An internationally acclaimed temple of homestyle Criollo comfort food created by chef José del Castillo in honor of his mother Isolina, this vibrant tavern is housed in a handsome 1906 Republican-era mansion in Barranco. Ranked consistently on Latin America''s 50 Best, Isolina revives the generous, slow-simmered tavern cooking of old Lima served in massive enamel dishes designed for sharing: colossal *Seco de Res* (beef shank braised in cilantro and chicha de jora with giant pallar beans), crispy *Pan con Pejerrey* (crispy silverside fish sandwich), rich *Cau Cau*, and ice-cold Chilcanos.
Good to Know
Cuisine: Traditional Old Lima Criollo Tavern & Ancestral Slow-Simmered Comforts
Dining Style: Bustling 1906 Republican Mansion Tavern with Enamel Platters
Dietary Focus: Monumental Seco de Res with Pallares, Pan con Pejerrey & Ossobuco
Reservations: Essential / Large queues form daily for lunch
Best For: Authentic Homestyle Lima Feasts, Sharing Enamel Dishes, Vibrant Vibe
Menu Pricing
Colossal Seco de Res (Braised Beef Shank) with Giant Pallar Beans: 78–115 PEN
The Famous Pan con Pejerrey (Crispy Silverside Fish Sandwich): 28–38 PEN
Traditional Cau Cau con Sangrecita (Tripe & Potato Stew): 48–68 PEN
Frosty Liter Pitcher of Chilcano de Pisco / Cold Pilsen Callao: 24–48 PEN
Colossal Seco de Asado de Tira with Creamy Ica Pallar Beans and White Rice
Giant bone-in beef short rib braised for hours in dark beer, cilantro purée, yellow aji chili, and chicha de jora until fork-tender, served over creamy buttered giant Ica pallar beans and white rice in a vintage enamel dish.
78–115 PEN · Halal, Gluten-free
Famous Food, Drinks & Activities
Seco de Res and tavern Chilcanos in Barranco at Isolina.
Famous Food: The colossal Seco de Res with pallar beans and the crispy Pan con Pejerrey
Famous Drinks: Classic Chilcano de Pisco poured from frosty pitchers
Must-Try Experience: Sharing massive enamel platters of slow-cooked Lima comfort food in the high-energy republican tavern dining room
Getting There
Located on Av. San Martín 101 in Barranco; 5 min walk from Plaza Mayor.
Pedestrian walk / taxi · 5 min walk
Barranco Street Murals & Dédalo Art Mansion → Tavern Feast at Isolina
11:30: Browse the Peruvian artisan design workshops at Dédalo Arte in Barranco → 13:00: Settle into Isolina for a legendary family-style feast of Seco de Res and frosty Chilcanos
Portions are huge; come with friends and share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the portions big?
Yes, dishes are served in massive traditional enamel platters specifically intended for 2 to 3 people to share.
Is it open daily?
Open Monday to Saturday (12:30–22:30/23:00); Sundays open for lunch (12:30–17:00).
What payments are accepted?
Peruvian Soles (PEN), US Dollars (USD), and all credit cards.
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