Cusco: Top 10 Restaurants and Best Peruvian food

Almost every tour to Peru will pass through the famous Inca capital of Cusco.

Learn which typical plates to taste, where to grab a quick and hearty meal and where to enjoy fine dining.

Below is a list of various restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets, not just those flying close to Michelin stars.

This is our handy guide to the best restaurants and cafes in Cusco, as well as its cuisine and famous dishes—and we’ve left the most famous one until the last.

Cicciolina (higher-end, couples, romantic)

Upstairs at the back, there is excellent food, from tapas to a full menu. White tablecloths abound to set the fine dining atmosphere.

One of the best wine selections in Cusco. Breakfast is also available, and lunch specials can be of great value.

Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse (splurge!)

Calle Palacio 135, Cusco.

Peru is not renowned for its steaks but Uchu is changing all that. Fine cuts fantastically grilled and with nice sides, too, this is an ideal night out for meat eaters after a trek.

Good for groups, cosy and they do some mean cocktails, too.

El Buen Pastor (social project bakery)

Excellent café and bakery. Project to help girls from disadvantaged backgrounds and so well worth the climb up Cuesta San Blas 579.

Pachapapa (local dishes)

Pachapapa is a really good choice of typical Peruvian dishes and is well known for its Lomo Saltado.

Cuy (guinea pig) is available if ordered 24 hours in advance. Plazoleta San Blas 120.

Pizzeria Bodega 138 (value, budget, comfort food)

Excellent pizza and delicious salads in a modern setting. Always busy and perfect for anyone looking for comfort food.

Herrajes 138.

Pucara (fish, soups)

Japanese owned, good local dishes at high prices for local, but accessible to most tourists. Does get busy with travellers but that’s because the trout is lovely, as is the Chicha morada, the soup list and topped off with excellent homemade chocolates.

Good-value fixed-price lunch.

Quinta Eulalia (local food)

Popular with the locals and it’s easy to see why. Set in a nice courtyard so best for lunch and cuy (guinea pig) is usually available. Doesn’t open in the evening.

La Cusquenita and La Chomba  (local food)

For large plates of local food at cheap prices.

Don’t expect any English or fast service; these restaurants are quite rustic, but the food is plentiful and tasty.

This is where the locals go to eat with workmates, family or friends at lunchtime.

Cava Mora Restobar (budget)

Plaza de Armas, no web.

Impossible to miss, many will resist this classic of Cusco but it would be a shame to walk by every time.

Upstairs the service is friendly, quick and the meals large. Traditional Peruvian food is served alongside international dishes, and Cava Mora is great value for anyone looking for a good feed for their buck.

Jack’s Cafe and Bistro

A popular Cusco eatery since 2003, Jack’s offers all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, as well as a range of wines, beers, and soft drinks.

Jill’s Cusco

Sister restaurant to Jack’s (above) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner including a range of paninis, baos and burgers as well as salads and soups.

Chicha (top end)

You have to make a reservation well in advance to get a table at Chicha – one of Cusco’s most celebrated restaurants.

Why? It’s owned by Peru’s award-winning celebrity chef Gastón Acurio (of Lima restaurant fame).

As well as great views, there are new interpretations and twists on traditional highland Andean recipes as well as seafood dishes.