Tierra Peru

Peru’s heavily hyped culinary invasion of the capital is concentrated in ‘W’ postcodes, so it’s refreshing to see this Islington outpost bringing its distinctive flavours to a wider audience. Tierra Peru started out as a market stall in Camden before moving here and morphing into a smart little eatery pointed up with black furniture, striking wall art and designer crockery. Ceviches naturally figure among the starters, but also look for skewered anticuchos, tamalitos wrapped in banana leaves and zingy marinated tiraditos. Mains also ring true, from majarisco (mashed green plantain mixed with seafood) to chicharrones (deep-fried pork with sweet potato chips and salsa criolla). The drinks list includes a handful of South American wines Cuzueña beer and various indigenous cocktails – not only the obligatory pisco sours, but also algarrobina (based on black carob syrup).

In the heart of Islington, Tierra Peru has been flying the flag for Peruvian cuisine since 2010. Founded by two brothers who grew up in the Huánuco region of central Peru, the restaurant is all about family cooking, using organic produce and celebrating the flavours they were raised on, often using recipes passed down from their mother.

Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to thousands of varieties of fruit and vegetables and an extraordinary range of fish. Its cuisine is equally rich, shaped by influences from Spain, China and Japan, resulting in a style of cooking that’s layered and deliciously vibrant. Tierra Peru brings that spirit to London, celebrating both tradition and the creativity of modern Peruvian food.

The menu is bursting with options, opening with starters such as Leche de Tigre which brings together citrus-based marinaded fish served in three spicy shots as well as tamalito de pollo o cerdo, ground corn mash steamed in banana leaves and filled with chicken or pork. There’s a focus on freshness and balance, particularly at the ceviche bar, where dishes like ceviche al olivo pair fish marinated in green lime juice with garlic, ginger and Peruvian black botija olive cream.

Mains highlight traditional favourites. Chicharrón delivers deep-fried pork marinated in aromatic herbs, served alongside sweetcorn, sweet potato, fried cassava, garlic and salsa. For those keen to explore more widely, the build-your-own Peruvian bento box offers three dishes with aromatic rice and a special sauce, creating a personalised journey across the menu that's also perfect for taking away. We'd recommend trying the chef's specials, though, which are directed by the brother's favourites. 

If cocktails are your thing, prepare to get excited about a colourful, Peruvian take. While a Pisco Sour is a natural choice, the Inka Libre with Cartavio rum, lime and coke offers a lively alternative or the Peruvian mojito which combines rum, lime, mint and ginger for a fresh finish on a classic. Tierra Peru also serves authentic Peruvian drinks like Cusqueña, Pilsen Callao and Inca Kola.