Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Cusco's culinary identity is rooted in Andean highland traditions that predate the Spanish conquest, featuring indigenous ingredients like quinoa, kiwicha, chuno (freeze-dried potato), cuy (guinea pig), alpaca, and over 3,000 native potato varieties. The city has evolved into a sophisticated dining destination where traditional Cusqueño home cooking coexists with innovative Novo-Andino cuisine, and the region's exceptional ingredients have attracted internationally acclaimed chefs. Key dishes include chicharrón de cerdo, chiriuchu (a cold Inca festival platter), rocoto relleno, and countless quinoa preparations.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Cusco.
Cuy (Guinea Pig)
The most traditional protein in Andean cuisine, typically roasted whole in a clay oven or fried, with crispy skin and tender meat
Where to try: Pachapapa, Chicha por Gastón Acurio, El Truco
Price: $18-25
Chiriuchu
The traditional Inca festival platter featuring cuy, chicken, corn, seaweed, eggs, and coca leaves - served cold on Corpus Christi
Where to try: Chicha, Inkazuela, traditional market stalls
Price: $12-18
Rocoto Relleno
Fiery Andean rocoto pepper stuffed with spiced meat and cheese, baked until tender
Where to try: Mesón de los Espejos, traditional restaurants
Price: $8-12
Alpaca Steak
Lean, tender red meat from the native Andean camelid, often served with huacatay herb sauce
Where to try: Uchu Steakhouse, Cicciolina, most mid-range restaurants
Price: $15-25
Pisco Sour
Peru's national cocktail made with pisco grape brandy, lime juice, egg white, and bitters - a must-try in Cusco
Where to try: Any bar or restaurant with a bar
Price: $5-8
Quinoa Soup
Hearty Andean soup made with native grains, vegetables, and often lamb or chicken - essential altitude fuel
Where to try: Market stalls, traditional restaurants
Price: $3-7
Chicha Morada
Deep purple drink made from blue Andean maize, sweet and slightly spiced, served chilled
Where to try: Everywhere - from market stalls to fine dining
Price: $1-3
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's Cusco outpost celebrates the traditional flavors of the Cusco region with sophisticated contemporary plating. The menu showcases highland ingredients including chiriuchu, cuy, and chicha morada alongside elevated takes on classic Andean dishes. The colonial mansion setting with exposed stone walls adds to the ambiance.
Known for: Elevated regional Cusco cuisine by Peru's most famous chef
Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd floor, Cusco
MAP Café
Situated inside the stunning glass-and-steel courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, MAP Café serves inventive contemporary Peruvian cuisine in one of Cusco's most beautiful settings. The tasting menus explore Andean ingredients with modern techniques, and the cocktail list featuring pisco variations is exceptional.
Known for: Contemporary Peruvian cuisine in a museum setting
Plazoleta Nazarenas 231, Cusco
Limo Restaurant
A sophisticated rooftop restaurant overlooking Plaza de Armas, serving refined Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on ceviche and coastal dishes elevated with Andean ingredients. The view of the illuminated Cathedral makes evening dining here truly memorable. Extensive pisco sour menu.
Known for: Ceviche and Peruvian coastal dishes with Plaza de Armas views
Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd floor, Cusco
Cicciolina
An intimate restaurant that has been one of Cusco's most beloved dining destinations for over two decades, offering a sophisticated menu blending Peruvian ingredients with Mediterranean techniques. The wine list is among the best in the city, and the tapas bar downstairs is perfect for a casual evening of small plates.
Known for: Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion with exceptional wine list
Triunfo 393 2nd floor, Cusco
Marcelo Batata
A popular two-story restaurant with a prime Plaza de Armas location offering reliable Peruvian classics in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu covers all the staples from lomo saltado to ceviche and anticuchos at fair prices. The second floor offers great plaza views making it a go-to for tourists wanting a comfortable Peruvian meal.
Known for: Reliable Peruvian classics with great plaza views
Palacio 121, Cusco
Jack's Café
Arguably Cusco's most beloved breakfast spot and brunch venue, Jack's Café serves generous portions of eggs, pancakes, granola, and Peruvian breakfast staples that have fueled hikers and travelers for years. The warm atmosphere, quick service, and reasonable prices create perpetual queues. Also serves excellent lunches.
