Best Restaurants in Cusco, Peru: The Traveling Professor’s Top Picks
Cusco, Peru is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley—it’s also one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world. Peru consistently ranks as a global hotspot for food lovers, with two of the world’s top ten restaurants located in Lima. Fortunately, Cusco’s dining scene is just as vibrant, offering travelers an incredible variety of flavors, from traditional Andean specialties to modern, innovative cuisine.
On our Traveling Professor Small Group Tours to Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon, we spend three nights in Cusco. That gives us plenty of time to explore its thriving restaurant scene. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Cusco, Peru:
Chi-Cha by Gastón Acurio
Located just a block from the Plaza de Armas, this is our favorite spot during our small group tours. Renowned chef Gastón Acurio offers an inventive menu featuring Raviolis in lamb stew with Sichuan ragu sauce, grilled trout, roasted chicken, and the classic lomo saltado. With choices to satisfy every palate, Chi-Cha is a must-visit.
Hanz Gastronomique
We’ve been enjoying Hanz since it was a small six-table burger-and-beer eatery. Today, it sits proudly on the Plaza de Armas, serving up high-quality Peruvian dishes like Chicken Chili Pepper, tender Lamb Shank, and Stuffed Rocoto Peppers. It’s a perfect example of Cusco’s evolving culinary scene.
El Tupay – Hotel Monasterio Restaurant
Looking for a unique lunch in Cusco? Head to El Tupay inside the historic Hotel Monasterio. The reason is simple: they serve the best Alpaca Burger in the Andes. Pair it with a glass of local wine, and you’ll have a meal to remember.
Ciccolina
One of the Traveling Professor’s long-time favorites, Ciccolina combines a warm, casual atmosphere with a standout tapas menu. Dishes include squid ink pasta, trout, lomo saltado, and burgers. It’s ideal for those looking for a mix of traditional flavors and creative flair.
Yaku
Directly across the street from the Aranwa Hotel, where we stay on our tours, Yaku is quick, casual, and affordable. It’s a great spot for small groups to enjoy a beer and pizza, Alpaca Stew, or Veggie Quinua Chafa. Convenient and tasty, it’s one of Cusco’s hidden gems.
Dining in Cusco: A Culinary Highlight of Peru
From fine dining experiences to casual neighborhood favorites, Cusco’s restaurants reflect the creativity of Peruvian chefs and the richness of local ingredients. Whether you’re sampling an alpaca burger, savoring freshly caught trout, or sharing tapas with friends, Cusco will delight your taste buds.
When you join us on a Traveling Professor Small Group Tour to Peru, dining in Cusco is always one of the highlights.