Best Restaurants in Cusco 2025
Explore the culinary scene of Cusco - from local favorites to fine dining.
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
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of 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
Chiriuchu
The traditional Inca festival platter featuring cuy, chicken, corn, seaweed, eggs, and coca leaves - served cold on Corpus Christi
Rocoto Relleno
Fiery Andean rocoto pepper stuffed with spiced meat and cheese, baked until tender
Alpaca Steak
Lean, tender red meat from the native Andean camelid, often served with huacatay herb sauce
Pisco Sour
Peru's national cocktail made with pisco grape brandy, lime juice, egg white, and bitters - a must-try in Cusco
Quinoa Soup
Hearty Andean soup made with native grains, vegetables, and often lamb or chicken - essential altitude fuel
Chicha Morada
Deep purple drink made from blue Andean maize, sweet and slightly spiced, served chilled
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Cusco.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Peruvian Regional Cuisine
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Peruvian Fusion Cuisine
MAP Café
A Mí Manera
Peruvian Cuisine
Limo Restaurant
Marcelo Batata
Inkazuela
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Mesón de los Espejos
Pachapapa
Hatunsimi
Alma Restaurant
Los Tomines
El Huacatay
El Truco
Tupay Restaurant
Restaurant Juanito's
Inka Grill
Peruvian-Mediterranean Cuisine
Cicciolina
International/Peruvian Cuisine
Jack's Café
Fresco Restaurant
Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine
Green Point Vegetarian Restaurant
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Anticuchos
Skewers of marinated beef heart grilled over charcoal, a beloved street food tradition in Cusco
Empanadas
Baked or fried pastries stuffed with spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables
Tamales Cusqueños
Corn dough filled with pork and wrapped in corn husks, steamed and served with salsa criolla
Picarones
Andean ring donuts made from sweet potato and squash, served with chancaca (raw cane sugar) syrup
Chicharrón Sandwich
Crispy fried pork served in crusty bread with pickled onions and chili sauce
Food Markets
Mercado San Pedro
Cusco's main traditional market with fresh produce, prepared food, handicrafts, and medicinal herbs
Mercado Vinocanchón
Large daily market in Cusco where locals shop for produce, meats, and household goods - very authentic
Pisac Market
Famous weekend artisan and produce market in the Sacred Valley town of Pisac
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
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
Dietary Information
{'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.
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