If you’ve never tried pollo a la brasa, this ultra-flavorful rotisserie roasted chicken served with fries, salad, and incredible cremas (spicy sauces) is going to blow your mind.
Peru’s famous chicken dish is an explosion of flavor and a favorite of many, many tourists, visitors, and Peruvians (it’s one of my favorite dishes OF ALL TIME).
After trying many delicious pollo a la brasa spots in Peru, I was thrilled to see that a few of my favorites had made it into the top seven best pollos a la brasa during the recent 2026 Premios SUMMUM. This is a huge achievement for the winning restaurants, since SUMMUM is Peru’s most prestigious and highly respected culinary ranking.
SUMMUM is serious about showcasing the best of Peruvian gastronomy. Their thorough selection process chooses winners based on independent market research, expert panels of food critics, culinary journalists, and foodies, and of course, public consensus.
But before we get into the top seven, there are a few things you need to know about this delicious Peruvian dish.
What To Know Before You Try Pollo a la Brasa in Peru:
In Peru, eating pollo a la brasa is a culinary ritual. Every (good) place serves it the same way: a portion of rotisserie chicken, crispy french fries, a green salad, and the sauces. If something’s in that lineup is missing, call the culinary police.
And, make sure you’ve got these pollo a la brasa basics down before your trip to Lima:
Pollo a la brasa is traditionally a dinner dish. Ceviche is a lunch dish, and pollo a la brasa, is typically only served at dinner (although personally, I’d eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if given the chance). Thankfully, many of the restaurants listed here serve it for lunch as well.
It’s best paired with Inca Cola or chicha morada (the sweet purple corn drink). Move aside, Coke zero, we’re in Peruvian territory now. This is a non-negotiable.
Order by the quarter; plan on ¼ chicken per person. When you order pollo a la brasa, you order it by quarters. If you order a ¼ chicken, they’ll ask you if you prefer pecho (chicken breast) o pierna (drumstick). Pecho all the way, baby.