On a recent visit to Lima in Peru I enjoyed a wonderful meal with my Peruvian friends, family and collegues at ´The Rosa Nautica¨. This restaurant must be one of the most famous landmarks in Lima due to its location, a pier stretching out into the Pacific Oceon. The entire pier is owned by the restaurant, which is situated right at the end with fantastic views of the oceon. Along the pier are small kiosk-style shops selling craftwork, clothes and souvenirs of Peru. 
Upon entering the restaurant, the customer is greeted by what may be described as a stylish tradicional hotel grill decor.
With chandeliers hanging in the main hall and in the smaller salons for private parties, you cannot help but feel you have just walked into a 5 star hotel grill.
We were greeted by the maitre d’ and 3 waiters who showed us to our prepared table. After ordering an aperitif (pisco sour being the most popular) we studied the menu. The theme was a variety of fish dishes all prepared in quite distinct ways. Meat dishes were available but of a more regular preparation.
As a starter I ordered a Peruvian favourite of mine, chupe de camarones, which is a prawn soup, but not as Europeans are used to.
The waiters cleared the plates then arrived with a lemon jello to clean our pallets; the wine was served which we had chosen earlier. A small wine cellar yet a perfect selection covering over 11 countries.
The main course arrived of corbina served with a herb, lemon and garlic sauce accompanied with seasonal veg and papas (peruvian yellow potatoes). A perfect choice I decided later.
Although I do not eat desert my companions’ choices looked wonderful. All in-house prepared and with a style that should win the best decoration prize.
Whilst dining we were constantly watching the ocean as we heared the waves lapping on the legs of the pier. Fishing boats leaving for the night, dolphins peaking their heads out of the water every so often and the scores of fish so visible in the clear waters.
A remarkable and memorable experience. Price wise, nothing!! Bearing in mind that South America is somewhat cheaper than Europe or the USA. For 14 of us – starter, main course, desert, aperitifs, imported wine and coffee, plus one or two drinks at the bar, the price per head was 35€.
The food, service, ambience and price I found to be superb and would suggest anyone visiting Lima not to miss out on this restaurant.
The Rosa Nautica,
Espigón 4,
Circuito de Playas,
Miraflores, Lima
Posted under Restaurant Reviews
This post was written by steve on January 9, 2011
