Where to Eat in Cusco | The Best Cusco Food Guide | 40+ Cusco Restaurants
Peru’s “Imperial City” has no shortage of cafes, restaurants, street vendors, and markets, so it can almost feel overwhelming when trying to decide on where to eat in Cusco, Peru.
Cusco is the gateway city to reach the incredible site of Machu Picchu, and many tourists come here to acclimate, because the city sits at a towering 11,152 feet. With hoards of visitors flocking to Cusco, the food scene can be a little oversaturated with places catering solely to tourists (think overpriced and not as authentic).
But on the contrary, Cusco has a thriving and diverse food scene. In this article, find the best cafes and places to sip coffee, where to eat in Cusco to enjoy the bustling markets, and what a lunch menu is, and where you can snag the most authentic ones. Peruvian food is distinct, so don’t leave Cusco without trying a few of these local favorites. Within the city limits, find a plethora of vegetarian and vegan spots. They may be far and few between, but Cusco does have some great international cuisine establishments.
Have a sweet tooth? There are amazing little bakeries and ice creams spots in the city. Remember, at this altitude alcohol hits you differently, but you may want to sip on an adult beverage at these intimate places.
☛ Cusco Itinerary Planning | One Week in Cusco & Sacred Valley | 23 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco | 5 Unique Cusco Itineraries | Ultimate Guide to the Sacred Valley Peru
Are you hungry yet?! Here is the complete guide on where to eat in Cusco!
Table of Contents
Personal Note | After spending almost a year here in Cusco, I’ve wandered the city for months, seeking the best place to eat and get the “biggest bang for your buck.” You won’t find too many expensive and luxury restaurants on this list, but rather places that I truly enjoyed eating at daily.
- Where to Sip Coffee in Cusco
- Where to Eat in Cusco | Mornings at the Local Markets
- The Best Local Spots to Grab a Lunch Menu in Cusco
- Must-Eat Peruvian Foods of Cusco
- Where to Find Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Cusco
- Where to Eat in Cusco | Foods of the World
- Sweet Treats for Anytime of the Day
- It’s Not Just Where to Eat in Cusco, but Where to Drink
- Where to Eat in Cusco | The Ultimate Guide
Where to Sip Coffee in Cusco
Good morning and welcome to Cusco! Looking to start the morning with that perfectly brewed cup of coffee? These 5 cafes are modern, so a little more expensive, but oh, so worth it.
L’atelier Café Concept
Hidden on the 2nd floor of the L’atelier Café Concept is a totally adorable coffee shop with incredible views of the San Blas neighborhood. This concept store sells artisanal goods made in Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley. Head upstairs to grab a coffee and a pastry. If you’re lucky, snag one of the two outdoor seats with a view.
Find them here: Atoqsayk’uchi | Hours: Daily 8:15 – 19:00 | Facebook Page: L’atelier Café Concept
Three Monkeys Coffee Company
Three Monkeys Coffee Company takes roasting beans serious and what’s better is they love supporting local farmers. This is actually a coffee cart that serves up excellent coffee and offers a few pastries to choose from. Grab it to-go, or enjoy it in the outdoor garden space.
Find them here: Ca. Arequipa 159 | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 20:00 | Facebook Page: Three Monkeys Coffee Company
Café D’wasi Peruvian Coffee
Just a block away from the peaceful Plaza Kusipata, find Café D’wasi. This little coffee shop boasts a wide range of different coffee’s of Peru and a wide range of brewing methods. Café D’wasi also serves up beans from local plantations from around Peru. The coffee comes out a little slow, but that’s because it’s made with love and focuses on all the small attention to details. This cafe is a great option for those looking to snag a yummy breakfast. Try the pancakes, served with REAL maple syrup!
Find them here: Heladeros 160 | Hours: Daily 7:30 – 19:00 | Official Website: Café D’wasi Peruvian Coffee
Aulita Café Boutique
Another beautiful coffeeshop found is Cusco is Aulita Café. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the boutique space upstairs that showcases local weavers from the mountain villages surrounding Cusco. On a nice day, snag a seat on the lovely balcony. Choose from a wide range of pastries and cakes to accompany that perfect “cup of Joe.” Be mindful that this cafe opens midday.
Find them here: Calle Teatro 394 | Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12:00 – 20:00 | Fri & Sat: 12:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page: Aulita Café Boutique
Beluatty Cafe
Beluatty Cafe is off the main tourist track, but is still accessible to reach via a taxi or public transportation. This tiny and adorable little cafe focuses on local coffee roasters and usually showcases a little write-up of who you’re drinking from each day.
