On my recent trip to Peru, I was spending only one night in Lima, Peru. As a result, I was determined to find a rare gem and to finally discover what makes Lima’s cuisine so famous and sought-after. Sadly, I wasn’t able to make a reservation at one of the world’s 50 best restaurants.
Nevertheless, I came across an article about IK restaurant and started my research. I was able to secure a table for 5.
IK restaurant is named after its owner and chef Ivan Kisic, who died in a tragic road accident in 2012, before the opening of the restaurant. His twin brother Franco, who was working for Albert Adria, left his job and his life in Barcelona and took over the restaurant to carry out his brother’s legacy.
The restaurant’s debut was dramatic, but the result is a fascinating relationship between nature, local products, and Peruvian traditions. The restaurant has dim lighting and represents the interior of a wooden produce crate. The walls are made of reclaimed wood and plants are all over – there’s even a special irrigation system.
Round wooden tables are spread out in the room, each one lit by a projector representing Peruvian farming and products. Our table had a projection of coffee beans; Peru is one of the major producers of organic and fair-trade coffee beans in the world. Once you sit down, the design disappears to make room for a beam of light that will light up the dishes.
Our flight into Lima was delayed by three hours. Although I made the reservation quite late, we couldn’t get there on time and arrived at 10 pm. It wasn’t an issue at all and the staff warmly welcomed us when we finally arrived. In NYC the table would’ve been gone for a long time. The service was flawless to the end, a real pleasure!
Unfortunately, we had to skip the IK Experience, a ten-course menu, as it was getting late. We opted for the six-course tasting menu with Spanish wine pairing for S/. 330.00. I say unfortunately because I wanted to taste as much as possible of the menu, but what we had was just perfect!
I love the way Ivan Kisic wanted to incorporate the old with the new, the contemporary with traditions, the modern with the ancient; and his brother Franco carried on his idea to perfection. It’s present in the décor and the dishes: a perfect combo!
When the amuse bouche arrived I knew our taste buds were going to start a wonderful journey around Peru. Behind the window, we could see the brigades meticulously preparing the dishes.
The bread arrived with butter mixed with mushrooms. It was deliciously warm and came straight out of the wood-burning oven we could see behind the glass, at the back of the restaurant.
After that, it was a parade of amazing food along with oohs, aahs, and yummms to express our delight. Three starters, two main dishes, and a dessert made up the menu.
Ikigai scallops – miso-glazed scallops, sesame emulsion, and lemongrass.
Paired with a Spanish sauvignon blanc – Castello de Medina.
Amazone Ceviche: wok-seared paiche (fish from Peru), Amazonian spices charapita chili, local sacha tomato, served with plantain chips.
Paired with Alvear medium dry.
K’allampas project: Amazonian mushroom and miso dumplings served with soy yolk and mushroom broth poured in the plate at the table.
Wood oven-baked fish, crawfish sauce, asparagus emulsion, and coconut rice.
Paired with Castelo rosé, Grenache grape.
Ollocus stew – tuber native to South America – and beef cheek, wood oven roti, served with raita as aside.
Paired with red wine Ribera del Duero.
The dessert was a deconstructed chocolate and chestnut tart: a bit surprising by the texture but excellent and refined.
Paired with Baileys, surprising as well.
We finished our fabulous dinner with a sweet note of Agaymanto, chocolate spheres, and Amazonian worm-shaped candies.
This was our last dinner in Peru and it was incredible. I concur; Lima has amazing chefs that are out of the ordinary. They have a passion for the profession with love and respect for their country’s products. I won’t be surprised if soon IK is on the list of the best restaurants in the world. Hats off to the chef!
IK restaurant
Calle Elías Aguirre 179, Miraflores 15074, Peru
📞 +51 1 6521692
Price: $$$$
Tasting six-course menu: S/ 230.00 – Wine pairing S/ 100.00
IK Experience: S/ 300.00 – Wine pairing: S/ 175.00
Tuesday – Saturday: 1-3:30 pm, 7-11pm
Sunday: 1-4 pm
Monday: closed
