We loved Lima Floral from the moment we walked in. The room was airy and artfully put together, without feeling overly engineered. Bursts of teal popped against gleaming white brickwork, while an enormous mural and distinctive, sculptured wall added just the right touch of bonkers, vibrant styling.
Each plate looked dreamy too, and every mouthful was laced with unfamiliar ingredients. Portions weren’t enormous, but deeply satisfying nonetheless. Salmon with blue potatoes and ‘crazy pea’ - whatever the latter may be - was 'the best starter ever’, apparently. My avocado mousse combined luscious new flavours and textures but lacked a source of crunch. (The accompanying purple cornbread was tasty, but on the soft side).
I lucked out with the mains, as suckling pig was good, but not as stonkingly fine as my chicken with white corn and black quinoa. All this was washed down with a beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir, although white wine or a pisco sour might have been a better food match.
Pudding - a bowl of 'suspiro ardiente' - was controversial. I enjoyed the coconut and caramel flavours of dulce de leche and lucuma, but my other half was appalled by the peculiar texture; think Iles Flotante, dusted with spiced beetroot. (Admittedly it was pretty weird, but that didn't stop me polishing off the lot).
An appealing hubbub and spritely service ensured we left with our cockles warmed. There are cheaper places to try exotic cuisine, but Lima Floral feels special and shows off Peru's finest very well indeed. Every dish packs a punch with beguiling flavours and considered composition, while the surroundings are just plain lush.
Mains loiter around the £25 mark, but you can take the sting out with BOGOF cocktails (currently midweek, 5.30pm 'til 7.30pm) in the Pisco Bar downstairs. Well worth it for an aperitif before a magnificent meal.