Restaurant Review

Located in the historic Casa Hacienda Moreyra in San Isidro, Astrid y Gastón is one of Peru’s most celebrated restaurants and a pioneer of modern Peruvian cuisine. Founded in 1994 by Gastón Acurio and Astrid Gutsche, the restaurant has played a significant role in elevating Peruvian gastronomy onto the world stage. At the time of my visit, Astrid y Gastón was ranked the third-best restaurant in Peru and operated with six main kitchens as well as a dedicated test kitchen.

The entrance to the hacienda is impressive, setting the tone for the experience ahead. The welcome was warm and professional, with a dedicated host greeting me at reception before escorting me to my table. In my case, I was seated in a VIP dining area occupied by only a handful of other guests. While elegant, the room felt somewhat sterile due to the abundance of hard surfaces, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a private function room than the intimate ambience typically associated with fine dining. My waiter, a local Peruvian, introduced himself with confidence and professionalism. When I requested the menu, I was surprised to learn that guests are not shown it until the end of the meal, allowing each course to remain a surprise. I embraced the concept as part of the overall dining experience.

The culinary journey began with an appetiser called Spring Cocktail. It was presented in what appeared to be a traditional bowl, with dry ice creating a dramatic visual effect beneath the dish. As I also regularly use dry ice in food presentation myself, I appreciated the theatrical element. Throughout the evening, the service team demonstrated good professionalism. Each of the 15 courses was introduced with detailed explanations, and the waiter's extensive knowledge of the ingredients, preparation techniques, and story behind each dish added depth to the experience.

Every course was elegantly presented and well executed, showcasing both creativity and technical skill. For the first time in my culinary travels, I opted for the wine pairing experience. The selections complemented the dishes reasonably well, made even more engaging by the sommelier’s detailed descriptions and insights into each wine. One pairing in particular stood out: 'a beer'. Initially unexpected, it proved to be an good match for the course it accompanied, demonstrating the thought and innovation behind the beverage programme.

Overall, for my first true fine dining experience, Astrid y Gastón delivered a memorable dining experience that combined world-class cuisine, attentive service, and theatrical presentation. While the dining room lacked some of the warmth and intimacy I personally prefer, the quality of the food, wine pairings, and service more than compensated, making it a standout highlight of my visit to Peru.

Experience Score

Reservation Process: 8/10
Welcome: 8/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Room Decor: 6/10
Food Theatre: 9/10
Food Presentation: 9/10
Food Taste: 7/10
Food Portions: 8/10
Dinnerware: 9/10
Attentiveness: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Staff Knowledge: 9/10
Staff Attire: 7/10
Passion: 8/10
Sommelier: 8.5/10
Wine Pairing: 7/10
Guest Dress Std: 5/10
Value: 6/10