Summary
Along with accommodation and transport, food will be one of your main daily expenses in Peru. However, how much does it cost to eat out in Peruvian restaurants? Cost and quality vary greatly depending on the type of establishment and, to some degree, the location. A tourist-oriented restaurant in an area like Miraflores in Lima will generally have a significant impact on your daily budget, while a cheap and cheerful restaurant catering to local residents can be surprisingly affordable and very filling. Moreover, most low-key restaurants don’t require a tip.
Below you will find examples of price ranges in different types of eating establishments in Peru.
The Lunchtime Menú
The best bargains can be found at lunchtime. In Peru, lunch is the main meal of the day, and during this time, restaurants, whether large or small, offer their lunchtime menús. The menú is common throughout Peru, in both major cities and small villages, and typically includes a starter, a main course, and a drink (and sometimes a small dessert). You will have options to choose from, allowing you to customize your meal to your taste.
According to figures released by Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI), a menú in Lima typically costs between S/.5 and S/.15 nuevos soles (US$1.80 to $5.40). In more upscale districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, San Borja, and La Molina, the average price of a menú is S/.10. Alternatively, this average drops to S/.6.50 in less affluent districts such as La Victoria, San Juan de Miraflores, San Martín de Porres, Villa El Salvador, and Villa María del Triunfo.
In smaller cities, towns, and villages, menú prices can be as low as S/.2.50 (less than $1). However, do not judge Peruvian cuisine by these low-priced offerings, as many of them consist merely of rice, beans, and perhaps a bone to chew on. A price range of S/.5 to S/.8 is considered more reasonable throughout most of Peru; any lower, and you might receive something inedible, while any higher may indicate unnecessary expense.
Street Grills
I am a huge fan of informal street grills, especially in the jungle regions of Peru. In cities such as Tarapoto, Moyobamba, and Tingo Maria, for example, you can enjoy a slab of cecina, a marinated chicken breast, or a chunk of chorizo served with tacacho and salsa for as little as S/.4 or S/.5. That constitutes a pretty good feast straight off the grill.
Street-side grills usually pop up as the sun begins to set, offering a variety of items (including grilled chicken feet, should you wish to experiment) from early evening until nine or ten at night.
Fast Food Prices in Peru
You’ll find U.S. fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Domino’s Pizza in Lima and some of Peru’s other big cities. While one might question the decision to eat at such establishments while on holiday, here are some prices for these international options: a Big Mac Meal costs about S/.13 ($4.60); three pieces of chicken at KFC will cost approximately S/.14 ($5.00); and a family-size pepperoni pizza from Domino’s runs about S/.48 ($17.00).
Peru also has its own fast food chains. In the popular Bembos chain, for example, a classic hamburger currently costs S/.9.90 ($3.50).
Pollo a la Brasa
Pollo a la brasa is available throughout Peru and is among the most beloved food options, along with ceviche and chifa. The Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is not only delicious but also filling. Nonetheless, it may not be the most budget-friendly choice.
A quarter of a chicken with fries and a side salad typically costs between S/.10 and S/.14, depending on the location and sophistication of the restaurant (according to INEI statistics, a quarter pollo a la brasa in Lima ranges from S/.7.50 to S/.19.50). You can also opt for a smaller eighth or indulge in a half pollo (or go all out and purchase a whole chicken).
Chifa
Chifas provide a variety of price points, including affordable and filling lunchtime menú options, more expensive platos a la carta, and all-day-long combos (set meals for individuals or groups).
The chifa menú typically includes a starter (often wanton soup or a fried wanton) followed by a choice of a main meal. Menú prices range from about S/.7 to S/.15 ($2.50 to $5.50), while individual main dishes can go for upwards of S/.30 ($11.00, typically enough to serve two).
Other Midrange to Upscale Restaurants
In mid-range and upscale restaurants in Peru, expect a wide range of prices, which depend on location and sophistication. However, if a restaurant appears too fancy for your budget, it is always wise to check the menu anyway. Some establishments seem expensive but are surprisingly affordable; conversely, the opposite can also be true.
INEI figures for Lima illustrate the price variation for classic dishes: a lomo saltado can cost between S/.8.00 and S/.39.00, while ceviche ranges from S/.10.00 to S/.55.00.
