CUSCO RESTAURANTS
A Food Lover's Dream
The Perfect 3 Days of Restaurants in Cusco, Peru
If you are foodie, like me, you will LOVE Cusco. Cusco’s restaurant scene is a vibrant blend of traditional Andean flavors and contemporary culinary innovation, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and growing sophistication. From cozy, family-run eateries serving hearty dishes like lomo saltado and ají de gallina to upscale restaurants led by chefs reimagining Peruvian cuisine with global techniques,
Cusco offers an impressive range of dining experiences. Fresh local ingredients—especially quinoa, potatoes, corn, and trout—often take center stage and are sourced from nearby Sacred Valley farms. The city also boasts a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene, artisanal coffee shops, and stylish pisco bars, making it a true foodie destination nestled in the heart of the Andes.
Three days is the ideal time to spend in Cusco. If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail, we recommend two days in Cusco before the hike to acclimate and one day after the hike to rest, recharge, and to savor one last day of Cusco meals. One last parting word, Peruvian service is a slower pace than most might be used to. I took it as an opportunity to relax and enjoy the moments!
Day 1: Gourmet & Historic Cusco
Breakfast: Organika Restaurant. Wander just off the Plaza de Armas to this breakfast gem. The portions are generous, the food is delicious, and the presentation is amazing.
Lunch: Pachapapa. Well-known for serving true Andean meals, Pachapapa is all about keeping the Andean food culture alive. The setting is warm and welcoming and is perfect for enjoying authentic Andean tastes.
Dinner: Cicciolina. On the second floor of an old colonial house, close to Plaza de Armas in Cusco, you’ll find Cicciolina. This Cusco hot spot combines Mediterranean cuisine with tasty tapas. Be sure to make a reservation. It is popular.
Day 2: Bohemian & Vegetarian Delights
Breakfast: El Jardin. A great place to start your day to get a hearty and delicious meal before setting out to explore the city. Jack's Cafe serves breakfast from 7-12pm each day.
Lunch: Parada Vegana Restaurant. A top choice for vegan-friendly dining, offering delicious and well-priced options. The menu features fresh, unprocessed, and healthy dishes such
Dinner: Green Point Vegan Restaurant. Vegans and non-vegans alike love this restaurant. People love this restaurant so much that it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu.
Day 3: Local Flavors and Hidden Gems
Breakfast: Jacks' Cafe. A great place to start your day to get a hearty and delicious meal before setting out to explore the city. Jack's Cafe serves breakfast from 7-12pm each day.
Lunch: Jardin Organico. This hidden gem offers some delicious food Tucked away in a small courtyard, this gem offers some wonderful options and a fairly extensive menu.
Dinner: Kion Peruvian Chinese (Chifa). Probably the best Chinese Peruvian restaurant in Cusco (and they also have locations in Lima). I highly recommend you make reservations as this is an incredible sought after restaurant.
