The Best Restaurants in Cusco: Definitive Guide to Local and Fine Dining for Your Trip

The Unique Gastronomic Scene of Cusco

If you think Cusco is only about Machu Picchu and cobblestone streets, get ready to be surprised. This city, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, is a feast for the senses. From the aromas emanating from the stalls in local markets to the culinary creations of luxury restaurants, Cusqueñan gastronomy is a journey worth taking.

On my last visit, I ventured to try oven-roasted cuy, lomo saltado, and even wood-fired pizzas in the charming neighborhood of San Blas. I loved noticing how the quality has evolved; you no longer have to settle for tourist menus. Here, you can dine like a king, adapting your choice to your budget.

The trick is knowing where to go. This guide presents my favorite places, organized by category: luxury with a view, hidden gems, and budget-friendly options. Plus, at the end, I share practical tips that will help you enjoy without a hitch. Let's dive in!

Top 5 Luxury Restaurants with a View

If you're looking for a memorable experience to cap off a day of exploration, these restaurants will leave you speechless. Although they are popular among tourists and locals alike, the fame is more than justified.

1. Cicciolina

Located at Calle Triunfo 393, just half a block from the Plaza de Armas, Cicciolina is a classic for both locals and visitors. This place combines a tavern on the ground floor with an elegant dining room upstairs. The atmosphere invites you to relax, especially at the bar, where you could easily linger for a while.

Its specialty is Peruvian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The lomo saltado here is exceptional, but if you're feeling adventurous, try the alpaca risotto. It's a soft and delicious way to experience a local ingredient. Prices are a bit higher for Cusco: main courses between 60 and 90 soles (16 to 24 USD), but it's worth it.

Tip: better to go for lunch. They have a more affordable executive menu, and the natural light highlights the beauty of the place. I recommend booking, especially on weekends.

2. Tunupa

Situated on the corner of the Plaza de Armas, at Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 160, Tunupa is known for its impressive view and Andean buffet. But don't be fooled by the term "buffet": nothing here is reheated. The beef ribs are legendary, and many travelers claim it's the best they've tried in Peru.

The atmosphere is elegant, with white tablecloths and impeccable service. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, prices range from 70 to 120 soles per person (19 to 32 USD) if you choose à la carte. The lunch buffet is a more accessible option.

Insider Tip: Ask the waiter about the legend of Tunupa, an Andean deity. And make sure to be there for sunset; the views are stunning.

3. Morena

Also on the Plaza de Armas, Morena is the perfect choice if you're looking for signature cuisine. Its menu changes with the seasons, offering creative reinterpretations of Peruvian classics. Don't miss their lomo saltado with quinoa and cheese, a dish that combines textures and flavors spectacularly.

The space is modern, and its cocktail bar is a must. The pisco sours are among the best in Cusco, made with quebranta grape pisco. Prices are similar to Cicciolina: between 60 and 100 soles per main course.

Tip: If you want to impress someone or simply treat yourself, this is the place. The chef usually comes out to greet diners, which adds a special touch.

4. Chicha by Gastón Acurio

Yes, the famous chef Gastón Acurio has his place in Cusco. Chicha is located at Calle Plaza Regocijo 261, one block from the Plaza. Its proposal of contemporary Peruvian cuisine with Andean ingredients is a delight. The cuy chactado is a star dish, but if you're new to it, start with the causa rellena or ají de gallina.

The atmosphere is more relaxed, with colorful decor that pays homage to Peru's diverse cultures. Prices are medium-high: main courses between 45 and 80 soles (12 to 21 USD). The service is excellent, and the staff will guide you in your choice.

Tip: If you're hungry, order the tasting menu. It will allow you to enjoy a variety of small dishes, the best way to understand Gastón's philosophy.

5. La Quinta Eulalia

A recommendation from a local friend, La Quinta Eulalia is at Avenida Tullumayo 174. The experience can be variable, but it's worth it if you have a bit of patience. In a restored colonial mansion, the interior courtyard is a peaceful haven.

Here you'll find classic Peruvian cuisine: pachamanca, chicharrón, and adobo. The only downside is that service can be slow, especially on weekends. However, if you go on a weekday and without rushing, you'll enjoy an authentic and delicious meal.

Prices are medium: between 30 and 60 soles per dish, making it an excellent option if you want to try traditional food without breaking the bank.

Hidden Gems and Budget-Friendly Options

In Cusco, you can enjoy excellent eateries without spending a fortune. Some of the city's best flavors are found in markets and small restaurants where locals eat daily. Perfect for those traveling on a tight budget or simply wanting to enjoy authentic Cusqueñan food.

6. Mercado San Pedro

The Mercado Central de San Pedro is a vibrant experience just a five-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, at the intersection of Cascaparo and Tupac Amaru streets. Here, the aromas and colors of the stalls invite you to discover authentic flavors from breakfast to full lunches.

