Maido means 'welcome'
Tucked away on a residential street corner in Miraflores, Lima’s most prominent neighborhood, Maido restaurant’s deep red, modern exterior and wall of windows give curious onlookers a peek into the world of notable chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura.
Upon entrance, guests are ushered up a spiral staircase and into a polished dining room displaying colored burlap ropes in the form of a Japanese-- or perhaps Peruvian-- flag (it depends where you are standing) and are greeted by sushi chefs that bellow a hearty “Maido!” a Japanese expression meaning ‘welcome.’
Popular among local businessmen and destination diners seeking Lima’s best Nikkei (an expression that refers to the Japanese diaspora) cuisine, Tsumura's fine dining restaurant offers a tasting menu of Peruvian-Japanese tapas, à la carte items, or the classic sushi counter. Kriteria sampled some of the menu's more classic items.
Our first course featured an assortment of sashimi featuring toro or belly tuna, salmon and rockfish served with the root vegetable maca.
Toro, or belly tuna and salmon with an emulsion of traditional Peruvian yellow chili pepper sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
The restaurant features both a Japanese and Nikkei menu, in which fusion recipes surprise and delight the palate through interesting and unexpected combinations. Standout dishes include sea urchin rice, dim sum with squid and sea snail cau-cau, and a fish hotdog.
Since opening in 2009, Maido has risen to spot no. 8 on the World’s 50 Best restaurants and now occupies the top spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Gourmands and tourists alike should be sure not to leave Lima without a taste of this world-class dining destination (however Central is a worthy alternative), so be sure to include it in your foodie itinerary. maido.pe
Address: Calle San Martin 399, Miraflores 15074, Perú
Phone Number: +51 1 4462512
Follow them on Facebook/ Instagram: instagram.com/mitsuharu_maido; facebook.com/MaidoLima