Lima Fitzrovia appoints Diego Recarte as head chef

Peruvian restaurant Lima Fitzrovia has appointed Diego Recarte as head chef as it prepares to unveil a refreshed menu from 13 October.

Recarte, who trained at the Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía in Buenos Aires and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, has previously worked at a number of internationally recognised restaurants including Astrid y Gastón in Lima, D.O.M. in São Paulo, Enigma and Pakta in Barcelona, and Le Calandre in Italy.

Founded in 2012 by brothers Gabriel and José Luís Gonzalez, Lima was among the first restaurants to introduce modern Peruvian cuisine to London. It held a Michelin star between 2013 and 2018 and now operates three sites across the capital.

Recarte said: “At Lima, I want the new menu to put Peru’s incredible flavours and ingredients at the forefront, while also bringing something fresh and modern to the table for London diners. The dishes are honest, full of character, and offer something new and enticing.”

The debut menu features dishes including A5 Wagyu Tiradito with crispy potato and ají panca, St Austell Bay mussels on toast with oyster mayo and guanciale, and a reimagined causa with Cornish white crab, avocado and curled endive salad.

Larger plates include Cornish octopus with kimchi and confit potatoes, catch of the day with preserved candied tomato and almond cream, and Ibérico pluma with roasted summer cabbage and plum chimichurri.

Lima said the new menu continues to emphasise sustainability and seasonality, with ingredients sourced from both Peruvian growers and UK suppliers.

The drinks list will focus on pisco-based cocktails, seasonal spritzes and wines selected to complement the kitchen’s flavours.

Founder Gabriel Gonzalez added: “From the beginning, we wanted Lima to be about more than just food; it was about sharing Peru’s culture, spirit, and energy with London. With Diego leading the kitchen, we’re stepping into an exciting new phase that honours that original vision while embracing his fresh ideas and innovation.”

After more than a decade in operation, the restaurant said it remains focused on showcasing Peruvian gastronomy to London audiences.