18 of the Best Arequipa Restaurants | Where to Eat & Drink in Peru’s White City + Food Tours
Arequipa Peru is Peru’s second largest city and due to the buildings made of white sillar volcanic rocks, it is also known as “Peru’s White City.” What visitors may not know is that the region of Arequipa has its own typical cuisine and should be on every “foodie’s radar.” There are plenty of top Arequipa restaurants to sample over 500 typical dishes, a bustling local market, and trendy modern restaurants.
In Arequipa, find an “up and coming” coffee culture, vegan hideaways, and some scrumptious bakeries. Take the chance to nibble on artisanal chocolate or sample local ice cream. Grab a cocktail at sunset, try a local microbrewer sip, and maybe even sample some Peruvian wine. The Arequipa food scene brings so much to the food table, literally.
On top of the best places to eat in Arequipa, it would be unfortunate to depart the city without grabbing at least one meal from a Picantería. These popular lunchtime Arequipa restaurants and serve up the typical dishes, which are a unique fusion of Inca and Spanish cuisine.
One of the best things to do in Arequipa is to simply eat and experience as much of the food culture as you possibly can. Come hungry and you will most definitely leave happy.

Here’s a guide to some of the best Arequipa restaurants and what to eat in this culturally rich city in Peru.
Table of Contents
- Arequipa Coffeeshop
- Arequipa Restaurants for Lunch & Typical Cuisine
- Arequipa Restaurants NOT Serving Typical Dishes
- Arequipa Restaurants for Something Sweet
- Where to Drink in Arequipa
- Food Tours in Arequipa
- More Things to Do in Arequipa
- Conclusion | Best Arequipa Restaurants
Arequipa Coffeeshops
From roasters to rooftops, here are three great Arequipa coffeeshops to try.
1 | Kafi Wasi Coffee House
Kafi Wasi Coffee House is one of the top rated Arequipa restaurants for breakfast and has some seriously amazing coffee. Kafi Wasi is all about educating and preserving the coffee culture.
Savor a specialty coffee in the cute cafe or on the outdoor terrace. Bonus, this is one of the Arequipa coffeeshops that is open on Sunday and has excellent Wi-Fi.
Find them here: Calle Pte. Bolognesi 216, Arequipa | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 20:30 / Sundays: 8:00 -13:00 | Facebook Page: Kafi Wasi Coffee House
2 | Palacios Coffee

Palacios Coffee is a coffee lover’s dream come true. This Arequipa coffeeshop is a little out of the Historic Center of Arequipa, but worth the walk. The main highlight of this coffeeshop is on the perfect coffee bean. First, choose a roast. Next, the brewing method.
Palacios takes their coffee serious, but without that pretentious coffee-snob vibe.
Don’t know which bean to choose? The lovely staff offers a nose full of free smells to help pair you with the perfect blend. Brewing options include: the Moka pot, french press, even a Turkish cezve.
On the second floor, enjoy homemade baked goodies with the perfect cup of coffee.
Find them here: Av. Lima 201 – Vallecito – Arequipa | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 – 20:30 | Facebook Page: Palacios Coffee
3 | Coffee Roaster – Kaffeehaus
Kaffeehaus is another coffee roaster in Arequipa and has both Peruvian and German foundations. Kaffeehaus boasts top-notch roasting equipment and works with Peruvian coffee beans.
Make sure to check out the lovely outdoor “biergarten.” Breakfast is available.
Find them here: Melgar 117 Arequipa | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:30 – 20:00, Saturdays opens at 8:00 | Facebook Page: Kaffeehaus Café Tostaduría
4 | Mercado San Camilo

If not a coffee drinker, head over to the bustling Mercado San Camilo for a fresh squeezed juice. Do as the locals do and grab a bowl of soup or typical plate of food for breakfast.
Find Mercado San Camilo here: 487, C. Piérola 407 Arequipa | Hours: Daily: 6:00 – 19:00
Arequipa Restaurants for Lunch & Typical Cuisine
At lunch time, look for Arequipa restaurants serving up a daily lunch menu, or menu del dia. Lunch menus usually come with a starter, main, basic drink, and sometimes even a desert. Although budget friendly, these meals are filling and delicious.
Make sure to try the typical food of the region at a Picantería. These local establishments are typically only open during lunchtime hours.
5 | Prana Vegan Rest-Ecobar

The lunch menu at Prana Vegan Club is an absolute must. The 10 Sole ($2.50 USD) menu was incredible. With rich flavors that are light and tasty, the menu includes a drink, starter, main, dessert, and “help yourself” simple, but fresh salad bar.
The food at Prana is some of the best vegan food in Peru. The meal is hearty and delicious, it’s easy to forget there is no meat.
Prana is one of the best restaurants in Arequipa and will satisfy both vegans and carnivores alike.
Find them here: C. Ugarte 109 Cercado | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: Prana Vegan Club
6 | Arequipas Best Restaurants Picanterias

