Mérito on Postcard

"Venezuelan chef Juan Luis Martínez opened Mérito in 2018 in a narrow two-level space. It has quickly gained a cult following for its unique blend of Venezuelan and Peruvian influences. Some dishes feel more Venezuelan, like glazed pork belly with arepas, while others are purely Peruvian, such as raw razor clams with cushuro. The restaurant emphasizes the eclectic roots of the Barranco neighborhood, featuring original adobe walls and hand-painted tiles." - Nicholas Gill

Here's Why Mérito Is the 2024 Best International Restaurant

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@theworlds50best

"Rank: #37 "The organic encounter of two cultures – Venezuelan and Peruvian – in a small and welcoming space defines Mérito. The team’s impeccable use of ingredients from the Peruvian pantry, showcased in creative and ever-evolving preparations, sets the standard. The plot thickens when flashes and memories of Venezuelan cuisine – the chefs’ country of origin – feed in. Respect for the product and exaltation of its qualities are key parts of the experience. Debuting on the list at No.37, the restaurant is the winner of the Highest New Entry Award 2020, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles."

https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/31-40/merito.html

Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2020 - Peru, Ecuador, Panama

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@afar

"Mérito, the cool, earthy restaurant opened by Venezuelan chefs José Luis Saumeo and Juan Luis Martinez. Martinez, who used to work at Central, cooks up Peruvian dishes with a Venezuelen spin." - Mary Holland

Why Now Is the Time to Visit Lima - AFAR

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Gregory Lammers

Google

We had a rough day before sitting down here and were actually a little nervous but those fears quickly evaporated. The space is gorgeous and actually smells wonderful. Alexandra's service was exceptional from the very beginning and assuaged our anxiety until we were completely relaxed. Even the support staff that stopped by felt confident and knowledgeable. All of the food was wonderful, I think my favorite was the octopus... Or maybe the Pork Belly... Both were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. Dessert wasn't just a cherry on top but continued the symphony of flavor and texture. THE Flan is actually the best I've had and paired with the flan cocktail flavors hit heavenly levels. Congruent flavors don't normally hit that way. Just wow.

Pedro O.S Vaz de Melo

Google

This restaurant offers a very unique and personal experience. It is very sophisticated, but the staff makes you feel at home. They dishes are made to be shared. This makes total sense, since everything tastes very distinct and strong, which to me is a good thing, this is something I want in this kind of restaurant. The scallops were definitely the best I ever had and the top moment of the night, together with the rock desert. The lowest part of the night was the octopus, which had some pieces too cooked for my taste.

Eve

Google

Mérito provides a one of a kind experience with service that matches. We’ve sort of made it a hobby to eat our way through Lima and have had many wonderful experiences with this being in the top 5. The location is wonderful and the atmosphere is cozy and honestly perfect for a date night. The vibes are giving “…hold my glass of wine, I think I just met my soulmate in the form of grilled Octopus and flan”. Can’t wait to go back. Definitely make a reservation. Do not recommend for a large group. A small group is perfect.

Barb G

Google

As a top 50 restaurant in Latin America, I was expecting more unique flavours. The food is above average, but extremely over priced. We ordered 4 appetizers and 1 main course both feeling very hungry at the end.

Tabatha Basagni

Google

Perfect! This restaurant is truly worth a visit—hands down, it was the best restaurant we experienced in Lima and all of Peru. The ingredients are of exceptional quality, and the combinations, even with unique local products, are simply perfect. The service is very friendly, and the value for money is outstanding. I hope to return to Lima just to come back here.

Earthbound Adventures

Google

List on 100 best restaurant in the world this restaurant is number 55 it is housed in an older building very well appointed It's a small restaurant with few tables in one room a bar and couple more tables adjacent to that room for appetizer I had the corn , it cooked over a fire wrapped in banana leaf it came with mild chili sauce and cheese on top it was lovely but the corn was okay. The second appetizer was the sweet bread, vacuum sealed to remove all the moisture then sauteed. it came with a sweet sauce and a pumpkin puree. Really nice. For the main course I had the catch of the day It's a white fish very similar to sea bass, Sears on all sides, come with a green sauce that really enhances the flavor of that fish and beautifully presented and it comes with a side dish of corn pudding, if you can call it that way, and baby corn on top with little bit of mushrooms very delightful. For dessert, chocolate rock, in serve on a Rock a bowl made of rock with nuts on the bottom chocolate mousse and a lucoma mousse inside covered with powder chocolate very delightful very refreshing. The service was not on par with those kinds of restaurants I have been to.