Find them here: Machupicchu D- 6 | Hours: Daily 7:00 – 22:30 | Facebook Page: Beluatty Cafe
Where to Eat in Cusco | Mornings at the Local Markets
So, maybe a cafe isn’t your thing and you are wondering where to eat in Cusco for breakfast that’s a little more authentic? Head to one of the many city marketplaces and grab breakfast from one of the many food stalls. Besides breakfast stalls, look for women serving fresh squeezed juices, hot coffees, and fresh hot chocolate.
At the market, it’s possible to find everything you need like gorgeous produce, fresh cut meats from butchers, nuts and seeds, coffees and chocolates from the jungle, specialty Chinese products, and miscellaneous items like pasta and toilet paper. Don’t miss the beautiful fresh flowers for sale. Besides a truly authentic place to eat, you’ll be able to witness everyday life for Peruvians in the marketplace.
San Pedro Market
In the popular San Pedro Market, grab a coffee in the desayuno (breakfast) stands and order a “pan de nata,” which is bread served with a rich cream. The nata, or cream, is made from milk and occurs naturally before it turns into butter. I only saw this delicacy served in the San Pedro Market, where locals dipped it in their coffee, or in a hot chocolate. Although it’s rich, this treat is cheap and as local as it gets!
San Pedro market has a ton of stalls providing tourist souvenirs like sweaters, clothing, mittens, wall hangings, and any kind of trinket that reminds you of those magical days in Peru. San Pedro is super fun because oftentimes there are musicians and street performers playing right in the marketplace.
Find the San Pedro Market here: Thupaq Amaru 477 | Hours: Daily 6:00 – 19:00, Sundays until 18:00
San Blas Market
The San Blas Market is a favorite among the expat community in Cusco since it’s where a majority of them live and work. If savoring breakfast in the San Blas Market, don’t miss the fruit stand by Betty. Her juice stand is always full of locals and tourists alike, maybe it’s due to her warm demeanor and her juice glasses filled to the brim.
Two stalls down from Betty are sweet Anita Cleo, who serves up omelets, egg sammies, coca tea, and coffee. It’s alright to order from multiple stalls, so you won’t have to move every time you want to try something else.
Local Tip | Any vendor in the market or tienda is often referred to as a casera (female)/casero (male). In theory, the seller would want to keep you as a regular customer, so they would “throw in something a little extra.” For example, if buying fresh fruit, the casera may throw in a few bananas or oranges, free of charge, encouraging you to return them for future purchases. Try using the word as a greeting! ¡Hola, casera!
Find the San Blas Market here: Pumapaccha 231 | Hours: Daily 7:00 – 16:00
More Cusco Markets?
There are multiple markets all throughout the city, too many to name. All of these markets make for great choices on where to eat in Cusco.
For a totally local experience, try the Huancaro Market. This market sees almost no “gringos” and is close to the cars that depart to the underrated Inca site of Maukallacta.
Another popular market that sees fewer tourists is the Wanchaq Market.
The Best Local Spots to Grab a Lunch Menu in Cusco
Lunch Menus are a MUST in Cusco, or anywhere in Peru for that matter. Lunch menus are also called “menu del dia.”
What is a Lunch Menu?
A menu usually consists of a starter, a main plate of food, and a tea (mate). The starter is almost always a soup but can vary from place to place. The menus are served daily, but the menu offerings rotate day by day. The prices range from 4 – 10 soles and are extremely hearty! Menus can be offered at dinnertime, but the price may be higher.
Locals love eating at any of the above markets, where most daily lunch menus start at S/ 5 ($1.50 USD).
If you want to try something a little different from the markets, these 4 places serve up hearty plates of delicious food for more than a fair price.
☛ Check out these top Cusco food experiences you need to try in Peru
Restaurant (313 Avenida Tullumayu)
You know when you stumble upon hidden gem when the place doesn’t even have an official name! That’s how I feel about this little “hole-in-the-wall” joint that is found on Tullumayu Avenue. There is no restaurant labeled on google maps, but I can guarantee this place does exist. Tucked away on the street find this eatery that serves up at least 4 options on their daily menu for S/5.
This place has a few family style tables on the inside and a few outdoor tables out back. This is a family run business and the owners always serve up large plates of food with a smile.
Find them here: 313 Avenida Tullumayu | Hours: Open daily
Psst… All along the street of Avenida Tullumayu, between the streets of Ruinas and Plaza Limacpampa are a ton of places serving up menus. I’ve even seen menus here for 4 soles!
Restaurante Hanan Pacha
A small and local restaurant, Hanan Pacha serves up a variety of different daily menus. There are a few good vegetarian options here as well. All the portions are large and the dishes authentic. Menus range from S/ 8 – 15, depending on the protein.