Picanterías are traditional lunchtime restaurants in Arequipa and serve up typical regional dishes of Arequipa. The food is unique and some of the most flavorful in Peru and there are over 500 dishes to choose from!
In fact, Arequipa is an up and coming culinary destination in Peru simply for the food.
Top Dishes to Eat in Arequipa Picanterias

- Cuy, or guinea pig, is cooked differently in Arequipa than it is in other places like Lima or Cusco. In Arequipa it is served in a manner called Cuy Chactado. The guinea pig is served flat here based on Incan traditions when the rodent was cooked between two hot stones.
- Rocoto Relleno is the signature spicy stuffed pepper of Arequipa usually accompanied with the rich and delicious potato side dish, Pastel de Papa
- Adobo is a typical pork stew that originated from Arequipa
- Soltero de Queso is a cold salad with cheese, olives, tomatoes, fava beans, and is the ultimate vegetarian dish of Arequipa
➯ Detailed Arequipa Food Travel Guide | 10 Must Try Typical Dishes in Arequipa Peru
Best Picanterias in Arequipa
- La Capitana Picanteria might just be my favorite Restaurant in Arequipa hands down.
- La Cau Cau Picanteria is popular with locals and has a nice outdoor seating area.
- La Nueva Palomino Picantería Arequipeña is located in the heart of the Yanahuara District
- Picanteria La Mundial is filled with locals and has been serving food for almost 100 years
- Victoria Picanteria is located in the Historic Center of Arequipa so is a little more upscale and sees lots of tourists
- San Camilo Market serves tons of locals typical dishes for a more than fair price.
7 | Plaza de Cayma

The Cayma District of Arequipa is not only one the best places to visit in the city, but the entire main Plaza is lined with local little food joints serving up Adobo, or a delicious pork stew. Adobo is a typical dish of Arequipa, and actually originates from the Cayma District in Arequipa!
Adobo is actually a popular hang-over remedy, so the best time to visit the Plaza de Cayma is bright and early on a Sunday morning. (Seriously, think around 5 a.m. until 7 a.m.). Adobo is usually a dish that is always served on Sunday. At dawn, these local Arequipa restaurants are so busy that people usually over flow and sit in the Plaza.
Arequipa Restaurants NOT Serving Typical Food

Looking for some fun and exciting places to try out Arequipa’s diverse food scene? These places are great if you’ve been traveling through Peru for a while and looking to switch traditional dishes for something more modern and unique!
8 | Las Gringas
Las Gringas is the place to eat handmade pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. While you can find typical pizzas here, why not try the Peruvian inspired pizzas that are topped with Quinoa, Aguaymanto (Inca berries), Purple corn, and local Andean cheese.
On top of pizza, find salads, sandwiches, pastas, and even a daily brunch menu.
Las Gringas also boasts a diverse craft beer menu.
This Arequipa restaurant is super popular, so be mindful that service can be a bit slow.
Find them here: Santa Catalina 204, Cercado De Arequipa Peru | Hours: Daily, 10:30 – 23:30, Sundays close at 23:00 | Facebook Page: Las Gringas
9 | Pasta Canteen

Pasta Canteen is a corner establishment serving up simple and delicious pastas. The interior is cozy and the upstairs has a cool little loft section, perfect for solo travelers. There’s a daily pasta feature that comes with a salad in a jar and freshly baked bread for 20 PEN ($6 USD).
There’s also the option to create your own pasta. Pick from different noodles, sauces, and fresh ingredients.
Find them here: C. Puente Grau 300 | Hours: Daily, 12:30 – 21:30 | Facebook Page: Pasta Canteen
10 | Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine
Kao Thai puts a totally unique spin on Peruvian food and mixes it with Thai cuisine. In Peru, it’s more typical to find Chifa, which is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine.
Kao Thai has everything from ceviche, curries, and pad Thai.
Find them here: Calle Bolivar 415, Cercado, Arequipa | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page: Kao Thai Arequipa
Arequipa Restaurants for Sweet Treats
Satisfy any sweet-tooth craving by stopping in a delicious bakery or an artisanal chocolate shop.
11 | Masamama Café
Masamama Cafe is probably one of the best bakeries in Arequipa. Find homemade bread, croissants, pastries, brownies, and so much more.
Find them here: Los Cristales 102 Arequipa | Hours: Monday, 14:30 – 21:30 / Tues – Sat, 8:00 – 21:30 / Sunday, 8:30 – 15:30 | Facebook Page: Masamama
☛ Psst… They also have another Bakery & Mill location
12 | Queso Helado

Queso Helado is the artisanal typical ice cream from Arequipa, and although it translates as “iced cheese,” there is no cheese in this sweet treat. This ice cream is made from milk, condensed milk, coconut, and spices. There is always a garnish of cinnamon sprinkles.
The best place to eat Queso Helado is on the streets. Many women set up stalls and sell the local ice cream. Sometimes, the women set up next to or inside the courtyards of Picanterias.
13 | Chaqchao Organic Chocolates
Stop in for a handmade chocolate bar and witness the production happening before your eyes. Chaqchao Organic Chocolates is a shop that is fueling locally sourced Peruvian chocolate farmers. Not only can you find chocolate bars, but chocolate cakes, hot chocolates, and other chocolate based items.
➜ Sign-up for the Chaqchao chocolate workshop that runs daily
Find them here: Calle Santa Catalina 204 Arequipa | Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 23:30 | Facebook Page: Chaqchao Organic Chocolates
Where to Drink in Arequipa | Cocktails & Night Caps

