside it. We loved the ceviche, the chicharron sandwich, the papa rellena (stuffed potato), the arroz tapado (Peruvian beef and rice dish), and the dulce de leche flan.

After a research rabbit hole 🤪, I decided the restaurants ranked among the top 100 I would visit would be La Mar, Cosme and Isolina. I filled in other dinners with great down-to-earth Peruvian institutions around the Barranco neighborhood. There is so much to share so let’s dive right into Lima’s most delicious eats!

Isolina: Isolina is a family style restaurant that specializes in Criolla Peruvian dishes with reasonable prices and HUGE portions. The Seco de Asado de Tira (Roasted Beef) is their specialty and it is amazing. The amount was enough for 3-4 people and cost 70 Soles so it’s not bad if you are splitting it with people.

I had booked this taberna for my birthday lunch not knowing much about what to expect and it was great!. Isolina is located inside a historic home in the bohemian and trendy Barranco neighbourhood (a great neighbourhood to visit while in Lima!). The setting is casual and makes you feel as if you’e in someone’s home.

Por supuesto, en esta lista no podía faltar la Isolina, considerado uno de los mejores restaurantes de nuestro país que mantiene la tradición y preparación de la comida peruana. A pesar de que toda su carta es sin dudad de las mejores, el lomo saltado resalta de muchos otros platos. El precio aproximado es de s/ 55.

Now is time for brunch and the place is Isolina, a Peruvian Taverna and a favorite of chefs like Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon. The sign of a good restaurant is when you see locals eating and this place is packed. This is not a restaurant for small bites or experiments, this is real delicious hearty homemade food.

I tried getting into Isolina for about a week, always being met with a painstakingly long wait. Finally, I managed to catch them right after opening for a quick lunch before the customary line began to form. Isolina is more than just one of the best restaurants in Lima, it’s a place for home style Peruvian cooking.

Isolina pays tribute to old-fashioned Peruvian cooking in a warm, tavern-inspired space. Its inviting atmosphere and large, shareable servings create a relaxed experience that draws both locals and visitors. With locations in Barranco and Surco, it stays true to the spirit and flavors of traditional Lima eateries.

Restaurants like Isolina Taberna Peruana offer classic comfort food in a homely setting, while Canta Rana is a favorite for its fresh ceviche. For a contemporary twist on Peruvian ingredients, Central Restaurant, known for its inventive tasting menus that take you through various Peruvian ecosystems, is a must.

It’s time to refuel, and the best place to do that is at Isolina in Barranco. Until about 1900, Barranco was a fishing village, and then it became the summer retreat for wealthy families. More recently, the bohemian and artistic community took over, and today it’s a peaceful place that embraces modern trends.

Regular queues, especially on weekends, attest to Isolina's immense popularity with locals. Try and book online a month ahead, or schedule a visit for a Monday or Tuesday. Chef José del Castillo is inspired by traditional comida criolla (Creole cuisine) blending indigenous Peruvian and Spanish influences.

José del Castillo has been in the restaurant business since he was 9 years old. Growing up at his family’s cevichería, the chef learned about food through his mom and brothers. Eventually, he received formal training and opened Isolina in 2015 – 15 years after starting to cook professionally.

Isolina Restaurant: Delight in authentic Peruvian cuisine at this cozy restaurant, where homemade and comforting dishes transport you to the flavors of the traditional cuisine of Peru’s capital. They open their doors every day from 9 am to 6 pm at Av. San Martin 101, Barranco, Lima, Perú.

Isolina Taberna Peruana is the place to go for some traditional Criolla Peruvian food, while Amoramar and La Canta Rana are great for Peruvian ceviche and seafood. For Vegetarians, Veggie Pizza is a great option, offering a unique and organic pizza menu, Italian coffee and raw desserts.

Description: Isolina, located in Barranco, offers authentic Creole cuisine in a cozy and nostalgic setting. Its menu highlights traditional dishes like "Tacu Tacu con Lomo Saltado." Rustic decor and a warm atmosphere make Isolina a charming place to enjoy a unique culinary experience.

Isolina, located in the Bohemian Barranco district, serves hearty, traditional Peruvian comfort foods. This restaurant offers generous portions of traditional dishes such as ají de gallina and lomo saltado. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, ideal for families and large groups.