Known for: Best breakfast in Cusco, popular with hikers and trekkers
Choquechaca 509, Cusco
Green Point Vegetarian Restaurant
Cusco's best and most beloved vegetarian restaurant, serving creative plant-based versions of Peruvian classics alongside international dishes. The menu uses fresh organic Andean produce including quinoa, kiwicha, and seasonal vegetables. The set lunch menu at $8 is outstanding value. Popular with health-conscious travelers and digital nomads.
Known for: Best vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Cusco
Triunfo 379, Cusco
Inkazuela
A charming and atmospheric restaurant in a colonial courtyard, specializing in traditional Cusqueño cuisine with dishes rarely found on tourist menus. The chicharrón de cerdo (crispy pork) and chiriuchu are authentic local specialties. Friendly family service and very reasonable prices make it a local favorite.
Known for: Authentic traditional Cusqueño cuisine
Portal de Panes 105, Cusco
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Peruvian
Limo Restaurant
Marcelo Batata
Inkazuela
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Mesón de los Espejos
Pachapapa
La Bodega 138
Hatunsimi
Alma Restaurant
Los Tomines
El Huacatay
Baco Wine Bar and Restaurant
El Truco
Tupay Restaurant
Restaurant Juanito's
Inka Grill
Fusion
MAP Café
A Mí Manera
International
Jack's Café
Fresco Restaurant
Novo
Qura Restaurant
Senzo Restaurant
Traditional Peruvian
Mercado San Pedro Almuerzo
Tradiciones Cusqueñas
Café
Coricancha Café
European
Granja Heidi
French
Indio Feliz
Indian
Korma Sutra
Italian
La Cantina de Piero
Japanese
Maido Cusco (pop-up)
Mediterranean
Cicciolina
Organic
Orgánika
Peruvian Regional
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Steakhouse
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
Vegetarian
Green Point Vegetarian Restaurant
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Anticuchos
Skewers of marinated beef heart grilled over charcoal, a beloved street food tradition in Cusco
Find it at: Street carts near Plaza de Armas evenings, Mercado San Pedro
Empanadas
Baked or fried pastries stuffed with spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables
Find it at: Bakeries throughout San Blas and near Plaza de Armas
Tamales Cusqueños
Corn dough filled with pork and wrapped in corn husks, steamed and served with salsa criolla
Find it at: Morning street vendors, Mercado San Pedro
Picarones
Andean ring donuts made from sweet potato and squash, served with chancaca (raw cane sugar) syrup
Find it at: Evening street carts, San Pedro area
Chicharrón Sandwich
Crispy fried pork served in crusty bread with pickled onions and chili sauce
Find it at: Juanito's and market stalls near San Pedro
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado San Pedro
Cusco's main traditional market with fresh produce, prepared food, handicrafts, and medicinal herbs
Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Mercado Vinocanchón
Large daily market in Cusco where locals shop for produce, meats, and household goods - very authentic
Hours: 5:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily
Pisac Market
Famous weekend artisan and produce market in the Sacred Valley town of Pisac
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Almuerzo (set lunch) is the main meal, offering 3 courses for $3-8 - the best budget eating in Cusco
Most restaurants near Plaza de Armas accept cards; markets and local spots are cash only
Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants
Altitude affects digestion - eat lighter meals for the first 1-2 days to aid acclimatization
Chicha morada (purple corn drink) is a great non-alcoholic option - alcohol hits harder at altitude
- Vegetarian
- Cusco has excellent vegetarian options - Green Point, Granja Heidi, and Orgánika are dedicated vegetarian restaurants. Most menus have quinoa and vegetable dishes.
- Halal
- Limited halal options. Stick to vegetarian dishes or ask at international restaurants. No dedicated halal restaurants in Cusco.
- Gluten free
- Quinoa and potato-based dishes are naturally gluten-free. Ask at restaurants - awareness is increasing in tourist areas.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8 per meal | Market stalls, set lunches (almuerzos), street food |
| Mid-range | $12-25 per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service and Peruvian classics |
| Upscale | $40-80+ per meal | Fine dining at MAP Café, Cicciolina, and Novo-Andino restaurants |