5 recommended restaurants in the Capital of the Incas

Here we leave you a list of the 5 most recommended restaurants in Cusco, where you have to go to try some of their dishes, all of them guarantee you a good experience and dishes prepared with the best local ingredients. There are options for all tastes and prices from the lowest to the most expensive. You cannot leave without trying the quinoa, malaya, strawberry, grilled chicken, guinea pig, corn with cheese… And many other varieties of quality Cusco food.

1. Cusqueñísima Picantería

It is totally inspired by the good taste of Cusco, motivated to continue spreading its local gastronomy. Its logo bears the Qantu flower, the sacred flower of the Incas, and also a glass of caporal served with its representative strawberries. Its owner, Jose Lujan, recommends us to try the Malaya broth, the pear chupe (S/40), fried malaya with mushroom capchi (S/50), the tail stew (S/40), and as a drink its famous strawberry, made with chicha de jora, local strawberries, lemon and ice.

2. Mercado San Pedro

The best place if you are looking for a cheap place to eat in Cusco, it is 10 minutes walking approx. from the Plaza de Armas. Although it is true, it is not the most comfortable place to eat, but it gives you a unique experience and that is its charm. Here you will not only find a variety of homemade and traditional food, but also souvenirs, utensils, clothes, etc. The most attractive, without a doubt, are the prices, which is why we recommend you include a gastronomic tour with tasting in this place.

3. Café de D’wasi

It is a young and local enterprise, which began in 2015, opening its first cafeteria in the center of the city of the Incas. It offers us a local coffee, which won the title of the best coffee in the country in 2021. Currently, they have two stores located: Calle ice cream 160 and Calle Santa Catalina narrow 175. They also have coffee and chocolate for sale, perfect to take as a souvenir of the trip for a family member, friend or for yourself if you are a coffee lover.

4. Cicciolina Restaurant

One of the most famous places, with a colonial style atmosphere. Cicciolina offers us to live an experience where food and wine are part of it, her star dishes being tapas and homemade pasta, always with her Peruvian touch. They are open from 12 noon to 9:30 pm and it is only 3 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, exactly on Calle Palacio 110, 2nd floor.

5. Chicha

From our well-known chef Gastón Acurio, he offers us quality dishes, supplies and culinary technique, revaluing Cusco gastronomy with a modern style that never loses its Andean essence. Chicha is located at Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd floor and is open from 12 noon to 9:30 pm. If you plan to visit this restaurant on your next trip to Cusco, we recommend you book in advance, you can do it from their website.