While the food in Arequipa is top-notch, the city also has a spirited nightlife. There’s a range of Arequipa restaurants for sipping on a sunset cocktail or dancing the night away.
14 | Sunset Rooftop Bar

The Sunset Rooftop Bar has two different leveled terraces to enjoy those epic volcanic dotted sunsets of Arequipa. This rooftop gem plays up chill music, boasts almost 360° views, and pours up an extensive cocktail menu. Try the beloved Pisco Sour.
For these stunning Arequipa rooftop views, the prices are just right.
Find them here: Inside of Le Foyer Hostel Arequipa on the 4th floor @ Calle Ugrte 114, Arequipa | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 – 22:00 / Sundays: 13:00 – 20:00 | Facebook Page: Sunset Rooftop Bar
15 | Chelawasi Pubic House

Nestled in the trendy neighborhood of San Lazaro is the superb microbrewery, Chelawasi Public House. The brewery has many nods to the beer loving city of Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. See the Pacific Northwest influence with its murals and decor. Of course, there’s a wide range of unique beers. There’s pub grub to pair with the rotating beer list.
Find them here: Campo Redondo 102, Arequipa | Hours: Mon – Thur: 12:30 – 23:00 / Fri & Sat: 11:30 – 1:30 / Sun: 14:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page: Chelawasi Public House
16 | Tanta

Tanta has an excellent outdoor courtyard that neighbors its expensive and famous sister restaurant Chicha por Gaston Acurio. This lovely backdrop offers an excellent opportunity to sip on authentic Peruvian wine. Tanta offers snacks, cocktails, and a main menu.
It is more casual than Chicha, due to the fact that they don’t accept reservations, but relatively speaking still quite pricey.
Find them here: Santa Catalina 105, Arequipa | Hours: Mon – Sat: 12:00 – 22:00 / Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00 | Facebook Page: Tanta
Fine Dinning Arequipa Restaurants
If seeking a top-notch culinary experience in Arequipa, try these highly rated restaurants:
- 17 | Chicha por Gaston Acurio Arequipa
- 18 | Zig Zag
Food Tours in Arequipa
Arequipa is such an awesome foodie city, so why not indulge in a food tour or workshop?
Best Arequipa Food Tours
✔ Half-Day Guided Arequipa Food Tour which explains the history of Arequipa cuisine and stops at 4 top Arequipa Restaurants and hidden gems
✔ Half-Day Peruvian Cooking Class with a stop at the local Market. Bonus, it includes how to make the perfect Pisco Sour
More Things to Do in Arequipa Peru

Most travelers visit Arequipa as a quick stop-over before exploring the Colca Canyon. Most people only spend a few days in the white city, but there really is so much to see in Arequipa.
One of the most photographed places in Arequipa is the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery. Don’t forget to stop by Alpaca World to understand the weaving process and see alpacas and llamas. Arequipa has interesting museums, like Museo Santuarios Andinos with the frozen mummy of Juanita.
☛ 32 Unique & Famous Peru Landmarks You Have to Visit
Arequipa has one of the most beautiful Plaza de Armas in Peru and tons of charming streets to wander along.
Visit the Yanahuara District to gaze out the mirador at Misti Volcano. Adventure trekkers can climb one of the Volcanoes of El Misti or Chachani. There’s also lovely day trips from Arequipa like the Ruta Del Sillar where the volcanic stones are extracted or the Capua Waterfall.
✔ More Peru Travel Resources | The Ultimate Peru Travel Planning Guide
Where to Stay in Arequipa Peru
Things to See in the Colca Canyon

Most people visit the second largest canyon in the world to do some trekking. There are many Colca Canyon hiking routes that can be explored either by a guided tour or without.
Outside of the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon are plenty of charming villages. One of my personal favorite places in the Colca Canyon is Yanque, which has some truly incredible hot springs and some nice Colca Canyon day hikes.
Conclusion | Best Arequipa Restaurants

Arequipa Peru is bustling city with so many things to see and do, however, one of the top things to do is eat at the many diverse Arequipa restaurants. The entire region of Arequipa has its own traditional cuisine, so don’t miss a chance to try typical dishes. Arequipa is an up and coming culinary destination, not only in South America, but is finally being recognized across the globe.
Arequipa has lovely coffee shops, budget friendly lunch menus, bustling markets, and so much more.
There are plenty of rooftop bars to sip on a Pisco Sour and watch the sun go down, all while the volcanoes turn and change beautiful colors. Arequipa also has a microbrewery and places to sample local wine.
With so many top Arequipa restaurants, make sure to come hungry!
Have you been to Arequipa Peru? Did you eat at any of these suggested Arequipa restaurants, coffee shops, and bars? Is there an Arequipa restaurant that you loved and I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!



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