Cusco is both a cultural capital and a culinary hub. Located high in the Andes, it combines ancient Andean ingredients (potatoes, quinoa, alpaca) with Spanish, Asian, and modern techniques. For many visitors, the food is as unforgettable as the ruins of Machu Picchu. This guide helps you choose restaurants by style and budget, explains which local dishes you should try, and offers practical tips for making reservations, eating safely, and enjoying every meal.
Where to Eat in Cusco:
If you’re wondering where to eat in Cusco, begin near the Plaza de Armas, the historic center, where you’ll find most of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, and bars. The area is not only beautiful but also safe and easy to walk around.
Where to Eat in Cusco
Just a short walk uphill from Cusco’s main square is the charming neighborhood of San Blas, a true paradise for foodies. This picturesque area is known for its cozy local restaurants, beautiful art galleries, and romantic terraces offering breathtaking views of the Andes. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a great meal, and soak up the creative atmosphere of Cusco.
If you venture away from the tourist spots, you’ll find where the locals really eat: in cozy family-run picanterías. These simple places serve generous portions of hearty, home-cooked dishes, bursting with authentic Andean flavor. This is the real home cooking of Cusco: no frills, just incredible taste.
Here is an overview of the best culinary experiences in Cusco by category
The Best Gourmet Restaurants in Cusco
If you’re looking for fine dining in Cusco, expect creative presentations, local ingredients with an international flair, and impeccable service. These restaurants are perfect for special occasions or travelers who want to try modern Peruvian cuisine at high altitudes.
1) Chicha by Gastón Acurio
Location: Plaza Regocijo
Cuisine: modern Peruvian cuisine
Founded by Peruvian chef, Gastón Acurio, Chicha celebrates the best regional ingredients quinoa, alpaca, corn, and trout, using modern techniques. The dishes are beautifully presented, the service is top-notch, and the flavors are bold yet refined.
Must-try: Alpaca steak, trout ceviche, and corn tamales.
Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd Floor, Cusco, Peru
29) Limo
Location: Plaza de Armas (balcony with a view)
Cuisine: Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion)
Known for its exceptional ceviches and sushi rolls, Limo offers a stylish dining experience with panoramic views of the main square. It’s a favorite for seafood lovers seeking freshness in the high Andes.
Must-try: Amazonian ceviche with passion fruit and tiger milk sauce.
Address:Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd Floor, Plaza de Armas, Cusco 08002, Peru
3) Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
Location: Calle Palacio
Cuisine: Andean grill
Uchu is a cozy, elegant steakhouse specializing in meat dishes cooked on volcanic stone. The presentation is impressive sizzling plates are served at the table—and the seasoning strikes a perfect balance between traditional Andean herbs and modern style.
Must-try: Alpaca steak or beef fillet with local potatoes.
Address: Calle Palacio 135, Historic Center, Cusco
4) Cicciolina
Location: Calle Triunfo
Cuisine: Mediterranean fusion
A legendary restaurant in Cusco that combines Peruvian ingredients with Mediterranean influences. With its cozy atmosphere and open kitchen, Cicciolina is ideal for couples or friends who enjoy sharing small dishes.
Must-try: The tapas selection and homemade pasta dishes.
Address: Calle Palacio 110, 2nd Floor, Cusco 08002, Peru
5) Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Location: Calle Plateros, Cusco
Cuisine: Contemporary Peruvian cuisine
Morena Peruvian Kitchen offers traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. Just a few steps from Cusco’s main square, this popular restaurant is known for its lively décor, friendly service, and beautifully presented dishes that reflect the diversity of Peru’s regions, from the Andes to the Amazon.
Must-try: The quinoa risotto with Andean cheese, trout ceviche, and lomo saltado with a gourmet touch.
Address:Procuradores 320, corner of Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Traditional Cusqueñan Cuisine & icanterías
If you want to eat like a local, visit Cusco’s picanterías, where you’ll find recipes that have been passed down for centuries. The meals here are hearty, spicy, and full of character. These establishments often serve a “menu del día” (lunch menu) — soup, a main course, and a drink — at a very reasonable price.
Pachapapa
Location: San Blas
Pachapapa offers one of the most authentic culinary experiences in Cusco. The open-air courtyard, clay oven, and traditional décor make you feel like you are a guest in a local private home.
Must-try: Cuy al horno (roast guinea pig), wood-fired pizza, and Andean soups.
Picantería La Cusqueñísima
Location: Wanchaq district
A popular place where even the locals of Cusco like to eat. La Cusqueñísima is known for its adobo, chairo soup, and other homemade stews.
Must-try: Adobo de cerdo (pork stew) and chairo soup.
