What to Eat in Cusco
In recent years, Peruvian cuisine has gained popularity in the world’s culinary landscape, but for the freshest (and most authentic) specialty dishes, Cusco will not disappoint. Most Peruvian dishes carry big flavor not seen in other Latin and South American fare. You may have already tried popular dishes like ceviche (a cold dish of fresh raw fish with spicy citrus flavors) or lomo saltado (stir fried beef with fries). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try cuy (roasted guinea pig – yes, the American household pet) or charbroiled alpaca (also known as llama). Other delicious traditional dishes include adobo (a pork stew with corn beer), tamales, choclo con queso (boiled corn with local cheese) and the vegetarian stew capchi de setas. As far as vegetables go, Peru produces more than 4,000 varieties of potato, so you’ll find many dishes centered on them like papas a la huancaina (boiled potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce) and causa (a potato casserole with a variety of meat). Other staple veggies include corn and avocados. If your mouth isn't watering yet, check your pulse.
For a taste of traditional dishes, head to Pachapapa or the award-winning Chicha (visitors and locals recommend getting reservations well in advance). Peruvian cuisine often mingles with Asian influences, inspired by the culture brought by indentured servants and immigrants who came to Peru dating back to the original Spanish rule in the country. For a sampling of the Asian/Peruvian fusion cuisine, visit LIMO. If you're really looking to splurge on a fine dining experience, try MAP Cafe. Located in the courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum in a glass shipping container, the fare is more contemporary Peruvian cuisine. You can also kick-start your day with coffee and breakfast at Jack's Cafe, which serves breakfast all day. Many of the most popular restaurants are centrally located near Plaza de Armas.
Find the Best Restaurants in Cusco
- #1
Yaku#1 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco
$ - $$ | Peruvian, Latin, HealthyCalle Huaynapata S/N De subida al mirador de San Cristóbal, Cusco 08002 PeruRead More » - #2
Organika#2 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #3
Avocado Toast & More#3 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #4
Parada 168#4 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #1
Incontri del pueblo Viejo#1 of 142 Places to Eat in Aguas Calientes
$ - $$ | Italian, PizzaAv. Pachacuteq 6 Cuadra S/N, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu 084 PeruRead More » - #5
Inkazuela Restaurant#5 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #6
Limbus Resto Bar#6 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #7
Beers & Burgers#7 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #8
Alma Bar Restaurante#8 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #9
Hankay#9 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #10
Mama Jama#10 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #11
Chakruna Native Burgers#11 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #12
Chia Vegan Kitchen#12 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #13
Hanz Craft Beer & Restaurant#13 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #14
Indigo Bar Restaurant#14 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #15
ViewHouse Restobar#15 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #16
Rucula#16 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #2
Chef House Peruvian Food#2 of 142 Places to Eat in Aguas Calientes - #17
Republica Del Pisco#17 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco - #18
Mama Seledonia#18 of 1,056 Places to Eat in Cusco
Explore More of Cusco
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