LIMA appoints Diego Recarte as head chef

LIMA, one of the pioneers of modern Peruvian dining in London, has entered a bold new era under head chef Diego Recarte.

Since opening its doors in 2012, the restaurant has become synonymous with authenticity and innovation, introducing the capital to the vibrancy and depth of Peruvian gastronomy.

Now, with Diego at the helm, LIMA unveils a refreshed menu launching on October 13, honouring its heritage while offering a fresh interpretation of Peru’s rich culinary identity.

A decade of Peruvian excellence in London

Founded by brothers Gabriel and José Luís Gonzalez, LIMA was among the first restaurants to showcase refined, contemporary Peruvian cooking in the UK.

The concept combined traditional flavours and ingredients from Peru with modern techniques and presentation, creating a bridge between Latin American culture and London’s cosmopolitan dining scene.

Between 2013 and 2018, LIMA earned a Michelin star, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s leading ambassadors of South American cuisine. More than a decade later, it remains a cornerstone of Latin dining in London, with three locations across the capital and a loyal following of chefs, food lovers, and Peruvian expatriates alike.

Diego Recarte: A new creative force

Born and raised in Peru, Diego brings both authenticity and international experience to LIMA. His early passion for food was shaped by the flavours of his homeland before formal training at the Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía in Buenos Aires and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.

His impressive résumé includes time in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Astrid y Gastón in Lima, D.O.M. in São Paulo, Enigma and Pakta in Barcelona, and the three-Michelin-starred Le Calandre in Italy.

Diego said: “For me, cooking is about storytelling. At LIMA, I want the new menu to put Peru’s incredible flavours and ingredients at the forefront, while also bringing something fresh and modern to the table for London diners. The dishes are honest, full of character, and offer something new and enticing.”

A refreshed menu blending heritage and innovation

The new menu reflects both LIMA’s evolution and Diego’s distinctive culinary voice. Dishes such as A5 wagyu tiradito with crispy potato and ají panca, and St Austell Bay mussels on toast with oyster mayo and guanciale showcase Peruvian flavours interpreted with contemporary flair.

Peru’s beloved causa is reimagined with Cornish white crab, avocado and curled endive salad, while Isle of Skye scallops feature beef fat persillade and seasonal greens. Classic staples like ceviche and lomo saltado appear with renewed depth and precision, celebrating the bold, citrus-led and umami-rich balance that defines Peruvian cuisine.

Larger sharing dishes, including Cornish octopus with kimchi and confit potatoes, catch of the day with preserved candied tomato and almond cream, and Ibérico pluma with roasted summer cabbage and plum chimichurri, highlight the menu’s versatility.

A renewed vision for LIMA

Gabriel said: “From the beginning, we wanted LIMA to be about more than just food; it was about sharing Peru’s culture, spirit, and energy with London. With Diego leading the kitchen, we’re stepping into an exciting new phase that honours that original vision while embracing his fresh ideas and innovation.”