Quick answers — eating in Cusco
- Best restaurant overall
- Mil Centro
- Best value
- Organika (S/90-160 / $25-45)
- Strongest cuisines
- Mexican & Latin, Mediterranean
- Dishes to try
- Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Ceviche, Alpaca Steak
- Booking window
- Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for top-tier restaurants like Mil Centro or Cicciolina, especially for weekend dinner reservations, to secure your preferred time.
Booking several weeks in advance is essential for top restaurants, especially for evening slots. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, reflecting the upscale experience. Tipping 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually commence between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, aligning with Peruvian dining culture.
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in Cusco
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Peruvian · Plaza Regocijo · S/180-300 / $50-80
Gastón Acurio
Chicha, from the celebrated Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, focuses on regional Cusco cuisine reinterpreted with contemporary flair. Located in a beautiful colonial building near Plaza Regocijo, the restaurant celebrates Andean ingredients like alpaca, trout, and various potatoes, presenting them in refined yet hearty preparations. The atmosphere is vibrant and sophisticated, making it a reliable choice for elevated local dishes.
Order: Adobo Cusqueño, Cuy Crocante (Crispy Guinea Pig)
MAP Café
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Peruvian · Plaza Nazarenas · S/150-250 / $40-70
Situated within the glass-enclosed courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP), MAP Café offers a chic, minimalist dining experience. The menu presents modern Peruvian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and artistic presentation. Dining here provides an elegant, quiet reprieve, surrounded by colonial architecture and pre-Columbian art, making it a unique and culturally enriched culinary destination.
Order: Trout Tiradito, Alpaca Lomo Saltado
LIMO
Acclaimed local fine diningPeruvian-Nikkei · Plaza de Armas · S/180-300 / $50-80
Perched on the second floor overlooking Cusco's majestic Plaza de Armas, LIMO offers sophisticated Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine. This fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors is executed with precision, featuring exceptional ceviches, tiraditos, and expertly crafted sushi. The elegant dining room provides stunning views, complemented by a vibrant bar scene and a comprehensive cocktail menu, establishing it as a prime spot for both food and ambiance.
Order: Ceviche LIMO, Aji de Gallina Roll
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Peruvian · Plaza de Armas · S/120-220 / $35-60
Morena Peruvian Kitchen, located just off the Plaza de Armas, offers a contemporary take on classic Peruvian dishes in a lively, stylish setting. The menu highlights fresh, regional ingredients, with an emphasis on bold flavors and beautiful presentation. It's a popular choice for both traditional favorites and innovative creations, providing a vibrant dining experience perfect for exploring Peru's diverse gastronomy in comfort.
Order: Lomo Saltado, Rocoto Relleno
Organika
Acclaimed local fine diningFarm-to-Table Peruvian · San Blas · S/90-160 / $25-45
Organika is a charming, health-conscious restaurant emphasizing fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from their own farm in the Sacred Valley. Located in the picturesque San Blas area, the menu features vibrant, wholesome dishes that showcase the natural flavors of Peruvian produce. It offers a delightful option for those seeking clean, thoughtfully prepared meals in a cozy, relaxed environment, focusing on sustainability.
Order: Quinoa Salad, Alpaca Steak
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Cusco
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Cicciolina
Acclaimed local fine diningAndean-Mediterranean · San Blas · S/200-350 / $55-95
Cicciolina offers a warm, rustic-chic ambiance within a colonial mansion, known for its creative fusion of Andean ingredients with Mediterranean influences. The restaurant comprises a popular tapas bar and a more formal dining room. Dishes are thoughtfully presented, emphasizing fresh, seasonal produce and robust flavors, complemented by an excellent wine list and an inviting, intimate atmosphere that often buzzes with activity.
Order: Alpaca Carpaccio, Quinoa Risotto with Mushrooms
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Cusco
Mercado San Pedro
A bustling local market offering authentic, inexpensive Peruvian food. Look for 'menu del día' stalls serving soup, main, and drink for around S/10-15 ($3-4). Try the local juices and empanadas.
La Bodega 138
Known for its excellent wood-fired pizzas and craft beer. A great casual option for sharing, with pizzas ranging from S/30-50 ($8-14), and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after exploring.
Greens Organic
A reliable choice for healthy, organic, and vegetarian-friendly meals in Cusco. Expect hearty salads, power bowls, and fresh juices, with most main dishes priced around S/35-50 ($10-14).
Jack's Cafe
A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners, famous for generous portions and comfort food. Try their extensive breakfast burritos or burgers for S/30-45 ($8-12). Expect a bustling atmosphere.
