Cusco is not only a historical and cultural destination, but also a key destination for those seeking authentic gastronomic experiences. From traditional Peruvian cuisine to international fusions, the city offers a variety of flavors that will surprise even the most discerning palates.

This blog will guide you through a selection of the best restaurants in Cusco, highlighting those places where the quality of the food, the freshness of the ingredients, and the atmosphere combine to offer unique experiences. Here you will find practical information and tips to make the most of your visit, discover new flavors, and better understand the culinary richness the city has to offer.

Menu restaurants

Incanto

Incanto is a restaurant located near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, specializing in Italian cuisine with a Peruvian influence. It stands out for its wood-fired pizzas, artisanal pastas made with Italian flour, homemade breads, and a varied menu that combines classics like lasagna Bolognese with innovative options like ossobuco with mashed potatoes or tagliatelle in squid sauce.

The space offers a modern atmosphere and features a selection of Peruvian and Italian wines that complement the dishes well. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are recommended. Incanto is a convenient option for those seeking a complete culinary experience in downtown Cusco.

• Address: plaza de armas, Sta. Catalina Angosta 135, Cusco 08002

Inka Grill

Inka Grill, located in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, is a restaurant with over 13 years of experience that combines Peruvian and Italian cuisine. Its menu includes local dishes such as valley trout and alpaca meat, along with wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and risottos prepared with fresh ingredients. This blend of flavors has positioned it as one of the most recognized options in the city.

The restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere with Peruvian cultural touches and a wine list of national and Italian wines that complement the dishes. Its pisco-based cocktails are also a highlight. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended. Inka Grill is a convenient option for those seeking a varied and quality meal in Cusco’s historic center.

• Address: Portal de Panes 115, Cusco 08002

Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Morena is a restaurant located in the center of Cusco that presents a menu dedicated to the culinary diversity of Peru. It offers dishes representative of the coast, mountains, and jungle, such as fish ceviche, lomo saltado, and locro de papas, made with seasonal local produce that guarantees freshness and authentic flavor.

The restaurant has a modern, Peruvian-inspired atmosphere. Its cocktail menu includes classic and creative pisco-based options. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended. Morena is a great choice for those looking to experience the variety of Peruvian cuisine in one place.

• Address: Plaza de Armas, Portal Harinas 181, Cusco 08001

Limbus Restobar

Limbus Restobar is a restaurant located in Cusco that combines Peruvian cuisine with one of the city’s most renowned views. Its menu includes traditional dishes such as lomo saltado, roasted guinea pig, and local stews.

The modern atmosphere is often chosen for meetings or special celebrations. It offers personalized service and a varied menu that enhances the experience. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially to secure a table with a view.

• Address: C. Pasñapakana 133, Cusco 08000

Limo peruano Nikkei

Limo is a restaurant located across from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas that combines Peruvian and international cuisine. Its menu includes classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, as well as international options with a local twist. The restaurant also stands out for its drinks bar, especially its pisco sour, one of the most recommended in the city.

The atmosphere is elegant and modern, with a privileged view of the main square. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to book in advance. Limo has established itself as a top choice for those seeking good food and an attractive setting in Cusco’s historic center.

• Address: Portal de Carnes 236, Cusco 08002

Pachapapa

Pachapapa is a restaurant located in the San Blas neighborhood, just minutes from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. It specializes in Andean cuisine, with dishes such as alpaca anticucho, baked guinea pig, and baked trout, prepared with fresh ingredients. The restaurant stands out for its outdoor patio, where you can dine while enjoying the city views.

The atmosphere is cozy and often very busy, so reservations are recommended, especially for the patio. Pachapapa also offers a pisco-based cocktail menu that complements the experience. It is a popular choice for those looking to experience traditional Cusco cuisine in a pleasant setting.