Find them here: Zetas 477 | Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00, Sat until 18:00 | Facebook Page: Cafe Restaurant Hanan Pacha
El Mordisco Restaurant
Another favorite place that is filled with locals is El Mordisco Restaurant. This establishment is great for pumping out fast meals. The daily menu includes a starter, and at least 4 main plates to choose from for a main, a drink, and a dessert for S/10.
Find them here: Calle San Juan de Dios 298 | Hours: Daily 8:00 – 21:00
El Balcón
In San Blas, El Balcón is the one of the best places to score a cheap and authentic menu. Downstairs is a chicken broaster, but upstairs are a few tables, including some with outdoor views of San Blas’s bustling Choqechaka Street. There are a few daily menu options to choose from, which comes with a starter, main, and tea for S/6.
Find them here: Choqechaka 115 | Hours: vary
More Tips on Where to Eat in Cusco
As stated earlier, there are so many tiny restaurants and in Cusco, it would be impossible to cover them all. If unsure on where to eat in Cusco, look for a place that is full and busy. If the restaurant is filled with locals, it’s a good sign. Eat there!
Usually the most authentic places to eat are away from main tourist attractions like the Plaza de Armas. The further you move away from the plaza, the more budget friendly the menu prices become.
If there is no sign hanging out, always verify that there is in fact a menu “¿Tienes un menu del dia?”
Follow your nose, look for locals, and trust your gut (literally), and you too can find the best places and where to eat in Cusco.
Must-Eat Peruvian Foods of Cusco
So where to eat in Cusco for those authentic Peruvian cuisines? Peruvian cuisine can vary between regions, but there are some staple foods that remain similar. Cusco is in the heart of the Andes mountains, so the cuisine favors more hearty soups and stews, than for say, in a coastal city like Lima.
Here’s where to eat in Cusco for those staple Peruvian dishes.
Cuy
Guinea Pig, yes those cute little pets we all love is one of Peru’s most beloved dishes. Cuy is the Quechua name of those little balls of fluff, and it can be found throughout the entire country, served differently by region.
For example, in Arequipa, the cuy is cooked flat between two stones, however; in Cusco, the cuy is more commonly baked in an oven “cuy al horno.” Cuy is considered a delicacy, and is a common dish at weddings and other celebrations. This dish can be found on many menus throughout Cusco, but one of the most popular places to try it lies on the outskirts of Cusco, in the village of Saylla.
Saylla has many “Cuyerias” to choose from on the main street. This is super convenient because it’s possible to take a public bus from Cusco here for only a few soles. These buses continue to Tipón, which boasts an amazing Inca site included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Travel Planning Tip | Don’t miss exploring the sprawling and impressive Archaeological Parks on the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico Cusco). Although many people use a tour company, it’s more than possible to explore them without an organized tour! Here’s the complete guide for travelers looking to discover all 16 sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour.
Chifa
One thing people may not realize is the major influence China immigrants played in Peruvian food. Chifa is the perfect fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines. In markets, it’s possible to see entire food stall dedicated to Chinese produce, grocery products, and medicines.
Three of the most popular dishes are Chaufa, Tallarin, and Lomo Saltado. Chaufa is essentially a friend rice, where Tallarin is like a delicious noodle stir-fry. Lomo Saltado is a simple beef stir-fry with peppers and onions, covered in a soy based sauce.
In fact, these three Chifa inspired dishes are so popular, they have basically gone “mainstream” and can be found at many traditional Peruvian restaurants. Yes, to try chifa in Cusco, or Peru, you won’t necessarily have to “seek out” an official Chifa Restaurant.
Many of the Chifa Restarunts in Cusco offer up daily menus which include a wonton soup, main dish and tea.
Ceviche
Ceviche, or raw fish that is marinated by citrus, is another popular dish of Cusco. Although you would think that Ceviche would be found solely along the coast, it’s popular and prevalent in the mountains. However, in Cusco, look for more ceviche made from trout than sea fish.
Ceviche is often served on top a few slices of cooked sweet potato and corn. It’s topped with raw onion, cilantro, slivers of spicy peppers, and cancha, or toasted corn kernels.
This dish is so popular it can be found in high-end restaurants, at the marketplace, and sold in carts on the street. I was brave, but never sampled the street ceviche.
Leche de Tigre
Ceviche is marinated in the citrus, salts, and seasonings and this marinade is referred to as Leche de Tigre. This translates to “Tiger Milk.” Most Cevicheria’s will serve up their own Leche de Tigre cup, which is basically the ceviche swimming in the tiger’s milk. All the ceviche goodies are inside the cup (like sweet potato, onions, corn, and spicy peppers). It’s commonly topped with deep fried fish or squid, called Chicharrón de pota.
In Cusco city, try Tiger Milk, a funky Cevicheria on the outskirts of town. There are frequent buses that run past it. Bonus, at night, this place transforms into a burrito bar. Win-Win!
