LIMA London is set to prove that Michelin-starred dining needn’t be formal and constricting with a new, more accessible menu launching on 16 April.
Chef and Head of Culinary Development, Robert Ortiz, alongside long-time friend and Co-Founder Virgilio Martinez, has put together a selection of affordable, sharing-style dishes using exciting flavours and creative cooking techniques.
Co-Founder Gabriel Gonzalez noted, “We opened in 2012 as a fun and casual restaurant showcasing a new style of cuisine to the UK and we were very surprised and honoured to be awarded with a coveted Michelin Star in 2013 (and every year since), but the fact is that the restaurant economy is changing and we need to make sure we’re constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Our menu development reflects this as well as going back to our roots.”
The menu includes a selection of bites designed to be eaten by hand, including delights such as Rocoto crisps served with either a beef, prawn or artichoke tartare (£4) and a selection of Andean crisps and crackers made from yuca, parsnip, sweet potato and olluco, accompanied by dips.
The sharing dishes will showcase highlights of contemporary Peruvian cuisine; Salmon Tiradito ceviche with green rocoto chilli paste (£8) and tuna Nikkei with soy sauce, sesame oil and cucumber.
These join the menu alongside revamped pre-existing ceviche’s including the classic Lima ceviche and an octopus and quinoa ceviche. The Big Plates menu sees new additions including a Beef pachamanca - a traditional Peruvian dish baked with hot stones of meat, marinated in spices.
A Lamb seco (a Latin American stew) features alongside Robert’s special potato stew, and the Seafood chupe, both of which have been refreshed for the season.
Co-Founder Jose-Luis Gonzalez comments about the menu’s new direction, “Having been open for five years and with a solid grounding as part of the London restaurant scene, we have decided to develop our offering into a sharing, casual format rather than simply constricting diners to a starter, main and dessert format.
'We are keen to provide our guests with the opportunity to explore and experience new dishes which celebrate the culinary diversity and cultural influences that exist in Peruvian cuisine and bring the innovation of what’s happening in the city of Lima nowadays.”
Tapping into the growing trend for sharing plates, the menu promises an exciting variety of choices, making LIMA London a standout destination for groups of friends and foodies looking for an affordable and enjoyable meal in London’s leading Michelin starred Peruvian restaurant.