by: Luis Felipa

Boasting a vibrant fusion scene influenced by Italian, French, German, African, Chinese, and Spanish flavors, Cusco’s gourmet offerings—ranked #1 on Travel & Leisure’s list of Top Cities in Central and South America for 2024—are sure to excite both the palate and the soul.

These top choices for elegant dining in Cusco unfold within the regal ambiance of the Belmond Monasterio Hotel. El Tupay serves exquisite international cuisine in an intimate setting adorned with romantic arches. Oqre, located in the hotel’s historic cloisters, offers courtyard views and a menu crafted by Chef Jorge Muñoz, who showcases flavors from across Peru’s diverse regions. Try the alpaca tenderloin with corn, sweet pepper chile, and mint sauce or the duck-and-rice stew infused with coriander. Other temptations include poached kingfish rolls with shrimp mousse, and rack of lamb with black-pepper crust and tomato marmalade. Service is impeccable and the wine list is vast.
Website: El Tupay / Oqre
Phone number: +51 84 604-000
Address: Monasterio Hotel, calle Plazoleta Nazarenas 337
Price range: $$$$$

A refined culinary experience nestled within the historic Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel in Cusco. Led by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pía León, the restaurant offers a sensory journey that fuses cuisine, art, and biodiversity. Mauka’s menu draws deeply from Peru’s rich agricultural heritage, spotlighting native grains, seeds, and Andean ingredients through innovative techniques. Dishes like alpaca crudo with lemon verbena and chuño reflect León’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing modernity. The interiors echo this ethos—natural materials like lenga wood and volcanic stone create a serene, contemporary space that complements the artistry on the plate.
Website: Mauka
Phone number: +51 84 582-222
Address: Palacio Nazarenas Hotel, calle Plazoleta Nazarenas 223
Price range: $$$$$

Tucked within a glass-enclosed structure at the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art’s courtyard, MAP Café is one of Cusco’s most distinctive fine dining experiences. This contemporary restaurant blends cutting-edge culinary artistry with deep respect for Peruvian heritage, offering a menu that reimagines traditional ingredients with bold creativity. Guests can savor refined dishes like duck confit, trout with Andean herbs, or deconstructed lemon desserts, all while surrounded by the museum’s historic ambiance. With impeccable service, a curated wine list, and a setting that feels both intimate and avant-garde, MAP Café is a true celebration of art—on the plate and beyond.
Website: MAP Café
Phone number: +51 84 242-476
Address: Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Plazoleta Nazarenas 231
Price range: $$$$$

Located within the luxurious Palacio del Inka Hotel, the restaurant offers an exquisite blend of Andean and international cuisine. It’s known for its historical ambiance, featuring Incan stone architecture and an elegant indoor-outdoor setting. Guests can enjoy local delicacies crafted from traditional Andean ingredients, alongside a selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Inti Raymi is celebrated for its exceptional service and fine dining experience. Signature dishes include altitude ceviche, alpaca specialties, and seafood rice, all prepared with meticulous attention to flavor and presentation. Undoubtedly, it is a top choice for those seeking a refined culinary experience in Cusco.
Website: Inti Raymi
Phone number: +51 84 231-961
Address: Palacio del Inka Hotel, plazoleta Santo Domingo 259
Price range: $$$$$

Perched on the second floor of a colonial-era house in the artistic San Blas neighborhood, Cicciolina is a beloved culinary gem that blends rustic charm with cosmopolitan flair. The restaurant offers two distinct experiences: a lively tapas bar with open kitchens and a more intimate dining room adorned with deep red walls, crisp white linens, and bold artwork. Its menu is a celebration of Mediterranean and Andean fusion, featuring dishes like quinoa-crusted shrimp, squid ink tagliatelle, and alpaca carpaccio. With warm, attentive service and an inviting ambiance, Cicciolina captures the spirit of culinary Cusco.
Website: Cicciolina
Phone number: +51 84 255-763
Address: Calle Palacio 110
Price range: $$$$

Set on a prime location overlooking Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, LIMO is a vibrant culinary destination that fuses Peruvian and Japanese traditions with contemporary flair. Known for its elegant ceviches, tiraditos, and sushi rolls, the restaurant celebrates Peru’s coastal bounty while embracing the precision and artistry of Nikkei cuisine. Signature dishes like Amazonian paiche with patacones or alpaca grilled with elderberry sauce showcase bold, regional flavors. The Pisco bar offers inventive cocktails crafted with exotic fruits from the Andes and Amazon. With panoramic views, sleek design, and a lively yet refined atmosphere, LIMO is a must for food lovers seeking a modern twist on Peruvian gastronomy.
Website: Limo
Phone number: +51 84 240-668
Address: Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd. floor, Plaza de Armas
Price range: $$$$

