The Inca Empire's former capital, Cusco, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and lively culture. However, this city's remarkable culinary scene is another aspect that draws tourists from all over the world.
It can be difficult to decide where to eat in Cusco, whether you're a family traveling through Peru's wonders, a foodie adventurer, or an experienced traveler. There are plenty of tourist traps close to the Plaza de Armas, but there are also some amazing food experiences hidden away in local neighborhoods and alleys.
In order to show you where to eat in Cusco, what to try, and how to enjoy Peruvian food at its most authentic and flavorful, we'll go beyond the obvious in this guide.
1. Food
Top Traditional Dishes You Must Try in Cusco
Cusco’s cuisine reflects the biodiversity of Peru’s regions from the high Andes to the Amazon. Don’t leave without trying:
- Chiriuchu: A festival dish with ingredients from across Peru: cuy, chorizo, hen, seaweed, fish roe, and cheese.
- K’apchi de Setas: A creamy mushroom stew with fava beans and cheese, perfect during the rainy season.
- Chairo: A minty soup made with chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), vegetables, and meat.
- Chicharrón Cusqueño: Braised and fried pork served with mint, mote (corn), and salsa criolla.
- Rocoto Relleno: Spicy stuffed peppers, Cusco-style (breaded and fried).
Top 5 Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Cusco
If you want to eat like a local in Cusco, these traditional dishes are a must
- Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and fries.
- Aji de Gallina: Creamy yellow chili chicken with rice and potatoes.
- Cuy Chactado: Crispy guinea pig, often served whole.
- Chairo Soup: A hearty Andean soup made with chuño, beef, and vegetables.
- Rocoto Relleno: Spicy red pepper stuffed with meat and cheese.
Street Food in Cusco: What’s Safe & Delicious
Love food trucks and local snacks? These safe Cusco street foods are worth trying:
- Anticuchos: Skewered beef heart with potatoes.
- Tamales: Corn-based snacks, often sold outside churches.
- Choclo con Queso: Giant corn with cheese.
- Picarones: Peruvian donuts made of sweet potato.
Go early evening around Avenida El Sol or Wanchaq for the best stands.
2. Restaurants
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Cusco (2025 Edition)
These top-rated Cusco restaurants combine quality, atmosphere, and local authenticity:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chicha by Gastón Acurio | Modern Peruvian | Plaza Regocijo |
| Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse | Grilled Alpaca | San Blas |
| Cicciolina | Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion | Near Plaza de Armas |
| Limo | Nikkei Cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese) | Balcony over Plaza |
| MAP Café | Gourmet in a glass box | Museum of Pre-Columbian Art |
| Green Point | Vegan/Organic | San Blas |
| La Cusqueñita | Folk dance & traditional food | Tullumayo |
| Pachapapa | Wood oven Andean cuisine | San Blas |
| Organika | Healthy farm-to-table dishes | Choquechaca |
| Morena Peruvian Kitchen | Tourist-friendly with flair | Near Plaza de Armas |
These restaurants are popular book ahead, especially in high season (May–September).
Best Local Restaurants in Cusco (Hidden Gems)
Get off the beaten path and discover where locals eat in Cusco:
- La Chomba: Legendary for baked cuy and hearty plates.
- Quinta Eulalia: A family-run spot with authentic flavors and rustic charm.
- Sumaqcha: Cheap eats with a warm welcome in Wanchaq.
- El Paisa: Best known for grilled meats and live folk music.
Where to Eat Guinea Pig (Cuy) in Cusco
In Cusco, eating cuy is considered a culinary ritual. Select the ideal location for authenticity and hygiene:
- Pachapapa: beautifully served after being oven-roasted.
- La Cusqueñita: traditional cuy, folk music, and dancing.
- Locals love La Chomba for its simple, earthy flavor.
Best Budget Restaurants in Cusco (Under $10)
Traveling on a budget? These spots offer delicious value:
- Qori Sara: Menu del día with soup, main, and drink.
- Mercado de San Blas: Grab a stool and eat what locals eat.
- Plaza San Pedro Market: Great for breakfast and fruit juices.
- Sazón Inka: Family-style dining with big portions.
Expect to pay 12–25 soles for a full meal in these places.
3. Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Cusco
Surprisingly veggie-friendly, Cusco’s plant-based scene has grown fast:
- Green Point: Gourmet, inventive, and completely vegan.
- Organika: creative dishes made with organic, regional ingredients.
- Shaman Raw Vegan: spiritual vibes, raw food, and smoothies.
- The Meeting Place Café is vegetarian-friendly and run by volunteers.
Many traditional dishes can be adapted vegetarian on request.
4. Tips for Eating Safely in Cusco
- Acclimatize first: Altitude affects digestion go light on day one.
- Drink bottled water: Even at top restaurants.
- Avoid raw veggies/street food early: Wait until your stomach adjusts.
- Pace your meals: Small meals throughout the day are best.
Andean Travel Experience provides custom travel planning with culinary insights included.
More than just a starting point for visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco is a gastronomic hotspot where each dish has a backstory. The city's culinary scene invites you to experience the essence of the Andes, from vegan delights and street-side snacks to gourmet alpaca steaks and traditional Incan stews. Every bite brings you closer to Peru's rich heritage and culture, whether you're dining at a fancy fusion restaurant or finding undiscovered local treasures.
Allow Andean Travel Experience to lead you on a customized culinary adventure through the best flavors of Cusco if you're planning a trip there. With each meal, make lifelong memories, eat better, and travel farther.