My favorites are the juices: for 5 soles (1.30 USD) you can enjoy a fresh papaya, passion fruit, or aguaymanto juice. After exploring, there's no better energy boost. You'll also find ceviche, chicharrón, and the famous "menú del día": soup, main course, and a drink for 10 to 15 soles (2.50 to 4 USD).

Fun fact: the market was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Look for Doña Julia's stall, known for its chicken broth, ideal for curing altitude sickness.

7. Mercado de San Blas

Much smaller than San Pedro, the San Blas market is in the heart of the bohemian neighborhood. Here, most are locals coming to buy fresh vegetables and meats. On the second floor, you'll find a dining area serving delicious home-style food.

The star dish is rocoto relleno: a spicy pepper stuffed with ground meat, egg, and spices, baked to perfection. It costs around 12 soles (3 USD), and although it's genuinely spicy, you can ask for it "mild" if you're not used to it.

The atmosphere is informal and noisy, but that's part of the charm. Ideal for observing local life while enjoying a tasty meal.

8. La Rabona

La Rabona is a small spot at Calle Espaderos 135, near the Plaza. It's popular for its sandwiches and salchipapas, but its lomo saltado is the real treasure. Here, the meat is juicy, the sauce is full of flavor, and the price is irresistible: only 18 soles (4.80 USD) for a generous plate.

The place is cozy, with few tables and a counter. It's ideal for a quick lunch between tourist visits. They also offer chicharrón de pollo and anticuchos, which are marinated beef heart skewers.

A tip: the place fills up quickly at noon. Go before 1 p.m. or after 2:30 p.m. to avoid the crowds.

9. La Boheme

In the San Blas neighborhood, at Calle Carmen Alto 233, you'll find La Boheme, a French crêperie that's a true refuge for those missing European food. Their crêpes are huge, and you can choose between sweet or savory options. The chicken and mushroom crêpe with béchamel sauce is one of my favorites, but they also have options with goat cheese and honey.

The bohemian atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and French music, makes you feel somewhere else. Prices are moderate: a savory crêpe costs between 25 and 35 soles (7 to 9 USD), and sweet ones between 15 and 25 soles. Perfect for a light lunch or a dessert accompanied by coffee.

Tip: order the passion fruit and chocolate crêpe. The mix of flavors is spectacular.

10. Korma Sutra

Looking for something different? Head to Korma Sutra at Calle Suecia 339. This Indian restaurant has won the hearts of locals with its authentic offerings. The lamb curry is spicy and fragrant, and the freshly baked naan bread is ideal for accompanying it.

Prices are medium, between 30 and 50 soles per main course. The place is small and cozy, with cushions on some tables. It's an excellent option if you want a change of culinary scenery.

Fun fact: the name is a play on words between the Kama Sutra and korma, a type of curry. Some dishes have funny names that will bring a smile to your face, like "curry of passion."

Must-Try Cafés and Breakfasts

Cusco has a vibrant coffee culture, thanks to its position as one of the world's largest producers of organic coffee. If you can't start the day without a good coffee, you'll love these places.

11. D'Wasi

D'Wasi is located at Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 284, very close to the Plaza de Armas. This café is famous for offering the best coffee in Cusco, and the line that forms outside is proof of that. The coffee is of Peruvian origin and locally roasted, available in different methods: espresso, pour-over, or French press.

They also have delicious snacks: avocado sandwiches, quiches, and homemade sweets. The cappuccino with cinnamon is perfect to start the day. Prices are reasonable: a coffee costs between 8 and 15 soles (2 to 4 USD).

Tip: the place is small, so I recommend going early. They also offer takeaway, ideal if you're in a hurry to go exploring.

12. Museo del Pisco

Better known as a bar, the Museo del Pisco at Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 199 also offers spectacular breakfasts and brunches. The place is adorned with pisco bottles from all over Peru and has an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Don't miss the "Cusqueñan breakfast": bread with chicharrón, fried egg, and a glass of fruit juice. It costs 25 soles (6.50 USD) and is substantial enough to start the day well. Plus, it's an excellent place to learn about pisco culture while enjoying a good meal.

Remember that the exchange rate can vary, so keep in mind that prices in dollars are approximate. Enjoy your gastronomic adventure in Cusco!

Introduction

Cusco is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu but also a vibrant gastronomic hub that fuses ancestral traditions with contemporary influences. The city offers a wide range of options, from typical dishes perfected over centuries to high-end culinary experiences that dazzle even the most demanding palates.

The diversity of local ingredients, such as quinoa, corn, and potatoes, combined with cooking techniques that pay homage to its rich cultural heritage, make Cusqueñan gastronomy an adventure to discover. Here, food doesn't just satisfy hunger; it tells stories of a glorious past and brings communities together.

Below, we present a selection of restaurants that stand out not only for their food but also for their atmosphere and their co