Quinta Eulalia
Location: Av. Choquechaca
Quinta Eulalia has been around for over 60 years and remains one of the most traditional picanterías in the city. The meals here are hearty and affordable—expect loud conversations, large portions, and incredible local flavor.
Must-try: Chuño collation and chicharrón with mote (corn).
Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Cusco
Due to Cusco’s high altitude, light meals are particularly popular, and the city has embraced healthy eating with several vegetarian and vegan restaurants offering organic, fresh, and colorful dishes.
Green Point
Green Point, near the plaza de San Blas, is one of the best vegan restaurants in Peru. All dishes are 100% plant-based and full of flavor even non-vegans love it. The menu offer creative dishes, smoothies, and desserts made with local ingredients.
Must-try: Vegan lasagna, quinoa burgers, and cocoa mousse.
Organika
Located right on the Plaza de Armas, Organika serves dishes made with ingredients grown on its own organic farm in the Sacred Valley.
Must-try: avocado salad, trout with Andean herbs, and passion fruit lemonade.
Ofrenda
A little gem in the heart of Cusco that focuses on vegetarian and holistic cuisine. The peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for those who want to relax after a busy day in the city.
Must-try: Buddha bowls, herbal teas, and natural juices.
Casual Cafés & Local Favorites
Not every meal has to be fancy. Cusco is full of charming cafés and affordable restaurants where you can enjoy coffee, breakfast, or a quick bite between tours.
Jack’s Café
Location: Corner of Choquechaca and Cuesta San Blas
A café popular with expats, serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and coffee all day long. Ideal for travelers longing for a taste of home.
Must-try: Pancakes, avocado toast, and the famous “big breakfast.”
La Bohème Crêperie
A French-inspired crêperie with a Peruvian twist. The sweet and savory crêpes are delicious, and the cozy atmosphere makes it one of the most popular restaurants in San Blas.
Must-try :Crêpe with cheese and spinach or banana and Nutella.
Café Ayllu
Ayllu is one of the oldest cafés in Cusco and has been frequented by locals since the 1970s. It is known for its pastries, empanadas, and hot chocolate and is a nostalgic place for a quick snack.
Must-Try Dishes in Cusco
No restaurant guide would be complete without mentioning Cusco’s typical dishes. Here are some culinary experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Cuy al horno: Traditionally roasted guinea pig, a dish deeply rooted in Andean culture.
Chairo soup: A warming soup made with lamb, potatoes, and chuño (freeze-dried potatoes).
Adobo de chancho: A spicy pork stew, slowly cooked in chicha de jora (fermented corn beer).
Pachamanca: A feast prepared underground with hot stones—potatoes, corn, and meat with herbs.
Trucha Andina: Fresh trout from the Sacred Valley, grilled or baked, usually served with vegetables.
Quinoa risotto or chaufa: A local variation of Peruvian-Chinese fried rice, prepared with Andean grains.
Each dish tells a story – of Peru’s altitude, history and connection to the land.
Tips for Safe & Smart Eating in Cusco
- Eat lightly on your first day: At an altitude of 3,400 meters, the altitude can affect digestion. Avoid heavy meals on your first day and drink plenty of fluids.
- Choose well-frequented restaurants: Restaurants with high customer traffic guarantee fresher ingredients and better hygiene.
- Make reservations in advance: Popular restaurants such as Chicha, Limo, and Cicciolina are often fully booked during the high season (May to September).
- Payment and tipping: Most restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller restaurants prefer cash. A tip of 10% is customary for good service, ( Not sure how much to tip in restaurants in Peru? Here’s everything you need to know about the tipping culture in Peru)
- Try local drinks: Don’t miss Chicha Morada (purple corn juice), Mate de Coca (coca leaf tea) or a Pisco Sour Peru’s legendary cocktail.
Still wondering what to eat in Cusco? Don’t miss our guide to the must-try local dishes in Cusco.
Conclusion: Cusco, where to eat
Eating in Cusco is much more than just filling your stomach: eating in Cusco is a complete cultural experience. Every corner of the city has its own flavor, from cozy cafes tucked away in colonial streets to elegant restaurants serving innovative Andean cuisine. Whether you prefer traditional home-style meals, modern interpretations of classic dishes, or fusion cuisine, Cusco has something to satisfy every taste.
The food here tells a story: its people, its traditions, and its connection to Mother Earth. Local ingredients such as quinoa, corn, potatoes, and trout come to life in ways that surprise even the most seasoned travelers. And it’s not just about what’s on your plate, but also the atmosphere you’re in: the music, the views, and the warmth of Peruvian hospitality make every meal memorable.
So, when you’re in Cusco, take your time to explore, taste, and enjoy. Follow your senses, try something new, and let the city’s culinary scene be part of your adventure. Because in Cusco, every meal feels like a celebration of Peru itself.
