I chose to go to Kjolle instead of Maido, as I was really looking for a menu that focuses on the diversity of Peruvian produce, rather than a more Nikkei-oriented approach. I also wanted something more intimate and away from the buzz of Central and I made the right choice, as just after I arrived, an entire bus pulled up for Central.
From the moment you enter, the scene is set: a relaxed atmosphere with a semi-open kitchen, natural tones, and understated furnishings. The dishes are presented in artisanal pottery, part of a collaboration with local artists, which contributes to the overall experience, enhancing the ingredients and reinforcing the earthy, organic identity of the menu.
The service was swift and attentive. The team clearly has deep knowledge of the products and shows genuine pride in their country.
The menu beautifully showcases Peru’s diversity and feels both complex and complete. There were many ingredients I had never tasted before. Each dish is delicate, full of flavour, and impeccably presented. You can truly sense the care given to the ingredients. I would perhaps have appreciated a bit more insight into sustainability practices, particularly whether the entire product is used.
The dessert, however, was a slight disappointment. Although it was one of the few dishes that focused on using the whole product—which I appreciated—it didn’t fully work for me. It featured different interpretations of chocolate and its relative, copoazú, but felt a bit excessive, with some elements too sugary and heavy for my taste.
That said, I would go back again tomorrow if I could!
Wonderful experience at Kjolle!
Our experience was incredibly immersive. We were first welcomed into their beautiful garden, where we could admire the flowers and ceramics, and then led through the research and development area to see their creative process firsthand before being seated at our table.
We chose the tasting menu with both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. The narrative weaving through their work is remarkably cohesive: everything is sourced from South America, no refined sugar is used, and every single dish highlights ingredients endemic to Peru.
The food was spectacular, the presentation was stunning, and the level of service and attention to detail was flawless. In Europe, this restaurant would easily hold multiple Michelin stars.
We paid 2.880 soles for 2 set menus and pairings.
I am giving one star not because everything was bad, but because I am angry and feel cheated—by the misleading online comments and, most of all, by Michelin.
We run a fine-dining restaurant in Europe, and we came to Latin America on a two-week trip to learn. We visited restaurants in São Paulo, Rio, and Buenos Aires, and we wanted to close our journey with the best-rated restaurant of our choice: Kjolle in Lima.
What a disappointment.
The atmosphere, presentation, storytelling, and service were outstanding.
However, the food was worse than any street food I have eaten in my life. I am sorry, but I cannot be “gentle and soft” in my tone when I feel that approximately USD 300 was taken from me for this.
I could not eat some of the courses, even though I am not picky at all and have a low bar as a consumer. Some dishes were burnt, others undercooked. I sent back the lobster because it was raw, chewy, tasteless, and disgusting. Everything lacked flavor, as if I had COVID.
I would not eat this menu again even if someone paid me for it.
If this is what a Michelin two-star restaurant represents, then Michelin is corrupt.
I write this with a heavy heart…
I had an amazing experience at Kjolle with my mom a week ago. The service was amazing. Every dish was delicious, and the wine/spirit pairing was thoughtful. Both food and wine was explained to us by in-house professionals. I had three notable experiences in Kjolle.
1. Extensive conversation with our waiter, who was genuinely interested in chatting with us to a degree that I have not seen before in wait staff
2. Seconds! (Yes you read that right, I asked for seconds at a Michelin Star restaurant). I explained that I loved the previous dish so much asked for another round, and they gave us a second helping.
3. The garden outside - it is so beautiful and you should spend a few minutes browsing it before/after the meal if you go
With all of this being said, I regret to report that both my mother and I got mild food poisoning from the restaurant, which resulted in diarrhea and stomach pains for 3-4 days after eating there. I have lived in Peru for about a year, and eaten all manner of street food, and drink. Even sheep’s head soup made in a bucket. However both my mother and I became sick from this meal and I feel obliged to report that fact.
With all that being said, I had an amazing time at the restaurant, and the food was as amazing as the experience.
This restaurant is the 9th best restaurant im the world fir a very good reason. If you want a unique one of a kind experience go here.
You will eat exquisite food from exclusive of the the Andes in a form of art.
There is an option for pairing with unique vines also exclusive fir this restaurant.
The service and knowledge they provide are superb.
Yes. Is very expensive. But is a once in a life time experience we should try.
