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Mérito

Lima

Bringing the flavours of Peru and Venezuela together

On the Pass

Juan Luis Martínez

Tell me all about it: Combining produce from the surrounding area with flashes and memories of his country of origin, chef Juan Luis Martínez unites the cuisines of Peru and his native Venezuela at Mérito.

What to order: Try the scallops, sanky (similar to a prickly pear) and jalapeño; fish tartare with green tomato, huacatay (black mint) and matured cheese; or white fish and cocona citrus fruit.

And for dessert? For the perfect ending to your meal, opt for the Peruvian chocolate rock, Mérito’s signature dessert. Or if it's the right time of year, make sure to order the grilled custard apple.

A note on the chef: Martínez, who hails from Caracas and studied at La Casserole du Chef, opened Mérito in 2018. The two-floor restaurant is set in the heart of the fashionable Barranco neighbourhood and is a favourite with locals.

Topped with a tipple: To enjoy a meal with a little extra panache, browse Mérito’s bespoke cocktail selection: favourites include the Cinnamon Spice, a concoction of pisco macerated with cinnamon and apple liqueur, and the Coconut Anise, made with rum, coconut liqueur and passion fruit.

Other ventures: During the pandemic, Martínez created Demo, a delivery initiative serving some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.  In late 2020, he expanded the premises: Demo is still open, now as a casual café serving coffees and baked goods.

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