10 Restaurants in Cusco and Machu Picchu worth eating at
Peruvian food is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cultural influences that reflect the country’s diverse geography and rich history. It combines indigenous ingredients with Spanish, Asian, and African influences, making each dish a delightful exploration of taste.
I only post restaurants and cafes that I personally think is nice through my 5 days stay at Cusco and Machu Picchu - it can be the food, the wait staff, the ambience and/or the price. If its none of it, it definitely wont be in this list.
CUSCO
Cusqueñísima Picanteria
Address: Av. Jose Gabriel Cosio 401, Cusco 08004, Peru
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 5pm
This restaurant is located in the new city of Cusco so you will have to take an Uber out. It was about 20 minutes with a little bit of traffic from Plaza Mayor. Nestled in a residential area, it is extremely popular with the locals, serving traditional Peruvian food. The portions are huge so you may like to go easy on the order.
Mare Restaurant
Address: C. Heladeros 167, Cusco 00800, Peru
Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm
An unassuming cafe that serves really good beef burger and chicken soup and its pineapple basil drink was very refreshing. It was first restaurant my partner and I went to after travelling from Lima and was so famished we casually strolled in without any expectations (as we didn’t check google reviews), but I walked up beaming with a happy tummy. The price was extremely reasonable for the quality of the food and I recommend for a quick casual meal in between sights near the Plaza Regocijo.
Campo Cocina Andina
Address: C. Plateros 310, Cusco 08002, Peru
Opening Hours: 12pm - 11pm
This is a fancier restaurant that was recommended to me by a local and its part of the Morena Group of Restaurants. You can hardly get a space there without prior booking so this would be the alternative sister! I would recommend dining here for special occassions. Ambience was warm yet vibrant. Food wasn’t wow but it’s decent and value for money for its standard.
Florencia Y Fortunata
Address: Suecia 332, Cusco 08000, Peru
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 7.30pm
Chanced upon this cafe with an art gallery and also a retail store selling hats. I later found out that this is a social enterprise that supports the work of women, from its wait staff down to its coffee sources. It has stone walls and stairs with wooden furnishings which exudes a warm ancient Peruvian vibe.
Three Monkeys Coffee Company
Address: Pje. Pampa de la Alianza 474, Cusco 08000, Peru
Opening Hours: 8am - 9pm; Closed on Sundays
A clean sleek modern design coffee house serving great coffee and food. It felt like I was transported to New York. We were staying at Casa Montes Central which occupies the upper floors of the same building of this cafe and the breakfast was served from the same kitchen. Highly recommend both the accommodation (middle range priced and clean) and cafe!
Flora Cafe
Address: Warankallki 147, Cusco 08001, Peru
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 5pm; Closed on Mondays
A bright and chirpy restaurant off the main square with 3 levels of seats to choose from. Indoor, outdoor, deck chairs and high stools, choose what’s comfortable for you. The highest level is an open terrace and you get a glimpse of the old city skyline. Serves smoothie bowls, coffee and snacks. Loved the vibe here.
Ascai 360 Restaurante
Address: Resbalosa 580, Cusco 08001, Peru
Opening Hours: 6.30am - 10am; 11.30am - 8.45pm
I saw this bar from Church of San Cristobal and its about a 1 minute from it. As it over looks the entire Cusco city this is a great sunset bar to unwind and soak in the breathtaking views.
Sancris
Address: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Ave Pachacutec 105, Aguas Calientes 08000, Peru
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm
I personally did not dine in here but used this as the starting point (as its also the highest point) of Cusco’s old city to stroll down. It is right opposite the Church of San Cristobal and it offers panoramic view of the city. It has a floor to ceiling glass panel with
MACHU PICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES)
Green House Organic Restaurant
Address: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Ave Pachacutec 105, Aguas Calientes 08000, Peru
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm
I ate at numerous restaurants in Agua Calientes during the 3d2n that I was there and Green House is the only one worth recommending. The food looks simply amazing and definitely delicious, fresh and organic! The chef is from Cusco and that explains why it is different from others on the street that’s selling cookie cutter food like pizza, pasta and local cuisines.
OLLANTAYTAMBO
Don Dante
Address: Plaza de Armos de Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo 08676, Peru
Opening Hours: 12pm - 10pm
This restaurant is located right at the main square of Ollantaytambo and its walking distance to the ruins. Had a simple fare of trout and cant help to capture its beautiful plating. Kudos to the staff who was very attentive to us and provided his personal wifi network as the city’s electricity supply was shut.