Cusco is a fascinating city known for its rich Incan history, beautiful Andean landscapes, and breathtaking Machu Picchu. But, it’s not just about sightseeing and trekking. Cusco offers an array of culinary experiences that will tantalize your taste buds.
The city has seen a surge in the number of restaurants in recent years, offering diverse options for dining out. To help you make the best choices, we have compiled a list of the top restaurants based on our own experiences and feedback from our travelers.
Whether you’re a fan of vegan cuisine, crave pizza, traditional Peruvian dishes, seafood, or anything else, we have got you covered. We assure you that this list is not influenced by any restaurant’s affiliation, but is solely based on our opinions and the feedback we have received from our valued travelers.
List of the Best Restaurants in Cusco
LIMO Peruano Nikkei
- Interesting facts: Enjoy your food on the balcony with a view over Plaza de Armas.
- Average Price: $11-17
- Kitchen: Peruvian-Japanese fusion kitchen.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: A couple of days in advance.
- Try this: Trucha Yamimono (grilled trout in Andean chili sauce) or a variety of sushi-fusion and tiradito (Peruvian version of Sashimi).
- Atmosphere: Modern.
Chicha, by Gaston Acurio
- Interesting facts: Gaston Acurio has many restaurants all over Peru. Chicha is a great example of him being a genius in the kitchen.
- Kitchen: Peruvian.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: At least a couple of days in advance.
- Try this: You have three options to choose from 1. Chefs Menu 2. Menu a la Carte 3. Tasting Menu. From the menu, we’d recommend the grilled Octopus with pickled radish or Lomo Saltado ($14-20)
- Atmosphere: Modern.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
- Interesting facts: Offers a modern contemporary Peruvian kitchen but also delicious vegetarian options, such as Quinoa chaufa, Sacred Valley salad, or Causa vegetarian appetizer.
- Average Price: $11-15
- Kitchen: Peruvian.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: One day in advance is enough.
- Try this: Lomo Saltado (served with Quinoa and huancaina sauce) or Trout with Quinoa and Avocado.
- Atmosphere: Stylish.
Cicciolina
- Interesting facts: You can get some drinks and tapas at the bar, go with a formal dining experience or buy some fresh bread at the bakery of Cicciolina.
- Average Price: $10-20
- Kitchen: International and Peruvian dishes.
- Best time to eat: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Make a reservation for dinner at least a couple of days in advance.
- Try this: Duck prosciutto or trout ceviche; Alpaca fillet with Andean wild pesto and colorful potatoes; Scallops in dark ginger, honey, and sesame sauce.
- Atmosphere: Modern.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
- Interesting facts: It has a classy ambiance and it’s famous for its different meat dishes, such as delicious Alpaca Steak.
- Average Price: $12-22
- Kitchen: Peruvian, Latin American, Steakhouse.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Not necessary.
- Try this: Alpaca steak, Causa de alpaca, Mango & Avocado salad.
- Atmosphere: Classy.
Chia Vegan Kitchen
- Interesting facts: It is Famous for its fresh smoothies & organic coffee.
- Average Price: $4-7
- Kitchen: Pizza, Soups, South American, Vegan dishes.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Not necessary.
- Try this: Quinoa Burger; Chicharron Vegan Sandwich; Avocado Mousse Pie.
- Atmosphere: Cozy.
Green Point Vegan Restaurant
- Interesting facts: You can sign up for a cooking class where you will learn some of their recipes. Definitely try their self-brewed Kombucha – it’s delicious!
- Average Price: $7-12
- Kitchen: Vegan.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Not necessary.
- Try this: Tacu Tacu or Pad Thai.
- Atmosphere: Casual.
Nuna Raymi
- Interesting facts: They work with local companies and help out local communities in Cusco.
- Average Price: $9-15
- Kitchen: Peruvian
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Not necessary.
- Try this: Seco de Cordero Norteño from grandmother Maria; Alpaca and Tagliatelle Abancay style with 3 pieces of cheese.
- Atmosphere: Cozy & warm.
La Bodega 138
- Interesting facts: The restaurant is run by a family who used to live in the same building.
- Average Price: $7-15
- Kitchen: Italian.
- Best time to eat: Lunch & dinner.
- Reservation: Not necessary.
- Try this: Pizza La Bodega 138 (made in a clay oven), Pasta La de Huancash.
- Atmosphere: Cozy.
Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Cusco
Exploring the historical sites and treks are not the only things to enjoy while in Cusco. You can also turn each restaurant visit into a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
Fortunately, there are many dining options to choose from, and our list features some of the best restaurants in terms of food variety and quality.
One of the advantages of being in Cusco is that everything is conveniently located within walking distance, allowing you to try out different restaurants. After trying them, share your thoughts in the comments below!
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