Lima Cantina

For one of the busiest postcodes in London, Covent Garden feels somewhat lacking in fresh, exciting restaurant options. Between the stalwarts and tourist traps, many Londoners rarely find a reason to venture into the most central of Central for dinner. But, perhaps they might, for Lima Cantina.

You might know LIMA from its original site in Fitzrovia which opened in 2012 and was the first Michelin-starred Peruvian concept in the world. The Covent Garden branch offers a more casual experience (although beautifully executed) within a former stained-glass shop, in an ideal spot on the corner of chic Floral Street. The space is a real gem with large, arched windows and exposed brick, accentuated by a peachy colour scheme and light wooden furnishings, coming together for a lofty feel. Tables can cater for medium to large sized groups and thanks to its buzz, this feels like a great place to bring friends – also because of the sharing-focused menu.

The food focuses on traditional, easy-to-enjoy recipes with the clear star being Pollo a la Brasa - a Peruvian national dish which offers their take on rotisserie chicken. Norfolk chickens are bathed in spices for 24 hours and then cooked using London’s first ‘rotombo’, a Peruvian charcoal-rotisserie oven.

After an expertly-made Pisco Sour (the menu offers a fun Pisco-themed take on plenty of classics: think a Pisco Old Fashioned), it goes without saying that we had to try this already legendary dish and it did not disappoint. As you’d hope with rotisserie, the skin is flavoursome and boasts a crunch, but we particularly liked the light charring here and there, which gives way to melt-in-your-mouth leg and breast. Perfect for a group and just generally hard not to love.

Alongside, we enjoyed crisped Andean potatoes and chaufa rice, another Peruvian classic, bringing together tasty fried rice peppered with fresh spring onions. You also shouldn’t leave without trying the Picarones which are soft, doughy rounds dropped in oil and served with zingy lime ice cream. Indulgent with a finish of freshness, we enjoyed ours with a coffee but those looking to be a little more daring might like the sound of the Dulce Martini with vodka, Kahlua, dulce de leche and cold brew coffee which we spotted sailing past on a tray and instantly regretted not ordering.

After some refurbishment and rebranding, Lima Cantina - formerly Floral by Lima - has reopened its doors. Lima Cantina is inspired by traditional home cooking, Lima’s buzzing food markets, and a desire to provide an accessible introduction to authentic South American cuisine. Like its parent restaurant, Lima London in Fitzrovia, this restaurant champions punchy Peruvian classics.  

Lima Cantina’s relaunch has transformed 14 Garrick Street into a gregarious space well-suited to its sharing-style menu. The former mission house is a lively and fun venue ideal for friend groups and celebrations. The Latin-style interiors stretch over two floors, to include an upstairs bar ideal for a pre-dinner pisco cocktail. Amongst the sleek tables and chairs populating the dining room are earthy tones, peach accents, and pops of vibrant colour. 

Expect a crowd-pleasing dishes focused on fresh produce grilled over charcoal and plates ideal for sharing. The menu revolves around their signature, pollo a la brasa, a Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken marinated for 24 hours and cooked inside London’s first and only ‘rotombo’ rotisserie oven. The chicken is served with accompaniments including Andean potatoes, aji amarillo, and black mint sauce. Also on offer is a range of fish, vegetables, and meats grilled over charcoal. As expected of a Peruvian menu, a ceviche also features on the menu with options including sea bream and salmon. For those with a sweet tooth, Lima Cantina offers Picarones - a Peruvian dessert like bunelos but made from squash and sweet potato.

The cocktail list is dominated by Pisco-based creations influenced by flavours such as lime, lychee, and mango. A further selection of premium signature cocktails includes a Mezcal Negroni and ‘santa pina’ Pina Colada which is made with South American rum and spiked with Chambord.