Antonio Poggi – Chef & Co-Owner
For Chef Antonio Poggi, cooking has never simply been a profession. It has always been a way of expressing love, preserving tradition, and bringing people together.
Born and raised in Peru, Antonio’s culinary journey began long before he stepped into a professional kitchen. Growing up in his family’s restaurant, he learned from an early age that the most meaningful moments in life often happen around the table. Surrounded by the aromas, flavors, and traditions of Peruvian cuisine, he developed not only a passion for cooking but a deep respect for the stories that every recipe carries.
Over the years, Antonio built a lifetime of culinary experience, contributing to the development and successful launch of several renowned restaurant concepts while continually refining his craft. Every chapter of his career has strengthened his belief that exceptional dining is about much more than food. It is about creating emotion, connection, and unforgettable memories.
That philosophy became the foundation of Lima Soul.
Together with his wife, Grisel, Antonio created Lima Soul as a heartfelt tribute to Peru, its people, and the culture that shaped him. Every dish reflects generations of tradition while embracing creativity and modern techniques, resulting in a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative.
What truly sets Antonio apart is his genuine connection with every guest. He often leaves the kitchen to personally welcome diners, share the inspiration behind his creations, and, on many evenings, surprise the restaurant with live music. His love for cooking and performing naturally come together, transforming dinner into an experience that nourishes not only the palate but also the soul.
For Antonio, every plate tells a story, every guest becomes family, and every evening at Lima Soul is an opportunity to share a little piece of Peru with the community that has welcomed him home.
Grisel Barrueto – Co-Owner & Hospitality Director
If Chef Antonio is the heart of the kitchen, Grisel Barrueto is the heart of the guest experience.
As Co-Owner and Hospitality Director of Lima Soul, Grisel has dedicated herself to creating an environment where every person who walks through the doors feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. Her philosophy is simple: hospitality is not just about service; it is about making people feel like they belong.
Born with a passion for the arts, Grisel was a professional dancer before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey. Her background in dance shaped her appreciation for creativity, discipline, and human connection, qualities that are reflected in every detail of Lima Soul. From the restaurant’s atmosphere and design to the warmth of each interaction, her artistic spirit helps create an experience that feels vibrant, elegant, and deeply personal.
Alongside her husband, Antonio, Grisel transformed a shared dream into reality by building a restaurant that celebrates far more than exceptional cuisine. Together, they envisioned a place where food, music, culture, and hospitality exist in perfect harmony, allowing guests to experience the richness of Peru through all of their senses.
Behind the scenes, Grisel oversees countless details that often go unnoticed but make all the difference. Every welcoming smile, every thoughtfully prepared table, and every guest interaction reflects her commitment to excellence and genuine care.
To Grisel, Lima Soul is more than a restaurant. It is an extension of her family, her culture, and her passion for bringing people together. Every guest who visits is welcomed not simply as a customer, but as part of the Lima Soul family, creating the kind of meaningful experiences that inspire people to return again and again.
Lima Soul Restaurant
Lima Soul is more than a restaurant. It is a celebration of Peru’s rich culinary heritage, vibrant culture, and the universal joy of gathering around a table.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Chef Antonio Poggi and Grisel Barrueto, Lima Soul was created with a simple yet meaningful vision: to share the authentic flavors, warmth, and spirit of Peru with the Frederick community while creating unforgettable dining experiences built on genuine hospitality.
After years of planning and bringing their dream to life, Lima Soul officially opened its doors on April 24, 2026, welcoming guests to experience a modern interpretation of Peru’s world-renowned cuisine in the heart of Downtown Frederick.
Every detail of Lima Soul tells a story. Inspired by Peru’s incredible biodiversity and internationally celebrated gastronomy, the menu blends time-honored recipes with contemporary techniques, showcasing fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and artistic presentation. From the first sip of a handcrafted Pisco Sour to the last bite of a signature dessert, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to honor tradition while embracing creativity.
What truly defines Lima Soul extends far beyond the food.
The restaurant was built on the belief that dining should engage all the senses. Live music, heartfelt hospitality, meaningful conversations, and personalized service transform every visit into an experience rather than simply a meal. Guests are welcomed like family, encouraged to explore Peru’s diverse culinary traditions, and invited to become part of a story rooted in passion, culture, and connection.
The name Lima Soul reflects this philosophy. It represents not only Peru’s vibrant capital city but also the soul behind every recipe, every song, every smile, and every moment shared within its walls.
At its heart, Lima Soul is the realization of a lifelong dream. It is the story of a family who believed that food has the power to unite people across cultures and generations. Every guest who walks through its doors becomes part of that story, leaving with more than an exceptional meal. They leave with a genuine connection to Peru and a place they can always call home.