Whether you want to dine in exquisite restaurants, or explore the culture of the Andes by creating your own dishes, Cusco has many choices to enhance your gastronimic experiences on the way to Machu Picchu.  Here is a list of favorites along with our tips to help you choose the right one for the right occasion.  

Cusco Cooking Class:
11:30-1:30 pm Daily (with advance notice) Cost $68 USD pp /min 2 + $30 for each additional person  (can be included in your itinerary or click here to contact us to book)

Walk to local restaurant where you will meet our favorite local chef and learn to prepare Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, or Ricotto Relleno (stuffed peppers). And of course - the famous Pisco sour (or other beverage of your choice).

Gluten-free and Vegetarian options available with advance notice

Feedback:

"Just a quick thanks for organising our cooking class today. It exceeded expectations for fun and great fun. We'll certainly be leaving a rave review for Yuri and his team online."

Noreen & Harriet (US)

Cusco Restaurants:

Jack's Cafe - Although all hotels and hostels serve breakfast, Jack's hearty breakfasts served all day.  Centrally located on Choquechaka Street.  There is usually a waiting line for lunch and dinner.  Note:  this is our favorite place to get authentic, good cup of coffee to go.
Cicciolina Restaurant -  One block from main plaza, up on the 2nd floor. Sit in the front and order artisan sandwiches from the blackboard over the back of the bar.  
5 Cusco Restaurants -  this link takes you to a group of 5 restaurants in Cusco that offer a variety of dining options including vegetarian, grilled trout, roasted guinea pig (cuy), organic, fusion, italian and other styles.  
Papachos Restaurant -  the location is fabulous.  Up on the 2nd floor on a main corner overlooking the main plaza.  Relax with upscale burgers & beer.  Including vegetarian options.
La Bodega Restaurant -  has best pizza and salads in Cusco! (in our opinion) Pizzas are popular in Cusco, but the quality of the pie can vary because Peruvian cheese is not a part of the original native diet, and therefore lacks the sophistication of cheese that has an established pedigree. Bodega has a source for mozzarella cheese and creates handmade wholesome pies baked in wood oven.  (no website. Link to Facebook page. Cash only USD or Soles)
MAP Fine Dining -  Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the MAP Café serves outstanding plates prepared with typical regional ingredients that enhance the classic flavors of Peruvian cuisine, to which is added a very personal and original touch. (Lots of mula!. Make a reservation for best chance of getting seated)
Mi Manera - moderately upscale classic Peruvian food. It's not quite as touristy as some of the other places.  Good place for lunch or dinner.  Near the main plaza.  Upstairs.
Marcelo Batata - Try the shrimp cocktail or the vegetarian chili. Carnivores can chomp down on superbly prepared Alpaca steaks.
Limbus Restobar - good place for hipsters to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and finger foods. With a view of the city. Which means you will need to walk up a few steep stairs to get there. 
 

Peruvian Cocktails

Fallen Angel - best choice for happy hour drinks and appetizers or meals.  Offers a variety of interpretations of Pisco sour.  Interesting decor.  
Pisco Museum (bar) Why do Peruvians proclaim that "God is Peruvian?"  Here you will find the answer and get a chance to explore the famous Pisco Sour.
  
Ask your hotel reception or your guide for directions to any of these restaurants.  All the restaurants listed here located next to the main Plaza de las Armas or a short walking distance.
 
There are options for every budget including local family owned restaurants that serve the "Menu" of the day for usually less than $8 USD pp.  Will include house soup, choice of 2 entrees, some kind of fresh juice beverage and a dessert.  Hardy meals are home-made. 
 
Best choices for group dining:   (try to call ahead and make a reservation.  Or take your chances and show up)
 
  • Papachos 
  • Inca Grill 
  • Incanto
  • Fallen Angel
 
Best coffee:
 
  • Jack's Cafe for take out or dine in.  Other restaurants will have good coffee for dine in as well.

 

Best vegetarian:

  • Organic Greens (not exclusively vegetarian)
  • There are now several vegetarian-only restaurants in Cusco

 

Best green salads:

  • Organic Greens
  • La Bodega Pizza restaurant
 

Buen probecho in Cusco!