Alana Carmel

Google

I could go to Mérito for the chocolate rock alone. When I’m not thinking about traveling, I think about that chocolatey heaven. Each dish is so unique, with a hip spin on Peruvian foods. The vibe is hip and homey, artistic, hospitable, and sophisticated. Sitting at the bar and watching the cocktails being made was theater. The staff made me feel taken care of. And the food made eyes glisten and my stomach sigh with absolute delight. My waiter, I think his name was Erwin, was a doll. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!

Teerna Bhattacharya

Google

One of the best meals in my life! Honestly the food, ambience and presentation was splendid and I was to especially mention the dessert (the chocolate rock and the Corn and Coffee) which was out of this world! My partner was vegetarian and the chef was super nice to create specific options for him which were not in the menu which he absolutely loved!

Gregory Lammers

Google

We had a rough day before sitting down here and were actually a little nervous but those fears quickly evaporated. The space is gorgeous and actually smells wonderful. Alexandra's service was exceptional from the very beginning and assuaged our anxiety until we were completely relaxed. Even the support staff that stopped by felt confident and knowledgeable. All of the food was wonderful, I think my favorite was the octopus... Or maybe the Pork Belly... Both were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. Dessert wasn't just a cherry on top but continued the symphony of flavor and texture. THE Flan is actually the best I've had and paired with the flan cocktail flavors hit heavenly levels. Congruent flavors don't normally hit that way. Just wow.

Pedro O.S Vaz de Melo

Google

This restaurant offers a very unique and personal experience. It is very sophisticated, but the staff makes you feel at home. They dishes are made to be shared. This makes total sense, since everything tastes very distinct and strong, which to me is a good thing, this is something I want in this kind of restaurant. The scallops were definitely the best I ever had and the top moment of the night, together with the rock desert. The lowest part of the night was the octopus, which had some pieces too cooked for my taste.

Eve

Google

Mérito provides a one of a kind experience with service that matches. We’ve sort of made it a hobby to eat our way through Lima and have had many wonderful experiences with this being in the top 5. The location is wonderful and the atmosphere is cozy and honestly perfect for a date night. The vibes are giving “…hold my glass of wine, I think I just met my soulmate in the form of grilled Octopus and flan”. Can’t wait to go back. Definitely make a reservation. Do not recommend for a large group. A small group is perfect.

Barb G

Google

As a top 50 restaurant in Latin America, I was expecting more unique flavours. The food is above average, but extremely over priced. We ordered 4 appetizers and 1 main course both feeling very hungry at the end.

Tabatha Basagni

Google

Perfect! This restaurant is truly worth a visit—hands down, it was the best restaurant we experienced in Lima and all of Peru. The ingredients are of exceptional quality, and the combinations, even with unique local products, are simply perfect. The service is very friendly, and the value for money is outstanding. I hope to return to Lima just to come back here.

Earthbound Adventures

Google

List on 100 best restaurant in the world this restaurant is number 55 it is housed in an older building very well appointed It's a small restaurant with few tables in one room a bar and couple more tables adjacent to that room for appetizer I had the corn , it cooked over a fire wrapped in banana leaf it came with mild chili sauce and cheese on top it was lovely but the corn was okay. The second appetizer was the sweet bread, vacuum sealed to remove all the moisture then sauteed. it came with a sweet sauce and a pumpkin puree. Really nice. For the main course I had the catch of the day It's a white fish very similar to sea bass, Sears on all sides, come with a green sauce that really enhances the flavor of that fish and beautifully presented and it comes with a side dish of corn pudding, if you can call it that way, and baby corn on top with little bit of mushrooms very delightful. For dessert, chocolate rock, in serve on a Rock a bowl made of rock with nuts on the bottom chocolate mousse and a lucoma mousse inside covered with powder chocolate very delightful very refreshing. The service was not on par with those kinds of restaurants I have been to.

Alana Carmel

Google

I could go to Mérito for the chocolate rock alone. When I’m not thinking about traveling, I think about that chocolatey heaven. Each dish is so unique, with a hip spin on Peruvian foods. The vibe is hip and homey, artistic, hospitable, and sophisticated. Sitting at the bar and watching the cocktails being made was theater. The staff made me feel taken care of. And the food made eyes glisten and my stomach sigh with absolute delight. My waiter, I think his name was Erwin, was a doll. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!

Teerna Bhattacharya

Google

One of the best meals in my life! Honestly the food, ambience and presentation was splendid and I was to especially mention the dessert (the chocolate rock and the Corn and Coffee) which was out of this world! My partner was vegetarian and the chef was super nice to create specific options for him which were not in the menu which he absolutely loved!

Mérito

Mérito

Photos

Highlights

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