Barranco is one of Lima’s smallest districts, but it has become one of its most influential. Known for its art scene, nightlife, and ambitious restaurants, the neighborhood has quietly positioned itself as a cultural and gastronomic reference point in the Peruvian capital. That reputation gained international attention last Saturday when Jeff Bezos, the fifth richest man in the world according to Forbes, with a net worth of 241 billion dollars, spent the day eating in Barranco.
Jeff Bezos arrived in Lima with his wife, television presenter Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The couple, who were married this past June in a ceremony attended by global entertainment figures, came to Peru to relax and explore. According to El Comercio, they traveled to the country to “enjoy themselves and see what happens in Peru.”
Their choice of Barranco was no coincidence. The district has become a center for contemporary Peruvian cuisine, attracting both local diners and international visitors interested in food, culture, and innovation.
Barranco’s Role in Lima’s Food Scene
Over the past decade, Barranco has evolved from a traditional seaside neighborhood into a hub for chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs. Streets like jirón Domeyer are now home to some of Lima’s most talked-about restaurants, combining classic Peruvian flavors with modern techniques.
This mix of tradition and experimentation is what defines Barranco’s appeal. It is informal, creative, and deeply connected to Peru’s culinary identity.
Lunch at La Perlita on Jirón Domeyer
Bezos had lunch at La Perlita, the new restaurant by chef Ricardo Martins, located on jirón Domeyer. According to El Comercio, his meal included ceviche, acebichado corn tortilla, green tamal with pork knuckle adobo, and ají de gallina with crab. He also drank pisco sour, capitán, and mistela.
La Perlita represents the type of restaurant that has helped reshape Barranco’s reputation. It focuses on recognizable dishes, but with updated presentations and careful sourcing. The visit placed another spotlight on a venue that has quickly gained attention in Lima’s competitive dining scene.
Dinner at Central, Named Best Restaurant in the World
That evening, Bezos and Sánchez dined at Central, the restaurant owned by chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pia León. Central was named the best restaurant in the world in 2023 by the 50 Best organization and is widely considered a flagship of modern Peruvian gastronomy. Martínez shared details of the dinner experience. “He ate the entire tasting menu; they had 35 preparations, small plates,” the chef said. “They also did all the pairings. He tried between 25 juices, extracts, infusions, and beverages such as ferments and wines. They experienced the full journey.”
Central’s tasting menu is structured around Peru’s ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting ingredients from different regions and altitudes across the country.
A Visit to Mater and Interest in Research
In addition to dinner, Bezos visited Mater, Central’s interdisciplinary research center. Mater studies native Peruvian ingredients and works with communities throughout the country to document biodiversity and traditional knowledge. According to Martínez, Bezos showed a strong interest in the project and spent significant time learning about its work. The visit suggested that the experience went beyond dining and into the research and educational side of Peruvian gastronomy.
The couple responded positively to the experience. “I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging [laughs], but yes, his wife was fascinated; she told the team so. Very kind people. They approached the cooks and said it had been a transformative experience,” Martínez said. He added that Bezos and Sánchez were “excited and surprised by everything Peru has to offer in terms of products.”
Martínez explained why a visit like this can have broader implications. “It’s super positive because he’s a man with enormous influence around the world,” he said. “He’s someone who has influence on many levels: economic, political, tourism-related, and in research. He’s a figure who, if he sees something good, pays attention to it, and things can be co-created or even financed if they add value. As long as Peru benefits,” Martínez told El Comercio.
For Barranco, the visit reinforced its role as a district where contemporary Peruvian cuisine, research, and culture intersect. While the neighborhood continues its daily rhythm, moments like this underline why it has become a reference point not only in Lima but increasingly on the global stage.
The Bezos help protect Peru's rainforest
In a decisive move for climate action and conservation, the couple announced in the summer of 2025 that the Bezos Earth Fund is supporting the protection of over 736,000 acres of rainforest in Peru, an area larger than New York City and Los Angeles combined.
This massive achievement not only secures protection for two vital areas of the Amazon—Velo de la Novia and Medio Putumayo-Algodón —but also sends a signal to the world that protecting nature isn't just possible; it's happening. The Bezos Earth Fund was launched in 2020, fueled by Jeff Bezos' $10 billion commitment to invest in climate and nature solutions. The goal is to deliver meaningful change within this decade.