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Lima Cantina

SquareMeal Review of 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.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Peruvian
Eat at Home
Home delivery
Ambience
Cool, Fun, Lively
Food Occasions
All day dining, Bottomless brunch, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Live music or dancing, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+], Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

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.


FAQs

Do I need to book?

Yes, it is recommended. You can book online or over the phone.

Helpful? 0

Is there a pre-theatre menu?

Yes, it is available Tuesday to Friday.

Helpful? 0

Location

14 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9BJ

020 7240 5778 020 7240 5778

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-00:00
Wed 12:00-00:00
Thu 12:00-00:00
Fri 12:00-00:00
Sat 12:00-00:00
Sun 12:00-17:00

Reviews

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8 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Rob H

06 August 2019  
Excellent choices and great cocktails, a great venue before dinner and during.

Anon

28 April 2019   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Enjoyed verymuch

Starters and puddings were excellent. Main fish dish we were not keen on. But overall a very good meal.

Rob H

10 July 2018  
Great food and great atmosphere.

Joseluis G

27 June 2018  
Outstanding food ; really nice bar downstairs.

Joseluis G

04 May 2017  
Outstanding food , cool ambience and decor , cocktails and Bar , different offerings , great brunch on weekends , after and pre theater , late closing in the Bar !!!

Helen L

11 July 2015  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 3.5
Oh, to be the bear from deepest, darkest Peru
We loved Lima Floral from the moment we walked in. The room was airy and artfully put together, without feeling overly engineered. Bursts of teal popped against gleaming white brickwork, while an enormous mural and distinctive, sculptured wall added just the right touch of bonkers, vibrant styling. Each plate looked dreamy too, and every mouthful was laced with unfamiliar ingredients. Portions weren’t enormous, but deeply satisfying nonetheless. Salmon with blue potatoes and ‘crazy pea’ - whatever the latter may be - was 'the best starter ever’, apparently. My avocado mousse combined luscious new flavours and textures but lacked a source of crunch. (The accompanying purple cornbread was tasty, but on the soft side). I lucked out with the mains, as suckling pig was good, but not as stonkingly fine as my chicken with white corn and black quinoa. All this was washed down with a beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir, although white wine or a pisco sour might have been a better food match. Pudding - a bowl of 'suspiro ardiente' - was controversial. I enjoyed the coconut and caramel flavours of dulce de leche and lucuma, but my other half was appalled by the peculiar texture; think Iles Flotante, dusted with spiced beetroot. (Admittedly it was pretty weird, but that didn't stop me polishing off the lot). An appealing hubbub and spritely service ensured we left with our cockles warmed. There are cheaper places to try exotic cuisine, but Lima Floral feels special and shows off Peru's finest very well indeed. Every dish packs a punch with beguiling flavours and considered composition, while the surroundings are just plain lush. Mains loiter around the £25 mark, but you can take the sting out with BOGOF cocktails (currently midweek, 5.30pm 'til 7.30pm) in the Pisco Bar downstairs. Well worth it for an aperitif before a magnificent meal.

Patrick B

27 January 2015  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Vibrant, fresh and combining a good atmosphere with even better food
Lima Floral birngs the Peruvian revolution to Covent Garden and is a welcome additon to the Theatre Land dining options. Perched on the corner of Floral Street and Garrick Street the star-studded team behind the original Lima in Charlotte Street make the most of the very pretty space. The food is excellent with great attention to detail and the service is both knowledgeable and attentive. Full marks!

Gina B

30 July 2014  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4
I recently went for dinner here and the food and cocktails were amazing! The service was great and the overall atmosphere was lovely! I would definitely recommend this to my friends and will come visit again!
Delivery or takeaway

Order takeaway from Lima Cantina by calling 020 7240 5778.
Book a table

Call Lima Cantina to make a booking on:

020 7240 5778 020 7240 5778

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