La Isla Escondida - Lima - TravBuddy

In not a touristy/fancy neighborhood of Lima, surrounded by houses, parks and mechanics, lies a rich reward for the intrepid seafood lovers. Its name is: "La Isla Escondida" or "Hidden Island". This name couldn't have been better chosen, since you have to have really good directions to arrive if you are going there for 1st time. My 1st time I got lost and ended having lunch somewhere else.

So, the location might not be the best, but once you get inside you will see that the place is packed with locals, which is a good sign. I use to come here with local friends and decided to come with Francois and Lindsay when they were here. I warned them, not to expect for a fancy local with a super view, but be ready for delicious food!

As all the local seafood and fish restaurants, they just serve for lunch. I recommend to do a reservation during the weekends and holidays, since it might be packed with locals.

Scallops, crab, the freshest of fish, Pisco, and the ceviche...a hidden treasure.

They offer a good variety of cebiches and other seafood dishes like tiradito (a cebiche without onions), parihuela (a spicy thick soup with fish, shellfish and crabs), jalea (fried seafood on top of a fried fish filet covered with an onions salad), sudado, etc. The piqueos (platters with appetizers) are really good.

They have a nice selection of pisco's drinks too and prepare a good pisco sour.

The staff is helpful, but when the place is packed they can be a bit slow. My recommendation is arrive early (12:45 - 1), so you will be the center of attraction, haha.

The problem they used to have was not having enough parking places. But right now they have to parking lots, so they are getting better.

If you are looking for a fish and seafood experience, not touristy but more Local - this place should be part of your list!