Lima Travel Forum

I am hoping to travel to Peru in early 2009.

Would like to have an idea of costs of meals in a typical Peruvian restaurant.

It depends what food preferences you have. If you're more into the very authentic street food, then it will be the least expensive food option (costing you a buck or two); however, if you're into the more gourmet global fusion type of cooking, Peru offers that too. One of the most famous gastronomic delights that has been featured internationally (e.g., New York Times, etc.) in Peru is "Astrid y Gaston," which unfortunately I didn't have time for during my very short stay in Lima. The price tends to be pricier for Peruvian standards, but it's definitely very cheap by international standards for the highly stylized gourmet food you'll find. If your budget is more towards the mid-range restaurants, then prepare to pay less than $8-14 per meal (maybe a little less or a bit more depending on where you go). Breakfasts are usually served at the hotels/hostels and part of the deal.
Goodluck & do enjoy beautiful Peru!

Depends where you eat! If you eat in a market as Peruvians do you can eat for just under a dollar. If you eat in a more up-market area the prices could be like 10 dollars. A nice 2 course meal in a decent restaurant will probably set you back 2-3 dollars.

My recomendation:

Peru Travels Net

http://www.perutravels.net

Tk Care!

Hi
I agree with the comments above, it depends what you want. You mention traditional Peruvian restaurants. These will be cheap. A good picanteria or cevicheria will only set you back a few soles (2-3USD, maybe) for a hearty soup, a main dish, a dessert and a drink. It will be more expensive in Lima and a bit less in the middle of nowhere.
Chifas (Peruvian Chinese) are also very cheap and you can be full after a huge plate of noodles or rice that cost you only 1USD!
If you do want real Peruvian food, avoid tourist places and go where the local go (but check with your hotel that the area of town is safe before you venture out). You may have a few mishaps but in general you will be fine (I only had one dish that I could not eat in 2 months).

If you have a delicate stomack, avoid market stalls except for very basic food (grilled corn...) and make sure you only drink bottled water.

A guid that has real good local restaurant is the Peru edition of 'Le guide du Routard'. It;s in French but the addresses are not difficult to understand. Every single restaurant in their cheap range I tried was fab. Sometime you get there and the tip is outdated & the restaurant closed but this happened only once.
Enjoy the wonderful food of Peru, I sure did!
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