Peru Guide
The Jungle
Eating
1 Al Carbon Condamina 115 This is the most traditional of all restaurants in Iquitos, serving mostly meat dishes – try cechina (smoked pork) or tacacho (mashed bananas fried with bacon) – most of which are largely cooked over charcoals. Excellent salads are available, too. Opening time: Only open in the evenings
2 
Aris Burgers Prospero 127 
065/231479 Actually serving more than burgers (though these are quite delicious), including plates with a variety of river fish and even caiman meat, plus the best French fries in town. It's the most popular meeting spot in Iquitos and a bit of a landmark for taxi and motokar drivers.
3 Heladeria La Favorita Prospero 413. A roomy café specializing in juices and delicious jungle-fruit-flavoured ice creams.
4 Jungle Jim's Putumayo 168 065/235294 If you're still in the mood for alligator after your jungle trip, this is the place to get it. The newest English pub in town, Jungle Jim's serves a superb range of drinks as well as great regional cuisine. There are tables inside as well as on the street, and the place stays open as late as customers want. Accepts most major credit cards.
5 El Meson El Boulevard 065/231857 A popular restaurant serving a wide range of local dishes – try the tacacho (plantains and pork), or pescado a la Loretano (fish). It's not cheap, though a good meal can be had for well under $10, and the location is perfect, right at the heart of El Boulevard and with tables out front.
6 Nila – The Yellow Rose of Texas Putumayo 180 065/241010 Nila's serves tasty local dishes from a reasonably priced menu and the location is handy, near the plaza, with tables outside on the street. There's great coffee, friendly service and late hours (usually until 1 or 2am).
7 Pizzeria Antica on Napo, between the plaza and the Malecon 065/241988 A new Italian with an extensive and delicious menu, including good vegetarian options. Meals are served in a large space with ceiling fans and driftwood decor, and there's a nice bar on the second level.
8 El Pollon Prospero 151. A spacious restaurant and café fronting the Plaza de Armas. Popular with locals, especially at lunchtime, and serving a wide range of tasty meals, cool juices and ice creams.
9 Restaurant Fitzcarraldo Napo 100 065/ 243434 A great place, close to the nightly action and located on the corner of the Malecón in the old headquarters of the once very successful Orton Bolivian Rubber Company; it was bought from them by Fitzcarrald in 1897, just two months before he drowned on a trip into the jungle. It isn't cheap but serves some of the best salads in town plus good pastas, fish and comida criolla.
10 Restaurant Gran Maloca Sargento Lores 170 065/233126 
maloca@tvs.com.pe One of Iquitos' finest restaurants, lavishly decorated, with jungle paintings adorning the walls and a high-ceilinged, cool interior. Food is excellent, with nice jungle ice creams.
11 Restaurant El Huaralino Huallaga 490 065/223300 Some of the best comida criolla in town with great set-lunch menus; so popular with locals that it's often hard to get a table. Large and airy in a fairly central, ventilated location.
12 Royal Coffee "Me Paiche" Putumayo 133 065/ 231304 Reasonably priced and usually fairly quiet, with decent pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, plus a range of other meals, snacks and drinks. If you phone in an order, they can also deliver to your hotel.
13 El Sitio Block 4 of Sargento Lores. A very creative snack bar/restaurant, inexpensive and with delicious anticuchos, tamales, juanes and fruit juices; best to get there before 9pm, or you'll miss out on the tastiest treats.