Isolina
Peru
Isolina revives the cooking and sociable spirit of Lima's traditional taverns, with houses in Barranco and Surco. José del Castillo opened it in 2015 as a tribute to his mother, Isolina Vargas, drawing on old recipe notebooks and the generous portions of family cooking. The menu includes causa limeña, stuffed potato and ceviche with crisp fried octopus, followed by substantial dishes such as ají de gallina, lomo saltado and slowly cooked short rib with rice and beans. Offal retains a place through liver, chicken gizzards and tripe, reflecting the depth of the tavern tradition. Many main dishes are offered for sharing, alongside individual portions and cocktails.