Helarte — Restaurant in Lima Metropolitan Area

After discovering Helarte on social media, it quickly became a must-visit destination during my trip to Peru. The distinctive concept and vibrant decor intrigued me, promising a unique experience.

I visited with my parents to indulge in some dessert, and upon arrival, we found the place bustling with activity, which added to its charm. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home.

I chose the lemon pie, while my brother enjoyed an ice cream, and my father opted for the chocolate cake. While everything was tasty, I must admit that it didn’t quite reach the level of excellence I had anticipated. The flavors were good but lacked the wow factor that I expected from such a hyped place.

One of the highlights of Helarte is its aesthetic appeal; it’s the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photos to share on social media. I would love to return and explore the savory menu, as the dishes being served to nearby tables looked incredibly appetizing.

Despite its visual allure and friendly service, the overall experience felt a bit underwhelming compared to the magic portrayed in online videos. While I enjoyed my visit, I hoped for a bit more excitement in...

Dropped by Helarte looking for a quick and casual meal and ended up pleasantly surprised. The place is visually striking—fun decor, colourful walls, and an ambience that draws people in, especially families and younger crowds. They’re well known for their desserts and cakes, but the savoury dishes deserve a mention too.

I ordered the Lomo Saltado—a classic Peruvian-style stir fry—but instead of the usual fries, I asked for it with a salad, and it was perfectly done. Tender meat, well-seasoned, and generous in portion. I also tried the chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian purple corn drink, which was refreshing and nicely balanced.

Service was efficient and friendly, and they even handed out drawing kits—perfect for keeping kids (or adults) entertained while you wait. The location is central and tourist-friendly, making it a solid pick if you’re staying nearby or wandering through the area.

A great alternative to a heavy sit-down lunch, with a bit of flair. Would return for the...

What we liked:

1. Cakes and coffee are fresh and good, some dishes are big enough for 2-3 persons.
2. The whole cafe looks amusing and has many photo locations.
3. You can ask for pencils and shorten the expectation time drawing on your personal paper sheet.

What we didn't like was:

1. We visited the cafe at 12 p.m, so it was only 1/3 full, but we waited for our order for 30 min!!! They only needed to take a piece of cake and lift it to the second floor, without any cooking, and it took them half an hour! I can't even think of how much it'd take in the evening when the cafe is full and people wait up to an hour to get inside.
2. There was a hair in my cake...
3. The staff is very slow and not much happy. When we finished, we decided to pay for a bill directly at the cash desk not to wait another 15 min for it.
4. If you decide to visit it at 6 p.m. or later, be prepared to wait for up to an hour standing near the entrance. They'll make a list...