The Restaurant That Has Captivated Princess Leonor in Peru: Surprising Prices

During her training journey aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, Princess Leonor experienced a gastronomic adventure that did not go unnoticed. The princess visited Lima due to the ship's stopover in Peru, where she took the opportunity to explore the city and enjoy its cuisine. Among her plans was a double visit to one of the capital's most iconic restaurants.

Princess Leonor went to Isolina, a traditional tavern located in the Barranco neighborhood, on San Martín Avenue. She did so on Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, accompanied by several shipmates. The choice was not random: the place is famous for its reinterpretation of classic Creole recipes with a modern twist.

The Peruvian magazine Cosas was responsible for revealing the details of this culinary getaway. According to their information, the princess was delighted with the local flavors from the first day. That's why she didn't hesitate to return to the same restaurant to repeat the experience the next day.

During her meals at Isolina, Leonor chose some of the most representative dishes of the Creole recipe book. She tasted a lomo saltado, tiradito al ají amarillo, and arroz tapado, three preparations with deeply Peruvian roots. These are recipes that the restaurant faithfully rescues, evoking home cooking from past generations.

The lomo saltado, priced at 93 soles (about 22 euros), is prepared with sautéed meat, onion, tomato, and ají amarillo. The technique involves cooking at very high heat to achieve a characteristic smoky flavor. This dish is usually served in generous portions, ideal for sharing.

The tiradito al ají amarillo, meanwhile, costs 79 soles (around 18 euros) and combines slices of raw fish with a smooth yet spicy emulsion. It is a refreshing and tasty dish that stands out for its balance between acidity and creaminess. The touch of ají adds personality without being excessive.

As for the arroz tapado, priced at 63 soles (about 15 euros), it is a recipe with strong homemade roots. It consists of a rice cake filled with stewed meat, raisins, olives, and egg. Isolina also adds fried plantain, which brings sweetness and texture to the ensemble.

The Isolina Restaurant: Family Tradition and Limean Soul

The restaurant that captivated Princess Leonor is not the result of chance, but of a story that dates back several decades. Its creator, chef José del Castillo, opened Isolina in 2015 as a tribute to his mother and the most authentic Peruvian cuisine. The name of the place directly refers to Isolina Vargas, who founded the restaurant La Red in 1981.

Del Castillo inherited a love for cooking and traditional flavors. His intention was to rescue those recipes that were passed down from generation to generation, written in family notebooks. Through his cuisine, he seeks to preserve a gastronomic identity that had been lost over time.

Today, Isolina has two locations: the original in Barranco and a second in the Surco district, specifically on El Polo Avenue. Both spaces share a cozy aesthetic and a relaxed atmosphere. There, guests are invited to eat without haste, celebrate gatherings at the table, and enjoy every bite freely.

Princess Leonor Enjoys Peru

One of the details that has attracted the most attention during these visits was the princess's demeanor in the restaurant. According to witnesses cited by Peruvian media, Leonor behaved with discretion and kindness, avoiding any privilege due to her status. She was the one who took care of paying the bill on both occasions.

This gesture reinforces the image of closeness projected by the Princess of Asturias. It is not the first time she has shown her desire to act independently in public or private events. In this case, she made it clear that she doesn't accept invitations when it comes to a group meal.

The gesture has been widely commented on, both for its symbolism and for the naturalness with which it occurred. Instead of resorting to assistants or protocols, Princess Leonor assumed her role as just another young person in the group with normalcy. Her presence went almost unnoticed by most of the restaurant's diners.

A Stopover That Leaves a Mark

The visit to Isolina was not just a simple lunch for Leonor, but a moment of cultural immersion in a country with a strong gastronomic identity. Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the richest and most varied in the world, and this experience allowed the princess to know it firsthand. The warm reception of the place, combined with the quality of its dishes, made the experience a memorable memory.

This stop in Lima was part of the route of the Juan Sebastián Elcano ship through South America. Before arriving in Peru, the vessel had already docked in ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. After her stay in Lima, Princess Leonor is scheduled to continue the journey to Panama.

The training aboard the ship is an essential part of the military instruction plan that Leonor is completing. These stopovers provide a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, strengthen international ties, and experience firsthand the diversity of the Hispanic world. This time, Peru also offered her direct contact with its culinary heritage.