I am not sure about Lima. Food is good, but not nuanced enough to justify their prices in my mind. We have visited the Shoreditch site twice. Once during the soft launch and again when reservations on the Fork website were offering discounts.
On our recent second visit we were happier with our food, because we ordered mostly starters to share. The tuna tiradito was the knockout dish of the night. The quinoa and asparagus salad was good with a fruity dressing. Thinly shaved raw asparagus was quite tasteless, however. A waste of asparagus. The beef tataki was overcooked to medium rare but not unpleasant. Tataki is usually seared at high temperature on the outside and raw on the inside. Another waste of a premium ingredient. Our last starter was corn three ways which was okay but not exciting. One disappointment was that the tiger's milk dressing on the tuna tiradito, the beef tataki and the corn ceviche were all identical.
From the mains section of the menu we shared lamb cutlets and from the sides we had miso aubergine. I haven't liked any of the mains at Lima, either on this or our last visit a few months ago. The lamb cutlets were okay but similar to food available at any decent gastropub. Not special enough to justify Lima prices. On our previous visit. I had grilled octopus which was came with stodgy accompaniments and my companion had an overly salty beef stir fry that was a waste of wagyu.
We originally wanted to share three starters, a side and a single main but our waitress urged us to order another main. We shouldn't have heeded her and ordered the extra corn ceviche starter. We ended up taking home most of the lamb chops and all of the aubergine home in a doggy bag. I am so glad we refused to order a second main, given our previous disappointment with that section of the menu. I really resent staff that encourages over ordering. Some of the other wait staff were great. Our waiter from our soft launch visit remembered us and even recognized my name from the reservation.
It is a nicely decorated space with good acoustics. The decor makes clever use of mirrorred shutters that disguises the windowless room. A bottle of housewine was a...
Read moreVisited during their soft launch. The venue itself is very nice. It has a nice modern interior, the ceiling decoration is a nice touch, and the overall vibe is smart and relaxing. Lima is located inside the lovely Sun Street Hotel and is a short walk from Moorgate or Liverpool Street.
The service is nice and friendly. I asked to move to a different table as the one we were given unfortunately had a wobbly top. Not the end of the world but it is disappointing seeing as the venue is yet to officially open.
For our starters we selected the Ceviche Mixto Nikkei and the Cornish Crab & Octopus Causa - both were well presented and very tasty. The Cevichere sauce that accompanied the Cornish Crab & Octopus Causa had a nice spicy kick.
Our mains were the Miso Sea Bass and the Octopus Al Grill, again the food was nicely presented and eye catching. Unfortunately the corn puree sauce overpowered the delicate taste of the Sea Bass somewhat, so I feel that needs a slight rework. The same thing can be said for the Octopus dish - the anticucho sauce and the eco dried potatoes were too flavoursome for the octopus. Both dishes were very nice but could be a bit better.
Our desserts were the Chocolate Mousse and the Alfajores, and these were the real highlight of the meal. Absolutely delicious.
We decided to stick with water as I really wanted my taste buds to concentrate on the flavour of the food, but they clearly have a great cocktail menu.
We left the restaurant suitably full and satisfied but if you are hungry then I suggest picking more...
Read moreLast night I had the pleasure of dining at Lima Shoreditch, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.
From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by a warm yet contemporary atmosphere, elevated by a stunning ceiling installation reminiscent of hanging pasta strands in rich, vibrant hues a true feast for the eyes before the meal even begins.
The service was attentive and personable, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and relaxed charm, the GM with is staff were knowledgeable and eager to guide us through the vibrant Peruvian menu.
We began with a trio of ceviches, each beautifully presented in individual bowls nestled atop smooth river stones a thoughtful, earthy touch that set the tone. The flavours were clean, bold, and distinct ranging from sweet and citrusy to spicy and umami-rich with fresh fish taking centre stage.
The main courses were equally memorable. A perfectly cooked piece of lamb stood out: tender, juicy, and well-seasoned, balanced by a delicate medley of microgreens that brought freshness to the dish. The Wagyu beef was another highlight tender, succulent, and truly a journey in itself. Both dishes were elegantly plated, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine.
Overall, Lima Shoreditch delivers a masterclass in modern Peruvian cuisine. With its striking design, flawless service, and beautifully executed dishes, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking something unique and refined in London’s vibrant dining scene.
Highly recommended and I’ll certainly...
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