Best Restaurants in Cusco - IDEAS South America Travel

Posted on 2 September, 2021
By c2001574
In Peru
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Best Restaurants in Cusco

Peru has one of the most exquisite and varied cuisines in the world. Chefs have had success adapting various varieties of indigenous ingredients while keeping the possibility of outside food influences open.
The cuisine of Peru is an invitation to discover fragrant flavors and smells that are as authentic as they are ancient. Andean cuisine is heated in a wood oven, the mud from the highlands brings together the smells and flavors associated with it. Meats, tubers, grains, and herbs are used in a wide variety of simple but delicious dishes.
Cusco food is characterized not only by its flavor and the masterful combination of typical Andean products of the region, but also by being one of the living expressions of Peruvian culture.

Pachapapa

The Pachapapa Restaurant in the city of Cusco is located in the Plazoleta de San Blas, a bohemian and very popular neighborhood in the historic capital of the Inca Empire. This busy place offers traditional flavors of Cusco regional food without losing the traditional touch, that is why the food is cooked in clay pots and wood-fired stone ovens.
There are different rooms, from the charming interior spaces and its large outdoor terrace, you have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes such as Pachamanca, Causa Stuffed with smoked trout, which arrives covered in avocado, tomato and bathed in mayonnaise between layers of seasoned yellow potatoes with chili. Occasionally, you might be surprised by a live Peruvian band playing traditional music for a treat.

Good to know: One of the best dish of Pachapapa is the Anticucho de Alpaca. It consists of small pieces of meat (the richest are from the heart), seasoned with chili, skewered by a straw and then roasted over charcoal. The word anticucho comes from Quechua language: Kucho is cutting, cutting, art and action of cutting.

Pachapapa: Traditional Peruvian Cuisine.
Address: Plazoleta San Blas 120, Cusco
Reservations: +51 84 241318
Good to know: Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.

MAP CAFÉ

The MAP Café menu covers a gastronomic itinerary of ancient indigenous products, such as quinoa, kiwicha or the incomparable Andean potatoes, reinterpreted in creations that, without neglecting their Andean roots, take on a cosmopolitan and innovative sense. You can't miss the grilled alpaca loin, served with Andean tuber cake, grilled asparagus, fresh asparagus salad ; or the sealed lamb steak with creamy green bean puree, citrus-braised onions, liquid corn croquettes, feta cheese and confit cherry tomato.
Good to know: Our team strongly recommends all who visit Cusco to visit this gem and heritage of the Imperial City: The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. The MAP offers its visitors a complete trip, which includes not only the Inca cultural legacy but also a first class gastronomic experience.

MAP CAFÉ: International New-Andean Style Haute Cuisine;
Reservations: +51 84 242476
Address: Nazarenas 231, Cusco
Good to know: As of September 2021 the restaurant is temporarily closed for the prevention of covid-19.

LIMO

Limo enjoys one of the best locations of any restaurant in Cusco, on the upper floor of an ancient colonial building overlooking the gorgeous Plaza de Armas itself. Inside is divided into a Pisco bar, main restaurant and balcony area, all sharing relaxing and tasteful décor.

Good to know: The ceviche is fresh, and the small plates are simply excellent.

Limo – Novo Andino (Peruvian- Japanese fusion);
Reservations: +51 (0)84 424 068
Address: 2nd Floor, 236 Portal de Carnes, Plaza de Arma, Cusco

Organika

Located in the historic center five minutes from the Plaza de Armas, Organica is an organic and healthy restaurant that serves fresh food prepared with products harvested from its own farm located in Urubamba, the Sacred Valley. It's a cozy little restaurant that's always busy (and for good reason). Organica is a must see when venturing through Cusco.

Good to Know: Bear in mind that not all dishes are vegetarian, meat and fish options are also available. We really like: vegetarian lasagna, organic salad, fettuccine pesto, and healthy plant extracts.

Peruvian and International, Healthy Eating.
Address: Ataud 154, Cusco
Reservations: +51 84 772448

Chicha

Chicha is about regional food: the produce, traditions and culture from each location elevated with good culinary techniques, working with responsibility and by the hand of the local producers. The restaurant is located only one block from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and it is also another great spot for vegetarians and for those who love cocktails.

The menu is mostly Peruvian with staples such as causa – mashed native potatoes topped with trout, avocado, quail’s egg and hot red pepper; ceviche; adobo – a rich meat stew; and, of course, guinea pig. Even the more cosmopolitan pizza includes alpaca in its topping. I can recommend the grilled octopus with pickled radish and micro herbs and the pork chicharron with native potato fries, “giant corn” and fresh herb huacatay sauce. It is a huge, well-cooked portion that would satisfy even the healthiest of appetites.

Good to know: This is one of the most reasonable restaurants of legendary Gaston Acurio.
Phone: +51 (0)84 240 520/240 717
Address: 261 Plaza Regocijo, 2nd floor, Cusco

Uchu

Ucho is located near the beautiful Plaza Nazarenas, home to four of the most charming, luxurious and exclusive hotels in Cusco. If you are lucky enough to stay here, take a short walk down the hill from the plaza and slide into the modest courtyard that leads to this "steakhouse".

Don't expect to run into great steaks. The food is primarily Peruvian - entrees include causes, as well as a variety of classic ceviche dishes. All delicious. The main attraction is the generous entrees of various types of fish, meat and seafood, served on heavy slabs of volcanic stone.

Good to know: Very reasonable prices and generous servings.
Address: 135 Calle Palacio, Cusco
Opening Hours: daily from 12:30pm to 11pm
Reservations: +51 (0)84 246 598; uchu@cuzcodining.com

Morena Peruvian Cuisine

Morena stands out among the best restaurants in Cusco as one that specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant serves delicious and nutritious food from all over Peru, showcasing the diversity of Peruvian cuisine. Morena’s menu will take you on a culinary journey from the coast to the Amazon and up to the Andes.

Good to know: There are many vegetarian options.

Reservations: +51 84 265409
Address: 348-B Calle Plateros Cusco

Kion Peruvian Chinese

Thanks to the enormous wave of Chinese immigrants that came to Peru at the beginning of the XX century, today we can enjoy this unique food that combines the best flavors of both Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, which is so popular among local Peruvians and tourists alike. The best restaurant in Cusco to try this fusion is Kion. Impressive food presentation, beautiful interior, and flavors you will remember long after your trip.

Good to know: order several dishes to share.
Reservations: +51 84 431862; kion@cuscorestaurants.com
Address: : Calle Triunfo 370, 2nd floor, Cusco

Before you travel to Cuzco

Cuzco is 11,154 feet above sea level. If you are arriving from Lima, which is at sea level, it is recommended that you refrain from eating highly spicy foods , as this can be a factor in the feeling of altitude sickness or "soroche". It is also recommended to drink only bottled water. The main restaurants in Cuzco can prepare typical or traditional meals with a low content of seasonings and fats at the request of tourists. Given the height of the city, the digestion of food may take longer than normal.

The first day you arrive in Cusco we recommend that you avoid alcohol and big heavy meals. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. * Spend a couple of days in Cuzco to settle in and prepare for your trip to Machu Picchu.

We hope you enjoy learning about the best restaurants in Cuzco. Make sure to check out our recommended Trips to Peru

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

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