The Best Restaurants in Cusco

Key Takeaways

• Cusco offers a mix of traditional Peruvian food, Andean fusion, and international cuisine that fits every budget and travel style.
• The best restaurants in Cusco cluster around the Historic Center and San Blas, so travelers can plan meals around main sights and tours.
• Many top spots in Cusco highlight local ingredients, such as quinoa, trout, alpaca, and native potatoes, with options for vegetarians and vegans.
• Advance reservations are recommended at popular restaurants in high season, especially for dinner and tasting menus.
• Altitude in Cusco affects appetite and digestion, so lighter meals and plenty of water help travelers feel better while trying local food.

Cusco is known for its impressive history of the Incas, for its New Wonder of the World Machu Picchu, and for its beautiful Andean landscape. Apart from sightseeing activities or hiking tours, the city of the Incas also offers a lot of culinary experiences that will cherish your palate. Ready to find out more about the best restaurants in Cusco?

In recent years, more and more restaurants have opened up and the options of where to go out to eat in Cusco have become numerous. That’s why we prepared a small and exclusive list of restaurants based on our personal- and our travelers’ experience.

No matter if you like vegan food, pizza, typical Peruvian dishes, seafood or something else, with our list of the best restaurants in Cusco we’ve got you covered!

Note: We are not affiliated with any of the restaurants mentioned below. This list is based 100% on our personal opinion and on the feedback we have received from our travelers.

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 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 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 days in advance.

Try this: Duck prosciutto or trout ceviche; Alpaca fillet with Andean wild pesto and colorful potatoes; Scallops in a dark ginger, honey, sesame sauce.

Atmosphere: Modern

 

Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse

Interesting facts: It has a classy ambience and it’s famous for the 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: Famous for their 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 cheeses

Atmosphere: Cozy & warm

 

La Bodega 138

Interesting facts: Restaurant 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

 

Papachos

Interesting facts: Enjoy your food with a view over Plaza de Armas. The restaurant is owned by famous Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio.

Average Price: $9-13

Kitchen: American, Brew / Pub, Peruvian

Best time to eat: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Reservation: No reservation needed.

Try this: Miraflorina Burger or La Porteña Burger with Onion rings and local crafted IPA.

Atmosphere: Sports Bar

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Restaurants in Cusco

What types of food can I find at the best restaurants in Cusco?

Top restaurants in Cusco offer a wide range of options. You will find traditional Peruvian and Andean dishes, modern Peruvian fusion, and international food such as Italian, Asian, and burgers. Many menus mix classic recipes, like lomo saltado and ceviche, with creative dishes that use local ingredients such as alpaca, trout, quinoa, and native potatoes. This mix lets you try local flavors without giving up familiar options.

Where are the best areas in Cusco to find good restaurants?

Most of the best restaurants in Cusco sit in and around the Historic Center and the San Blas neighborhood. The area around Plaza de Armas has many well-reviewed places that are easy to reach after tours. San Blas offers smaller, often more relaxed spots with strong views and a local feel. Staying or walking in these areas makes it simple to plan lunch and dinner around your sightseeing schedule.

Do I need a reservation at popular restaurants in Cusco?

You often need a reservation at the most popular restaurants in Cusco, especially in the high season from May to September and during holidays. Many sought-after places have limited seating or fixed tasting menus with set times. Making a booking for dinner, or at least for your top choices, helps you avoid long waits and gives you better time control if you have tours or early starts the next day.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options at top restaurants in Cusco?

Most of the best restaurants in Cusco offer vegetarian options, and many now include vegan dishes as well. Since Peruvian food uses many vegetables, grains, and legumes, chefs can adapt traditional recipes or create plant-based versions. Menus often mark vegetarian and vegan plates, but if you have strict dietary needs, it is wise to confirm with the staff when you arrive or when you reserve.

How does the altitude in Cusco affect eating out?

Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), and the altitude can affect how you feel when you eat. Many travelers prefer lighter meals, especially in the first one or two days, and drink more water or herbal teas. Heavy or very large meals can feel uncomfortable while you are adjusting. Planning lighter lunches, sharing plates, or saving tasting menus for later in your stay helps you enjoy the food without feeling overly full or tired.