Ayahuasca Restobar

Ayahuasca occupies a restored 19th-century mansion that would be worth visiting as architecture alone. The ground floor opens into a series of interconnected rooms, each decorated in a different style: one channels a Victorian library with leather armchairs and bookshelves, another fills with tropical plants and natural light, a third runs dark and moody with Latin American art. A central staircase leads to upper floors and a rooftop terrace. The restoration work is meticulous.

The cocktail menu is extensive, with pisco-based creations dominating alongside international classics. The food is upscale Peruvian, served as either full plates or shareable portions. Weekend nights bring DJs to certain rooms, adding a party layer to what's otherwise a sophisticated drinking experience. The crowd is a mix of well-dressed Limenos, tourists who've done their homework, and date-night couples.

Ayahuasca is Lima's most photographed bar, which tells you it's both beautiful and popular. Compared to the more casual bars along Barranco's main strip, the atmosphere is elevated and the prices match. Compared to Miraflores' hotel bars, the setting is infinitely more interesting. The mansion itself is the real product; the drinks and food are excellent supporting acts.

Walk through every room before settling into one. Each space has a completely different character. The rooftop terrace is excellent on clear nights. Weekend reservations are essential. The crowd arrives late by Lima standards, with the rooms filling properly after 10 PM.