Kusay Wasi
Offers traditional Peruvian food at very reasonable prices, popular with locals and tourists alike. Their 'menu ejecutivo' provides a full meal for S/20-30 ($5-8), including a main course and a drink.
Local dishes
What to eat in Cusco
Lomo Saltado
A classic Peruvian stir-fry, featuring tender strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and yellow peppers, traditionally cooked in a wok. It's often served with French fries and white rice, showcasing a fusion of Peruvian and Asian culinary influences. Try it at Chicha por Gastón Acurio for an elevated experience.
Aji de Gallina
A creamy, mild yellow chili pepper stew with shredded chicken, milk, and walnuts, often served over potatoes and white rice. This comforting dish is a staple in Peruvian homes and restaurants. Its rich, savory flavor profile is both unique and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy a traditional version at Pachapapa Restaurant.
Ceviche
Peru's national dish, fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices (traditionally lime), red onions, cilantro, and chili. Served cold, often with sweet potato and corn, it's a refreshing and zesty explosion of flavor. While traditionally coastal, Cusco offers excellent renditions. Limo Restaurante provides a sophisticated take.
Alpaca Steak
A leaner, tender red meat with a slightly gamey flavor, alpaca is a popular alternative to beef in the Andes. Often grilled and served with local potatoes or Andean grains. It offers a unique culinary experience, reflecting the region's indigenous livestock. Zig Zag Restaurante is known for its preparation of this local delicacy.
Rocoto Relleno
Large, mild rocoto peppers (a type of chili) filled with minced beef, onions, olives, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, topped with cheese and baked. This vibrant, savory dish originates from Arequipa but is popular throughout Peru. It offers a gentle heat and rich flavors. Find a good rendition at El Fogon del Centro.
Chicha Morada
A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made from purple corn, pineapple rind, cinnamon, and cloves. It's sweet, subtly spiced, and deeply purple. This traditional drink is ubiquitous in Peru, offering a unique taste of Andean flavors. You'll find it in most local restaurants and markets, often freshly prepared.
Causa Rellena
A layered, chilled potato dish. Mashed yellow potatoes are seasoned with lime and aji amarillo (yellow chili), then layered with fillings like chicken, tuna, avocado, or vegetables. It's often served as an appetizer, beautifully presented and bursting with fresh flavors. Kion Peruvian Chinese offers creative interpretations.
Quinoa Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup made with quinoa, vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes), and sometimes chicken or alpaca. This warming dish is a staple in the Andean diet, especially comforting in Cusco's cool climate. It's a healthy and flavorful way to experience indigenous ingredients, found in many local eateries.
How to book a table in Cusco
- · Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for top-tier restaurants like Mil Centro or Cicciolina, especially for weekend dinner reservations, to secure your preferred time.
- · Be aware that some high-demand restaurants, particularly for tasting menus, may require a non-refundable deposit to confirm your reservation, which is applied to the final bill.
- · Consider booking lunch instead of dinner at fine dining establishments; many offer similar menus at a slightly reduced price or provide a more relaxed atmosphere and easier availability.
- · Adhere to the no-show policy. Failing to cancel within the stipulated window (often 24-48 hours) can result in a charge to your credit card, so communicate changes promptly.
FAQ
Cusco restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Cusco?
Mil Centro in Moray (near Cusco) is the benchmark table — Andean Avant-Garde, led by Virgilio Martínez, acclaimed local fine dining, around S/1000-1200 / $270-320 per person. Order the Extreme Altitude (Tasting Menu)
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Cusco?
Chicha por Gastón Acurio in Plaza Regocijo is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in Cusco (S/180-300 / $50-80 per person). Other strong options: MAP Café, LIMO, Morena Peruvian Kitchen.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Cusco?
Cicciolina in San Blas is the Mediterranean table to book in Cusco (S/200-350 / $55-95 per person).
Where can I eat well in Cusco without spending a fortune?
Organika is the best-value table on this list at roughly S/90-160 / $25-45 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Mercado San Pedro, La Bodega 138, Greens Organic.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Cusco?
Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for top-tier restaurants like Mil Centro or Cicciolina, especially for weekend dinner reservations, to secure your preferred time. Be aware that some high-demand restaurants, particularly for tasting menus, may require a non-refundable deposit to confirm your reservation, which is applied to the final bill.
What food is Cusco famous for?
Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Ceviche, Alpaca Steak, Rocoto Relleno — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A classic Peruvian stir-fry, featuring tender strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and yellow peppers, traditionally cooked in a wok. It's often served with French fries and white rice, showcasing a fusion of Peruvian and Asian culinary influences. Try it at Chicha por Gastón Acurio for an elevated experience.
Planning the rest of Cusco?
The full Cusco guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Cusco travel guide