Rafael (Miraflores)
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"Good, but Fell Short of Expectations"
We started with scallops, octopus, and ceviche. The octopus was excellent—perfectly cooked and flavorful—but the other two starters were just average. For the main course, I had the Bombay fish and sampled other fish dishes at our table. While everything tasted good, the flavors felt one-dimensional and lacked the complexity I would expect at this price point. The atmosphere was another drawback. The dining room felt too crowded and noisy, making it hard to fully enjoy the experience. Service was just okay; the waitstaff weren’t very attentive, and I had to work to get their attention several times.
"Extremely Disappointing Experience – Overpriced and Unwelcoming"
We were recommended Rafael by someone we met during our holiday and thought it would be the perfect spot for our final evening in Peru. Sadly, it turned out to be the most disappointing meal of our trip. The evening started well enough. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a warm, atmospheric vibe, and the hostess was polite when we made our reservation in person the day before. Our pre-dinner cocktails were enjoyable, and we had high hopes. Unfortunately, everything went downhill from there. Despite informing the restaurant in advance that one person in our group is vegetarian—and receiving confirmation—there were virtually no vegetarian options. The only main dish contained gorgonzola, which is a strong blue cheese I don’t enjoy. There were no vegetarian tapas or starters either. When I asked about alternatives, the server walked away, and another staff member came over, incorrectly claiming I was vegan. He offered to remove the shrimp from one dish, but later admitted the sauce still contained fish and couldn’t be substituted. In the end, I was served raw beetroot as a starter and had no main course at all. This level of inflexibility and lack of care was shocking, especially for a restaurant ranked among Latin America’s Best 50. Service was unprofessional and cold throughout. There was no effort to ensure we had a pleasant experience, and allergies in the group were disregarded—placing pistachios on the table despite being told about a nut allergy is unacceptable. To top it all off, we were overcharged by 70 soles at checkout, which we didn’t realize until after paying. The staff’s attitude made it clear they couldn’t care less.
"Unreal Food and Impeccable Service ✨"
We arrived straight from our flight without a reservation, and the host still managed to accommodate us — such warm hospitality! Highly recommend making reservations in advance, especially for groups larger than two. Every dish we tried was absolutely unreal, and the service was impeccable. Don’t miss out on their Pisco Sours — they’re perfection! 🇵🇪
"Disappointing Experience – Not Worthy of a Top 50 Ranking"
This restaurant is seriously overrated. The staff came across as arrogant and disinterested, offering little in the way of genuine hospitality. For a place that claims such accolades, the lack of effort to accommodate dietary preferences — especially for a vegetarian in our group — was incredibly disappointing. What was truly inexcusable: after clearly informing the staff about my nut allergy, we were served a pistachio-based appetizer without any warning. Allergies are not a minor detail, and this level of negligence is unacceptable at any restaurant, let alone one that claims to be world-class. Given the high prices and its (in my opinion undeserved) Top 50 ranking, this experience left a bitter taste. I’ve dined at countless restaurants not featured on any lists that far surpass this one in both food and service.
"Unforgettable Scallops – Fresh and Perfectly Balanced"
The scallops were absolutely divine — fresh, juicy, and seasoned with just the right touch of salt to enhance their natural flavor. Each bite was a perfect balance of delicacy and richness, making it an unforgettable highlight of the meal.
"A Delicious Lunch with Great Flavors, but Not the Best Value"
I went for lunch at 1 PM on a weekday without a reservation and was able to get a table. The scallops and octopus taco were both absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The bread was outstanding, served with a variety of sauces that elevated the experience. However, the banana cheesecake dessert was just okay and didn’t leave much of an impression. I didn’t order any alcohol, only bottled still water. The total came to 250 soles (about $66). While it’s a fair price for the quality in Peru, it doesn’t feel quite as high-value as, say, a 5-course meal for €40 in Portugal or France. I’d recommend this restaurant if price isn’t a concern and you’re looking for a refined dining experience. If you’re after exceptional value or budget eats, there are better options. That said, I’d definitely go back for the scallops alone.
"Great Starters, Underwhelming Mains for the Price"
The octopus entrada and tomato salad were excellent—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. However, the main dishes were less satisfying, especially given the price point. Overall, it was still a good experience, and I’d consider going back to try other menu items.
"Overpriced and Lacking Warmth"
The food and drinks were okay, but nothing outstanding in what I ordered. Prices felt steep compared to other highly rated restaurants where the food is truly spectacular. What stood out even more was the service—strangely cold and unwelcoming. The waiters never smiled and seemed like they didn’t want to be there, which made the whole experience feel off.
"Elegant Dining with Decadent Flavors, But Small Portions"
We made a reservation several weeks in advance and arrived with high expectations for one of Latin America's Top 50 Restaurants. Prices are certainly on the higher side, but overall, Rafael did not disappoint. The three of us shared the roast scallops, Galician octopus, and crab linguine. All three dishes were cooked perfectly and felt wonderfully decadent, with the scallops and crab linguine being especially memorable. That said, portions were on the smaller side. We finished with the Lucuma Tropical and Chocolate Nemesis Tart for dessert—both excellent. Drinks (Pisco Sour, Paradise mocktail, La Guapa mocktail) were enjoyable, though again, the serving sizes felt a bit small for the price. Having read in other reviews about charges for water and bread, we proactively asked not to be served them. The bread still appeared on the bill, but the staff removed it promptly once we flagged it. Service throughout was cordial and attentive, and the ambiance struck a perfect balance of classy, romantic, and comfortable.
"Beautifully Crafted Dishes, But Watch Out for the Extras"
We made reservations a couple of weeks in advance for a Saturday night. The service was attentive, and the interior has a refined, upscale feel reminiscent of a boutique hotel. The roasted scallops, presented in their shells, were a standout—juicy, crisp, and roasted to perfection with a delightful sweet lemon glaze. The roasted crab linguine was packed with flavor, complemented by scallops and lemon zest, while the roasted sea bass with risotto and coral infusion was equally impressive; the foam on the infusion was a lovely touch. The only downsides were the unexpected extras. Bread came with a charge we hadn’t anticipated, and the water had a steep markup—25 for half a liter. Had we known, we would have skipped both and maybe opted for another main dish instead. That said, the food itself was delicious and made for a satisfying consolation after not getting into Maido.
Rafael (Miraflores)
Chef Rafael Osterling fuses global techniques with Peruvian ingredients in an upscale, art-filled atmosphere. Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin influences converge here.
Address
Ca. San Martín 300, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Website
http://www.rafaelosterling.pe/
Email
https://elmercado.mesa247.pe/reservas/el-mercado
Telephone
+51966409797