Cusco is the culinary capital of the Andes. The food scene here bridges the gap between ancient Incan ingredients and modern global techniques. You will find high-altitude grains like quinoa and kiwicha paired with alpaca steak, river trout, and hundreds of varieties of native potatoes. While Lima owns the seafood narrative, Cusco masters the hearth and the highlands. Whether you are looking for a $5 market meal or a $150 tasting menu, the quality remains consistently high. Eating here is a core part of the high-altitude experience. Here is exactly where to eat in Cusco to make the most of your trip.
Must-try dishes in Cusco
- Cuy Chactado: Fried guinea pig, usually served whole. It is a traditional delicacy with crispy skin and a flavor similar to dark-meat poultry.
- Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce served over fries and rice. It represents the historical fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cultures.
- Alpaca Steak: Leaner and more sustainable than beef. It is typically grilled and served with a red wine reduction or Andean herb sauce.
- Adobo Cusqueño: A hearty pork stew marinated in chicha de jora (corn beer). Locas eat this primarily as a Sunday breakfast to cure hangovers.
- Trucha Fria: Fresh river trout sourced from the Sacred Valley. It is best enjoyed grilled or as a high-altitude take on ceviche.
- Chicha Morada: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, pineapple, and cinnamon. It is the ubiquitous refreshment of the Andes.
Best restaurants for a splurge
MIL (Moray/Sacred Valley)
Owned by Virgilio Martínez of Central fame, MIL is located 90 minutes from Cusco but remains an essential reservation. It sits directly above the Moray circular ruins. The menu focuses exclusively on ingredients grown at high altitudes. You are not just paying for a meal; you are paying for an immersion into Andean research and anthropology.
Chicha by Gastón Acurio (Plaza Regocijo)
This is the Cusco outpost of Peru’s most famous chef. Located in a grand colonial house, Chicha focuses on elevated versions of regional classics. The Adobo and Pachamanca are standouts here. It is upscale but approachable, making it the most reliable "big night out" in the city center.
Cicciolina (San Blas)
Cicciolina is a long-standing favorite located on the second floor of a colonial building. It feels like a bustling Mediterranean bistro transported to the Andes. The open kitchen serves incredible handmade pasta and beet ravioli. You can sit in the lively tapas bar for a quicker experience or book a table in the dining room for a full course meal.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
Morena Peruvian Kitchen (Plaza de Armas)
Morena offers a bright, modern interior and a menu that hits all the Peruvian hits with flair. Their plating is exceptional for the price point. Try the shrimp chupe or their version of lomo saltado. It is located right on the main square but avoids the typical "tourist trap" quality drop.
Pachapapa (San Blas)
Go here for the outdoor courtyard and the traditional clay oven. It is the best place in the city to try roasted cuy (guinea pig) in a relaxed setting. The atmosphere is rustic, with heavy wooden tables and heat lamps for the chilly Cusco nights. Their trout baked in salt is another highlight.
Green Point (San Blas)
Even if you are not a vegan, Green Point is a mandatory stop. They have mastered plant-based Andean cuisine. The lunch prix-fixe menu is one of the best values in the city. The space is filled with plants and natural light, offering a calm break from the hectic city streets.
Runa Pizzas (Calle Palacio)
Sometimes you need a break from heavy Andean stews. Runa serves thin-crust pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. They use local ingredients like alpaca ham and Andean cheeses to give the Italian classic a regional twist. The vibe is young, casual, and fast.
Best cheap eats and street food
San Pedro Market (Centro)
The food court at the back of the market is the ultimate destination for cheap eats. Look for the stalls serving Caldo de Gallina (hen soup) or Lomo Saltado. You can eat a full, hot meal for under $4. Just choose the stall with the highest turnover of local customers to ensure freshness.
Los Toldos Chicken (Calle Almagro)
Pollo a la brasa (roasted chicken) is the unofficial national dish of Peru. Los Toldos is a local institution that does it better than anyone else in Cusco. The chicken is smoky, juicy, and served with a mountain of fries and a salad bar. It is loud, crowded, and authentic.
Anticuchos at Calle Loreto
At night, venture to the corners near the Plaza de Armas to find woman grilling anticuchos (beef heart skewers) over charcoal. It is the premier Peruvian street snack. The meat is marinated in vinegar and spices, grilled to order, and served with a boiled potato and spicy aji sauce.
Juanito’s (San Blas)
This is a tiny sandwich shop famous for its massive portions and variety of homemade sauces. Their "Chicharrón" sandwich—fried pork belly with sweet potato and pickled onions—is legendary. It is perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal before or after a long hike.
Best breakfast and brunch
Jack’s Café (San Blas)
Jack’s is the go-to spot for a heavy, Western-style breakfast. If you need a massive plate of eggs, bacon, and pancakes to fuel a trek, this is the place. Expect a line out the door most mornings. Their coffee is strong and their portions are geared toward hikers.
La Valeriana (Avenida El Sol)
This is an elegant bakery and café that feels like a slice of Paris in the Andes. It is the best place for pastries, cakes, and light breakfasts. Their avocado toast and fresh juices are excellent. It is a great spot to sit with a book and people-watch through the large windows.
Qura (San Blas)
For a healthier start, head to Qura. They specialize in smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and organic coffee. The "Healthy Bowl" with quinoa and local fruit is a standout. The aesthetic is clean and modern, catering to the digital nomad and wellness crowd.
Best rooftop or view dining
Limbus Resto Bar (San Blas)
To get here, you have to climb a lot of stairs, but the view is the best in Cusco. The balcony overlooks the entire city, including the Cathedral and the surrounding mountains. The cocktails are creative and the food is solid, but you are really here for the sunset over the terracotta roofs.
Viewpoint at San Cristóbal (Plaza San Cristóbal)
While not a single restaurant, the area around the San Cristóbal church features several small cafes with terraces. Eating a simple salteña or drinking a coffee while looking down on the Plaza de Armas is a quintessential Cusco experience. It offers a higher perspective than the restaurants directly on the square.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
San Blas This is the artistic district and the best neighborhood for foodies. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are packed with everything from vegan cafes to high-end fusion restaurants. It has a "bohemian" feel and contains the highest density of quality independent eateries.
Centro Histórico The area immediately surrounding the Plaza de Armas is where you will find the grandest restaurants and the famous balconies. It is busier and more expensive, but the architecture adds a layer of history to the dining experience. Look for restaurants located on the second floor of colonial buildings for the best atmosphere.
San Pedro If you want to eat like a local, go to the area around the San Pedro Market. It is gritty, loud, and smells like a mix of incense and grilled meat. Beyond the market itself, the surrounding streets are full of chicherias (local corn beer bars) and small soup shops that haven't changed in decades.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements in Cusco can change without notice based on the season.