Criolla-style food is what most Limeños eat at their house or what they think of when remembering what their grandmothers made. Yet, it’s rare that criolla cooking appears at a restaurant, and when it does, it’s usually at a place that’s very rustic. Enter Isolina, which opened in…

133***95: "This is an authentic Peruvian restaurant with a very good business. The food is fresh and exquisite, especially the pizza. The cooking is very delicious. The grilled fish is delicious, tender and delicious. The staff is very warm and the service is very thoughtful.

It’s a great place to try criolla food, or traditional Peruvian comfort food. The menu is family-style with generous dishes like tripe and fried blood stew or black bean tacu tacu (Peruvian beans and rice) with liver and onions. The ceviche here is also incredible.

Isolina is a modern interpretation on a traditional criolla tavern. While very popular with the tourist crowd, the food is delicious and hearty. Heaping portions of classics like lomo saltado, aji de galena, fried plantains, and more waft through the restaurant.

Isolina es uno de los mejores restaurantes en Lima para probar comida tradicional, servida de forma generosa en un ambiente ameno y casual. La relación precio-calidad es insuperable, además el concepto de taberna hace todo mucho más relajado para los comensales.

The apartment is located near restaurants such as Central, Isolina, Canta Rana & Merito. Barranco is also surrounded by bars such as Barbarian -specialists in craft beer- & Garito. Also, there are museums such as MATE, the Pedro de Osma Museum and the MAC.

Isolina is celebrated for its traditional Peruvian “criollo” cuisine, focusing on hearty and flavorful dishes. Popular dishes include the “cau cau” (tripe stew), “anticuchos” (marinated grilled meats), and the indulgent “picarones” (Peruvian doughnuts).

In Barranco, Isolina Taberna Peruana offers traditional criollo dishes in a cozy spot. In Miraflores, El Pan de la Chola is famous for its homemade bread and tasty sandwiches. For Chinese-Peruvian fusion, Chifa Titi in San Isidro is the place to go.

Euren Spaziergang durchs Viertel Barranco solltet ihr zeitlich so einteilen, dass ihr gegen den Mittag das Restaurant Isolina (Av San Martin 101) erreicht. In dieser peruanischen Taverne stimmt einfach alles. Das Ambiente, das Essen und der Preis.

Isolina takes us straight to the heart of Peruvian home cooking. Located in Barranco, this cozy spot is run by Chef Jose del Castillo, who draws inspiration from his mother, Isolina Vargas. The dishes here are hearty and full of history.

Another place that offers great food and a tavern-like experience is Isolina. The restaurant focuses on Peruvian dishes and is one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Be sure to come early, though, as the line outside forms quickly.

The boisterous tavern-like atmosphere of Isolina belies the faultlessness of its cuisine. A distillation of Peru’s best meat dishes, this eternally crowded spot cooks every part of the cow—including ones you didn’t know you could eat.

El séptimo lugar lo ocupa Isolina, una taberna peruana que logró capturar la esencia de la cocina criolla con sus recetas tradicionales. Dirigido por el chef José del Castillo, ofrece platos como costillar, anticuchos y lomo saltado.

Isolina is one of the best restaurants in Lima Peru for its unpretentious meals. It won the 12th spot in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2019. Isolina is a tribute to the traditional Peruvian taverns, known as ‘tabernas’.

Their ocean fresh cebiche carretillero is faultless, or for a taste of Peruvian comfort food, head to the popular Isolina, where generous portion sizes and a buzzing crowd combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Barranco is home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in Latin America including Isolina, the new incarnation of well-known Central, and Kjolle, from Central co-founder chef Pia Leon.

Isolina (Peruvian) – This restaurant’s kitchen is the one that has impressed me the most with its authentic dishes. If you are looking for genuine, Peruvian food, this is the place.

Other Peruvian eateries include Oso (9th), Astrid y Gaston (13th), Isolina (12th), Rafael (19th), Kjolle (21st), La Mar (26th), Mil (36th), Mayta (49th), and Malabar (48th).

Mainly, the famous Isolina, which is one of the best places to eat Peruvian food not only Barranco but in Lima. You might want to book in advance, especially on weekends.

14: La Isolina, Av San Martin 101, (serves heritage Peruvian dishes): as it’s in Barranco, go during a summer lunch time. From the son of the lady who started La Red.

San Martin 101, Barranco: This place is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The owner is the son of Isolina, who opened La Red. La Isolina serves her recipes.