El Bolivariano Restaurant

Set in a historic estate dating back to the 18th century, El Bolivariano Restaurant aims to preserve and promote the tradition of Peruvian Creole cuisine. The restaurant offers a delightful ambiance that complements its dedication to serving authentic Creole dishes.

Written by: Diego Rios

Published on: 25/06/2025

El Bolivariano is a restaurant located in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima, renowned for its rich history that dates back to the 1780s, when its construction began. The restaurant was later bought by an Italian immigrant who established the Queirolo brand.

Old copper still and ceramic jugs
Antique stills and ceramic wine jugs

If you want to experience the authentic flavours of Peru and enjoy a taste of history, El Bolivariano is the perfect destination. This amazing restaurant offers more than just food; it embodies family, tradition, and the stories shared over a delicious plate of lomo saltado or a perfectly made pisco sour.

Housed in a stunning 18th-century colonial building, El Bolivariano is a rare place where the echoes of the past resonate in the walls and flavour every dish. Originally, the building was part of a Franciscan convent’s orchard.

When founders Angelo de Barbieri and Santiago Queirolo opened the restaurant in 1990, their mission was to revive the spirit of the old “Rinconcito Bolivariano,” a gathering place for families, where music fills the air, and food is always prepared with love.

Travel Tip: Combine a visit to the Museo Larco with lunch or dinner at El Bolivariano.

El Bolivariano is a slice of Lima’s History

El Bolivariano was created with the intention of celebrating and preserving Peru’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. This restaurant serves as a tribute to Lima’s historical flavours. It seeks to provide customers with an experience that highlights the best of Peruvian cuisine.

The owners envisioned a welcoming space where Lima’s criollo traditions (simple yet flavorful dishes handed down through generations) could thrive and be appreciated.

Ceviche carretillero and Piqueo Bolivariano (shared plate that includes anticuchos, tamales, chicharron and boliyucas) at Bolivariano Restaurant Pueblo Libre

From its beginning, El Bolivariano has tried to do more than just serve food. And it seeks to maintain a vital piece of Lima’s identity. Despite the city’s continuous evolution, the restaurant stands as an entity in the importance of traditional Peruvian cuisine.

By offering classic dishes like lomo saltado and ají de gallina in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, El Bolivariano creates an inviting environment; where every visit feels like a meaningful journey into the past.

Food That Feels Like Home

What’s on the menu? You’ll find everything you’d expect from an authentic Peruvian kitchen. Enjoy juicy lomo saltado, creamy ají de gallina, rich carapulcra, and crispy tacu tacu. Their breakfasts are also a favourite, featuring tamales, chicharrones, lomito al jugo, and fresh bread.

On weekends, their criollo shared plates have become a beloved local tradition. Feeling thirsty? Look at the drinks menu for a classic pisco sour or a refreshing chilcano. There’s often live music on the weekends to enhance your experience while you enjoy your drink, adding to the cozy, celebratory atmosphere.

History in Every Corner at El Bolivariano

El Bolivariano offers a unique experience that extends beyond its delicious food; the atmosphere is truly captivating. Each room in the restaurant serves as a mini museum, showcasing antiques, family photos, vintage radios, and various treasures that reflect Lima’s rich history.

The original adobe walls and wooden beams add to the warm, rustic charm. While the outdoor pergola provides an inviting setting for enjoying a meal on a sunny afternoon. This combination of elements creates a delightful dining experience.

Whether you’re exploring for the first time or are a longtime Limeño, El Bolivariano offers an amazing opportunity to experience Peruvian culture, flavours, and cherished family traditions.

Be sure to come with an appetite and you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal. But also leave with a sense of fulfilment and connection to the community.

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