• Address: Carmen Bajo 120, Cusco 08003

Buffet restaurats

Tayta Fe

Tayta Fe is a restaurant in Cusco specializing in rodizio-style meats. It offers a wide variety of cuts served directly to the table, from ribs and steaks to sausages, accompanied by salads, fries, and rice. The experience allows you to try different types of meat in the desired quantity, making it a standout choice for those seeking a hearty and varied menu.

The atmosphere is lively and boasts a rustic feel, ideal for sharing with friends or family. It also offers craft beers and wines that complement the meal well. Given its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

• Address: Av. de La Cultura A-9, Cusco 08003

Another good options

Chicha por Gaston Acurio

Chicha is Gastón Acurio’s restaurant in Cusco, located in Plaza Regocijo, just steps from the Plaza de Armas. Its menu focuses on Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal Andean produce. Highlights include stuffed rocoto, baked guinea pig, and Huancaína potatoes, prepared in the chef’s own innovative style.

The restaurant combines a modern atmosphere with details inspired by Andean culture and features a cocktail bar, where pisco-based dishes stand out. This busy space is highly recommended, so reservations are recommended. Chicha has established itself as one of the city’s most renowned culinary destinations.

• Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, Cusco 05184

Cicciolina

Cicciolina is a restaurant located in a colonial mansion in the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco. Its cuisine combines Mediterranean tradition with Peruvian ingredients, offering tapas like quinoa hummus and alpaca croquettes, as well as main dishes like seafood paella with corn or lomo saltado al pesto. This fusion has made it one of the most striking options in the city.

The atmosphere is bohemian and cozy, with decor that reflects both local history and a contemporary style. It also features a pisco-based cocktail menu that complements the experience. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially during high season.

• Address: Cta. de San Blas 525, Cusco 08003

Kion Peruvian Chinese

Kion Peruvian Chinese, located in the center of Cusco, offers a culinary experience that fuses Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. Its menu includes dishes such as quinoa chaufa, lomo saltado with teriyaki sauce, and tamarind chicken with chaufa rice, which showcase the creativity of this combination of flavors.

The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and decor that reflects the cultural blend between the two countries. It’s a very popular restaurant, so reservations are recommended. A good option is to follow the chef’s recommendations and accompany your meal with pisco-based cocktails, enjoying the decor and ambiance that complement the culinary experience.

• Address: Triunfo 370, Cusco 08002

La Yunza

La Yunza is located in Plaza San Francisco in Cusco, in what was once the Raimondi Academy. During the day, it operates as a picanteria, offering traditional Andean cuisine with a focus on ancestral flavors, and at night, it operates as a restobar, combining gastronomy with live Latin American music.

Its gastronomic offering includes typical dishes such as guinea pig, trout, ribs, and alpaca, served with cultural performances at specific times. La Yunza also offers “lunch shows—traditional Peruvian dances,” which combine food with music and dance as part of its cultural experience. Due to its popularity, it is recommended to reserve a table, especially during performance times.

• Address: Pl. San Francisco 138, Cusco 08002

Vegetarians y vegans

Organika

Organika, located just minutes from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, is a restaurant committed to healthy and sustainable food. Its menu combines Peruvian cuisine with organic and locally produced ingredients, offering options such as quinoa ceviche, lomo saltado with tofu, and a lentil burger. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and an interior patio that invites you to relax.

It’s a very popular restaurant, so booking in advance is recommended. In addition to enjoying the dishes, it’s worth trying their natural juices and smoothies, or checking out the chef’s recommendations. Organika also occasionally hosts healthy cooking workshops, designed for those looking to learn more about vegetarian and vegan eating.

• Address: Ataud 154, Cusco 08000

Green Point Restaurantes

Green Point, located in the center of Cusco, is a vegan restaurant that combines sustainability and culinary creativity. Its menu features dishes prepared with organic and seasonal ingredients, highlighting options such as mushroom ceviche, tofu lomo saltado, and a lentil and quinoa burger. The restaurant has a modern and welcoming atmosphere, decorated with natural elements that reinforce its philosophy of respect for the environment.