Morena Peruvian Kitchen is a modern and vibrant restaurant located in the heart of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. It offers a sophisticated take on traditional Peruvian cuisine, blending flavors from the coast, Amazon, and Andes. The restaurant is known for its bright and welcoming ambiance, original décor, scenic views, and exceptional service. Signature dishes include stir-fried beef fillet, alpaca risotto, guinea pig marinated in traditional herbs, and trout ceviche, all prepared with a creative twist. Morena is highly rated, making it a top culinary destination in Cusco.
Website: Morena
Phone number: +51 993-652-202
Address: Portal de Harinas 181, Plaza de Armas
Price range: $$$$

Part of the renowned Astrid & Gaston restaurant group in Peru, Chicha offers creative selections representing the country’s diversity. For those who are unable to make reservations at the original Astrid & Gaston restaurant in Lima, Chicha is a fantastic way to sample the creativity of Peru’s top world-renowned chef, Gastón Acurio, captured in the exquisite traditional dishes of the Cusco region. Blending regional flavors with modern techniques, the menu features seasonal fresh ingredients. Signature offerings include ceviche, adobo, and guinea pig, alongside a chef’s tasting menu for an immersive dining experience. With a reputation for exceptional service, Chicha is a top destination for those seeking authentic Peruvian cuisine in a refined setting.
Website: Chicha
Phone number: +51 84 240-520 or +51 981-409-971
Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd. floor
Price range: $$$$

Campo Cocina Andina is a warm and inviting culinary destination that celebrates the spirit of rural Peruvian hospitality. It offers a fresh culinary approach that elevates native ingredients and traditional cooking methods, refined by an experimental attitude to delight the modern palate. Signature dishes such as oven-roasted trout, alpaca skewers, and oxtail croquettes are artfully plated and brimming with flavor. Guests praise the attentive service, cozy ambiance, and thoughtful touches like coca leaf tea and Peruvian wine pairings. Whether dining solo or gathering with family, Campo delivers a memorable experience rooted in cultural authenticity and culinary inspiration.
Website: Campo
Phone number: +51 993-652-202
Address: Calle Plateros 310
Price range: $$$$

A culinary tribute to Peru’s regional diversity, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair. Located across from the Palacio del Inka Hotel, this elegant eatery offers a warm, rustic ambiance with outdoor courtyard seating, attentive service, and a menu that celebrates local ingredients and cultural heritage. Signature dishes include ceviche de barrio, alpaca carpaccio, ají de gallina, and the Trío Marino—a tasting of ceviche, seafood rice, and crispy calamari. The restaurant also features vegetarian and vegan options and is praised for its creative presentation and generous portions. With a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a reputation for excellence, Tejas y Piedras is a standout destination for authentic, elevated Peruvian dining.
Website: Tejas y Piedras
Phone number: +51 975-222-289
Address: Calle Zetas 109
Price range: $$$$

Also located in the heart of the traditional and artsy San Blas district, Pachapapa offers a wonderful selection of Andean cuisine with a contemporary touch. Its indoor casual courtyard, shaded by cherry and tumbo trees, is the perfect warm and rustic setting for a relaxed lunch with the melodies of an Andean harp. Pachapapa is celebrated for its regional specialties like baked trout, lomo saltado, and huatia loin, as well as pre-order dishes such as baked cuy with marigold and red pepper sauce and pachamanca, a ceremonial Andean feast cooked underground. With a reputation for honoring local ingredients and ancestral techniques, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of the Peruvian Andes.
Website: Pachapapa
Phone number: +51 84 241-318
Address: Carmen Bajo 120, Plazoleta San Blas
Price range: $$$

A fully vegan restaurant in the city, offering a diverse menu of Peruvian and international plant-based dishes. Established in 2013, it has become a favorite among those seeking healthy, locally sourced cuisine. Located in the artistic San Blas, Green Point provides a tranquil and casual dining experience, where guests can enjoy fresh juices, baked goods, and creative vegan meals. Highly rated on Tripadvisor, it is known for its exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant also collaborates with local producers, neighboring farms, and environmental projects, continuously striving for mutual benefit and sustainability.
Website: Green Point
Phone number: +51 993-824-045
Address: Calle Carmen bajo 235
Price range: $$$
Ready to get on a plane and fly to Peru for a culinary journey?
- Get in touch with Southwind’s Travel Consultants. With decades of experience in Peru and customized trip design, they’re ready to dream up the perfect Peru vacation for you.
- Check out our original tour Flavors & Culinary Traditions for trip ideas.
