If you were thinking that Lima was the only place to experience the extensive gastronomic expression of our country, let us tell you that you were mistaken. Cusco, for being the principal tourist destination in Peru, offers a great dining experience and here we’ll tell you all about it.
As you already know, the Peruvian cuisine is praised among the most renowned chefs worldwide, thanks to its great variety and exotic flavors. And though the bustling city of Lima is recognized as the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America, Cusco also fits into this recognition.
The so-called Imperial City of the Incas has the perfect dining spots for lunch, dinner or even breakfast and here we have gathered five of the most popular and delicious gastronomic experiences in the entire region!
If you’re looking to sample the best of the Peruvian gastronomy during your trip, make sure to visit any of these top restaurants and take your taste buds to a magical journey.
Morena
Located in the heart of Cusco, the Morena restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in front of Plaza de Armas. The restaurant is characterized for combinating Andean flavours with the exotic seasoning of the Peruvian coast.
Among its most delicious dishes are: The Bestia Burger, the grilled Andean trout, and El Duo, which harmonically combines Arroz con Mariscos (rice with seafood) and Ceviche in one plate. Likewise, it is the best place to sample the delicious criolla food with a combination of flavors from all around the country.
Whether it’s meat, fish or vegetables, Morena aims to showcase the true cultural mosaic that is Peruvian cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients. On the other hand, the atmosphere here is undeniably relaxed but with sophisticated touches and an elegant environment.
Address: Calle Procuradores 320, Cusco.
Uchu
In the surroundings of the beautiful Plaza Nazarenas lies a famous steakhouse called Uchu, recognized for their protein-packed BBQ ribs and alpaca tenderloin cooked on hot volcanic stones.
Uchu is certainly one of the must-visit restaurants in Cusco, they offer a charming patio-style atmosphere with avant-garde textiles and unique decoration. The food is, by all means, one of the best in the area, where fresh and organic ingredients complement their thoughtfully designed recipes.
The combination of flavors in each of the dishes will certainly make you fall in love with their culinary art. The food is mainly Peruvian, with coastal dishes reinvented with Andean ingredients and exoctic combinations.
Uchu has offered a sophisticated dining experience since 2013. It is run by the Chef Erick Paz Gallegos and Elizabeth Schumacher, who have exponentially changed the definition of the fusion traditional Peruvian cuisine and international gastronomy.
The menu consists of traditional dishes with international food with a Peruvian twist. They have a wide range of coastal and Andean courses, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. Besides, the overall experience is also complemented with its upscale decoration.
Address: Calle Palacio 135, Cusco
Chicha by Gaston Acurio
If you love Peruvian food as much as we -evidently- do, then you must have heard of the renowned Chef Gaston Acurio, who is praised for his culinary vision and for having a famous restaurant in Lima considered one of the 50 best in the world.
Chicha is part of Acurio’s global culinary empire, and it offers a taste of the chef’s authentic recipes at a more affordable price. The restaurant looks to combine Andean ingredients with the flavor and seasoning of other regions, a total immersion of Peruvian cultures in one place.
As you may know, Gaston Acurio looks to innovate and give a special twist to the culinary expression of Peru, while including the freshest and most exquisite organic ingredients in his recipes. Chicha offers one of the best gastronomic experiences in Cusco, where you’ll be able to sample criolla food with international dishes with an Andean twist.
Besides, unlike its famous Astrid & Gaston restaurants, Chicha offers more affordable prices, giving visitors the chance to sample their mouth-watering dishes. The menu is based on ancient recipes made with native ingredients, allowing you to experience a part of Peru more intimately.
Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, Cusco.
Papacho’s
It certainly is one of the best burger joints in the area. They offer, by far, the most delicious fast-food gastronomic experience in the region with an establishment that overlooks the beautiful main square of Cusco.
Among the different options in Papacho’s menu the best are: Chicken wings, Salchipapas, Mac and cheese, and the Papacha burger. If planning to visit for dining, make sure to make your reservation in advance since it is one of the most sought after restaurants in the heart of the ancient Cusco.
Papacho’s atmosphere offers a very relaxed and casual setting influenced by the classic American diner style combined with Peruvian art and culture, making it one of the most visually striking restaurants in the Historic Center of Cusco. Likewise, their music selection ranges from pop-rock, rock and indie bands, allowing you to kick-back and enjoy a great meal with friends.
However, you might be thinking that this could be a burger joint like any other, but we’d like to remind you that Papacho’s is part of the renowned restaurant chain of Chef Gaston Acurio. Therefore, the dishes are prepared with traditional Peruvian ingredients, combining exotic flavors from the Jungle and the Andes.
Address: Calle Sta Catalina Angosta 115, Cusco.
Limo
For those looking for a fine dining experience, Limo is certainly one of the options. The restaurant is strategically situated in front of the Plaza de Armas, overlooking the beautiful Inca-Colonial architecture of Cusco’s historic center.
Limo is recognized for its Peruvian Nikkei cuisine that combines top-quality fresh ingredients and the indistinguishable Japanese cooking technique. The menu has reimagined traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist, allowing its visitors to experience the most renowned dishes in our country with an exquisite touch.
The International Chef Coque Ossio is the innovative mind behind this gastronomic experience, combining Japanese cuisine and techniques with novo-andean gastronomy. There’s a great variety of seafood dishes and though it may seem odd in this part of the Andes, we highly recommend giving it a try.
Likewise, Limo Restaurant complements the experience with a vast selection of pisco-based cocktails and chilcanos. They also have a small but good selection of Peruvian, South American and European wines.
The restaurant is divided into a Pisco bar, the main restaurant and a balcony area, each of them thoughtfully decorated with dark wood, white leather furniture and large modern art canvases. Prices are high, but trust us, the dining experience here is like no other and often compared to upscale restaurants in the UK, USA and Australia.
Address: Portal de Carnes 236, Cusco.
If you’re looking for an authentic gastronomic experience in the city of Cusco, we certainly have the best options. It is worth mentioning that we offer local cuisine-oriented travel packages, where you can get immersed in the most renowned culinary art of the Americas whilst still getting to know Peru at its fullest.