It’s a very popular spot, so reservations are recommended. In addition to its varied menu, the restaurant offers natural juices and smoothies and regularly hosts workshops and talks on vegan cooking and healthy eating, making it an attractive space for those looking for more than just a meal.

• Address: Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003

Traditional options of Cusco

San Pedro market

The San Pedro Market, just four blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is one of the most traditional and popular places in Cusco. Its colorful aisles, filled with aromas and local products, offer visitors the opportunity to experience authentic Cusco life. There, you’ll find typical food prepared to order, exotic fruits, and fresh produce, all at affordable prices.

More than just a place to eat, it’s a cultural experience. Visitors can watch local cooks prepare traditional dishes, chat with vendors, and learn about customs passed down through generations. It’s recommended to arrive early to explore the market and take advantage of the variety of flavors and products that make it a must-see in Cusco.

• Address: Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002

Picanterias in Cusco

Cusco’s picanterías are the ideal place to sample traditional cuisine in generous portions at affordable prices. These places serve iconic dishes such as chiriuchu, Cusco adobo, guinea pig pepián, stuffed rocoto, or chicharrones with mote. You can also find popular broths such as chairo, malaya, fried ribs, or lamb, as well as typical drinks such as chicha, frutillada, and coca tea.

More than just restaurants, picanterías are part of Cusco’s cultural life, as some offer live music on weekends, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Among the best-known are Chomba Ajha Wasi, La Cusqueñita, El Muro, La Lunareja, and Sambleñita, places where visitors can enjoy authentic local cuisine in a traditional setting.

Frequently asked questions

Is it necessary to book in advance at restaurants in Cusco?
Yes, especially at the most popular restaurants or during peak season. Booking in advance helps secure your table and avoid long waits, especially if you want specific times or better locations during your trip to Machu Picchu

Do restaurants in downtown Cusco accept card payments or is it better to bring cash?
Most tourist restaurants accept credit and debit cards, but some small restaurants or traditional picanterias only accept cash. It’s recommended to bring some soles for safety and convenience.

What are the opening and closing hours of restaurants in Cusco?
They generally open from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., although some traditional restaurants close after lunch. It’s a good idea to check each restaurant’s hours before visiting, especially outside the tourist center of after returning from the inca trail.

Do restaurant menus include vegetarian or vegan options?
Many tourist restaurants include vegetarian and vegan options, but in traditional establishments, the options may be limited. It’s always helpful to ask the staff or request accommodations if you have any dietary restrictions.

Can typical Cusco dishes be found in most restaurants or only in picanterías?
Several restaurants offer typical dishes such as guinea pig, adobo, or stuffed rocoto, but picanterías and traditional markets are where you’ll find the most authentic versions. These places maintain local recipes and traditional techniques, perfect to try before heading Inca Jungle

How common are music or dance performances in restaurants?
Some restaurants and restobars offer live music or cultural presentations, especially on weekends or during peak season. However, this isn’t common in all establishments, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand.

Do restaurants offer special menus for people with food intolerances?]
Some do offer options for intolerances or allergies, but not all. It’s advisable to inform the staff before ordering so they can prepare dishes tailored to your needs.

Is it common to tip in restaurants in Cusco, and how much is recommended?
Yes, tipping is common. It’s usually between 10% and 15% of the total bill, although it depends on the service received and the type of restaurant you visit.

Do restaurants in Cusco usually have English menus for tourists?
Many tourist restaurants include English or bilingual menus, but in traditional restaurants this isn’t common. If there’s no English menu, the staff can usually explain the dishes or help translate, which is very useful if you’re planning the Salkantay Trek.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Cusco, or should you always order bottled water?
It’s recommended to always drink bottled water, even in restaurants, as tap water may not be safe for tourists. This helps avoid discomfort during your visit.