The Cafe Bisetti Tostaduria is a Lima institution set up by Romulo Bisetti in 1958. Of Italian descent, Bisetti wanted to share great Peruvian coffee in Lima at a time when coffee quality and knowledge was limited in Peru. Fast forward 60 years, and his great grandson David has taken over the reins and transformed Bisetti into one of the leading gourmet brands of coffee in Peru.
Café Bisetti is located in the heart of Barranco just opposite the main square and is an obligatory stop for anyone who appreciates great coffee. Their coffee is purchased from various associations around Peru which are made up of small farmers who all produce excellent quality coffee. They are constantly sourcing new blends and pay a fair price for their beans ensuring that farmers get paid well and that the beans aren’t sold on the export market but are made available to Peruvians in their café.
They create their own coffee blends and have an in-house coffee lab where beans are roasted, blended and tested by their team of tasters and baristas. The blends they use are constantly changing and the blend of the day is written on a blackboard so you know what you are drinking.
Coffees include all the usual contenders including espresso, latte, cappuccino and macchiato as well as their specialty pisco coffees such as the ‘capucholo’ a blend of espresso, foamed milk, vanilla and pisco liqueur. They also have a nice selection of herbal teas and great pastries and cakes baked in-house by David’s partner Hannah.
David and his team of barista’s are extremely passionate about what they do and it shows in every cup of coffee they make. Bisetti is somewhat of a community hub and is usually buzzing with locals chatting over a cup of joe. Bisetti is a great spot to get a feel for local Barranco life in the heart of this bohemian Lima suburb.
Best of Peru Travel Recommends:
- Bisetti run coffee tasting classes for those looking to learn more about the art of coffee. Classes include a session with one of their in-house barista’s who explains how they select and taste the coffee they use in the cafes. Prices start from US$25 per person. Book in advance. Ask for ‘Tito’ to lead your class, we’ve never met anyone as passionate about coffee as this fellow!
- If you can’t make it to Bisetti you can also try the coffee at the restaurant Astrid y Gaston and in their sister Café Arabica in Larcomar or at 269 Recavarren Street in Miraflores.
