Mérito
Venezuelan and Peruvian flavors dance an exquisite pas de deux at this tiny, brick-walled tavern on a Barranco back street. The choreography is provided by chef Juan Luis Martínez, a Central veteran who renders homage to his Caracas roots while making expert use of Peruvian ingredients, including scallops, huacatay (black mint), and cocona (an Amazon fruit). Among the recent standouts on the ever-changing menu: roasted Peruvian corn in yellow chili and glazed pork belly with arepas. In 2023, the restaurant made San Pellegrino's list of Latin America's 50 Best, so reserve well in advance if you want a ground-floor seat to watch the open-kitchen pyrotechnics.
