Cusco has one of the most exciting food scenes in South
America. From traditional Peruvian cuisine to international
restaurants, the city offers incredible dining experiences
for every budget. This complete guide covers the best
restaurants in Cusco for 2026.
🍽️ ABOUT CUSCO FOOD SCENE
Cusco combines traditional Andean cuisine with modern
Peruvian gastronomy. The city is famous for dishes like:
✔ Cuy (guinea pig) — traditional Andean delicacy
✔ Alpaca steak — tender and delicious
✔ Lomo saltado — classic Peruvian stir fry
✔ Ceviche — fresh seafood marinated in lime
✔ Rocoto relleno — stuffed spicy pepper
✔ Chupe de camarones — creamy shrimp soup
🏆 BEST RESTAURANTS IN CUSCO
1️⃣ Chicha by Gaston Acurio
One of the best restaurants in Cusco by Peru’s most
famous chef Gaston Acurio.
Location: Plaza Regocijo 261
Cuisine: Modern Peruvian
Price: $$$$
Must try: Alpaca steak and rocoto relleno
2️⃣ MAP Cafe
Stunning restaurant inside the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.
One of the most beautiful dining experiences in Cusco.
Location: Plazoleta Nazarenas 231
Cuisine: Modern Peruvian
Price: $$$$
Must try: Tasting menu
3️⃣ Limo Cocina Peruana
Excellent Peruvian restaurant with views of Plaza de Armas.
Famous for ceviche and Nikkei cuisine.
Location: Portal de Carnes 236
Cuisine: Peruvian and Nikkei
Price: $$$
Must try: Ceviche and tiradito
4️⃣ Pachapapa
Traditional Cusco cuisine in a beautiful colonial courtyard.
Most popular restaurant for trying cuy (guinea pig).
Location: Plazoleta San Blas 120
Cuisine: Traditional Andean
Price: $$$
Must try: Cuy al horno and alpaca
5️⃣ Jack’s Cafe
Most popular breakfast spot in Cusco among backpackers.
Famous for huge portions and great coffee.
Location: Choquechaca 509
Cuisine: International and Peruvian
Price: $$
Must try: Eggs benedict and banana pancakes
6️⃣ Greens Organic
Best vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Cusco.
Fresh organic ingredients from local farmers.
Location: Santa Catalina Angosta 135
Cuisine: Vegetarian and Vegan
Price: $$
Must try: Quinoa bowl and vegetable curry
7️⃣ Marcelo Batata
Popular restaurant in San Blas neighborhood.
Great value Peruvian food with excellent service.
Location: Palacio 121, San Blas
Cuisine: Peruvian
Price: $$
Must try: Lomo saltado and pisco sour
8️⃣ La Bodega 138
Best pizza restaurant in Cusco with wood fired oven.
Very popular with tourists and locals alike.
Location: Herrajes 138
Cuisine: Italian and Peruvian
Price: $$
Must try: Wood fired pizza and pasta
🍹 BEST BARS IN CUSCO
✔ Norton Rat’s Tavern — best bar on Plaza de Armas
✔ Paddy’s Irish Pub — popular expat bar
✔ Mythology — best cocktail bar in Cusco
✔ El Garapiñado — best pisco sours in Cusco
☕ BEST CAFES IN CUSCO
✔ Cafe Morena — best coffee in Cusco
✔ Fallen Angel — unique artistic cafe
✔ El Encuentro — popular local cafe
✔ Varayoc — great hot chocolate
🛒 BEST MARKETS IN CUSCO
San Pedro Market
The main traditional market in Cusco.
Great for fresh fruits, juices and local food.
Location: Cascaparo s/n
Mercado de Wanchaq
Local market away from tourists.
Best prices for fresh produce.
💡 TIPS FOR EATING IN CUSCO
✔ Try the menú del día — 3 course lunch for S/.10-15
✔ Avoid eating on day 1 — altitude affects appetite
✔ Try local chicha morada — purple corn drink
✔ Book popular restaurants in advance
✔ Try street food at San Pedro Market
✔ Pisco sour is the national cocktail of Peru
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most famous dish in Cusco?
Cuy (guinea pig) is the most traditional dish in Cusco.
Alpaca steak and lomo saltado are also very popular.
Is food safe to eat in Cusco?
Yes — stick to recommended restaurants and avoid
street food from unhygienic vendors. Drink bottled water.
What is a pisco sour?
Pisco sour is Peru’s national cocktail made from pisco
(grape brandy), lime juice, egg white and bitters.
How expensive is food in Cusco?
Cusco has options for every budget. A menú del día
costs S/.10-15. Top restaurants cost $20-50 per person.
What is chicha morada?
Chicha morada is a traditional Peruvian purple corn drink.
It is sweet, refreshing and very popular in Cusco.
🎒 PLAN YOUR CUSCO TRIP WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
We help you plan the perfect trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com