A romantic and magnificently inviting restaurant occupying a renovated 1790s mansion on a quiet square, this is the most refined place to dine in northern Peru. Enter through a small courtyard and stunning Art Nouveau stained-glass doors. The warm dining salon is straight ahead, and off to the right is a small bar with well-chosen cafe tables and chairs. The colorful decor lives up to the restaurant's name and reeks of French colonial atmosphere -- walls are bright blue, orange, red, and yellow, and the place is brimming with large mirrors, antiques, fresh flowers, and dark wood. It looks like some cool expat's house.
The menu is an interesting mix of Peruvian and Franco-Belgian items. Starters include excellent salads, ceviches, and homemade pastas. Main courses include French brochette in three sauces, cordon bleu, and pork loin with curry pineapple sauce. But for my money, the stars are the exquisitely prepared fish dishes, such as corvina a la vasca (Basque-style sea bass) and lobster. Desserts, such as crêpes suchards (crepes with ice cream and chocolate), are also outstanding. Service lags in comparison to the food and surroundings, but you're unlikely to care. After you've dined, wander out to the courtyard past the bar to see the 12 penguins and 2 small caimans. Club Colonial is more expensive than other restaurants in northern Peru but is definitely worth it.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
