Mayta, one of Lima's 50 Best Restaurants: Highlights & Disappointments

I checked out Mayta, ranked 39th in the world. I previously had a great experience at Frantzén in Sweden, ranked 38th, so I had high expectations for the Mayta Experience: a 10-course meal for 998 sol plus a non-alcoholic pairing for 395 sol. The ingredients felt very natural and down-to-earth, and each dish was beautifully presented like a small work of art. The final bill, including tip, was 1650 sol per person, which felt overpriced. I'd recommend skipping the pairing. 🌿Atmosphere The restaurant has a natural Amazonian style, with a mix of wood, stone, and brick wall panels and furniture with a rough texture. There are rope-knotted curtains and green plants everywhere. Our table was made from a single piece of natural stone, creating a very atmospheric ambiance. 💁🏻‍♂️Service The service was very attentive: during the meal, two servers simultaneously delivered each dish, their movements precise and pleasing to the eye. This attention to detail is a plus. ❌First, let's talk about the disappointments: Hot dishes + desserts 1. Duck, loche, nir rice, chicha de jora This was truly disappointing—the duck rice was incredibly salty, the seasoning was completely unbalanced, and you can easily find this kind of duck rice in any ordinary Peruvian restaurant. As a fine dining dish, it lacked both originality and flavor; it was a bit of a letdown. 2. Cocona, lulo, sachatomate It used local Peruvian sour fruit, which was overly sour. I can handle sour things, but this was both sour and icy; one bite gave me goosebumps. I was completely helpless. 3. Beterraga, cacao, ayrampo The combination of beetroot and cocoa was a bit jarring in both taste and texture. My friend and I didn't really enjoy it. I personally don't like beets; they have a somewhat earthy taste. ✅Cold Dishes + Mushroom Series + Finishing Appetizers 1. Shrimp (Cold Dish): The raw shrimp is fresh and bouncy, the smooth whey coating a hint of rocoto chili spiciness. One bite delivers the freshness of the Peruvian coast – a taste you'll remember for a long time. 2. Mushroom Soup: The clear mushroom soup is incredibly delicious! The initial taste is rich yet refreshingly mushroomy, without any heaviness. The accompanying mushroom drink is even more amazing. 3. Dark Mushroom Balls: The outer shell has a chewy mochi texture, and biting into it reveals a filling of chopped, tender mushrooms, filling your mouth with the freshness of mushrooms. 4. Refreshing Chocolate Snack: The white, small pastry shell is coated with delicate edible clay, and biting into it reveals silky chocolate. The novel and refreshing texture perfectly soothes the initial taste bud stimulation. 🥤Pairing: I ordered the non-alcoholic version. The non-alcoholic pairing performed quite well with the cold dishes, but it became quite stimulating with the hot dishes. But that green drink, with Peruvian chili peppers added, was sour and spicy that it was enough to make anyone want to die.