Find them here: Urbanización Santa Úrsula, G3 | Hours: Daily 10:00 – 16:00 | Facebook Page: Tiger Milk Cusco
Quintas
In Arequipa Peru, a similar establishment is called a Picantería. In Lima, a Huarique, but in Cusco, it’s a Quinta. A Quinta is a small family run rustic establishment that serves up traditional dishes of the region. The decor is simple, the menu rotates daily, and the food is plentiful. Keep in mind, these establishments are usually only open for lunch.
The most well known Quinta in Cusco is Quinta Eulalia. This local joint has been serving food since for 80 years, since 1941. The menu is oftentimes found on a chalkboard. Eat at a table decorated with a green and white tablecloth. On a sunny day, enjoy the outdoor terrace.
Find them here: Choqechaka 384 | Hours: Tues – Sun 12:30 – 16:00 | Facebook Page: Quinta Eulalia
Hey, You! Eat the Street Food!
Don’t be afraid of the street food! Some of the best meals in Cusco come from vendors out selling on the street, or from women who hop on buses selling food made with love. Street food is quick, easy, and usually costs S/ 1. Some popular street foods include: Tamales, Papa a la Huancaina, and fresh squeezed juices.
Where to Find Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Cusco
With a diverse range of tourists traveling frequently to Cusco, and expats calling this epic city their home, Cusco has had an increase of vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants pop-up. Although these places cater more to tourists, it’s nice to have a variety of options, since the cuisine can sometimes feel heavy.
Here’s where to eat in Cusco when you need a break from all that meat.
Green Falafel
Hands down, one of the best budget meals you can grab is a falafel from Cusco’s Green Falafel. The wrap is huge, delicious, and comes with the option to make it vegan (no cheese). Green Falafel also has a few classic veggie items on their menu. At the shop, they sell organic produce.
Look for their 2nd location in the San Blas Market
Find them here: Local 662-B, Siete Angelitos | Hours: Daily 8:00 – 23:00 | Facebook Page: Green Falafel Cusco
Prasada the Vegan Temple
Vegan Prasada has some excellent vegan dishes, but the highlight may be the vegan burgers. There are a variety of burgers and sandwiches that seriously give the beef patty a run for their money. The food is made with care, including the sauces that accompany the burgers. In the restaurant, look for vegan chocolates, cookies, and other sweet treats. The food is a little on the slower time, but relax at a low table with fluffy pillow cushions on the floor.
Find them here: Choqechaka 430 | Hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00 | Facebook Page: Prasada the Vegan Temple
Jacob’s Brewery
At one time, Green Point was probably one of Cusco’s most famous and popular vegetarian restaurants. Once the pandemic hit, Green Point did a little rebranding and became Jacob’s Brewery, a hip and remodeled spot that serves up vegetarian food, microbrews, and their own kombucha. Head to the 2nd floor for some nice views of San Blas.
The portion sizes are smaller and feel more like dishes to share with friends over beverages. At night, there is usually live music, or a DJ spinning.
Find them here: Carmen Bajo 235 | Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: Jacob’s Brewery – Cervecería Artesanal
Where to Eat in Cusco | Foods of the World
Here’s where to eat in Cusco when you’re needing a break from typical Peruvian dishes.
Taste of India
Cusco is like a magnet, and it seems to attract people from all over the world. That’s no exception for Taste of India. The owners here worked on cruise ships for years, and finally ended up calling Cusco their home. This cozy establishment serves up authentic Indian cuisine, dishes inspired by the owner’s travelers, and their interpretation on some Peruvian classic dishes.
There’s something for everyone here including a daily Indian cuisine menu, and at least three options for daily typical Peruvian menu. A true hidden gem found only a few blocks from Qorikancha.
Find them here: Calle San Agustin 315 | Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 – 19:30 | Facebook Page: Taste of India Cusco “Cafe Carvalho”
Moto Rock Pizza Bar Cusco
Moto Rock Pizza Bar has gotten the reputation to be the best pizza in Cusco. What’s better is they offer a nightly special with pizza, garlic bread, and a drink. The pizzas are easy on the wallet and delicious. Eat in or have it delivered. Dinner only.
Find them here: Zaguan Del Cielo A-9, Recoleta | Hours: Daily 16:00 – 23:00 | Facebook Page: Moto Rock Pizza Bar Cusco
Pizzeria La Nonna
A great Italian joint with stunning views of Cusco is Pizzeria La Nonna. On the menu, there’s more than pizza. Try the calzones, or the lasagna, which is served on the balcony by the sweetest woman. It’s a little out of the main tourist circuit, but the prices are reasonable and the food good. However, the best thing here is the view!
Psst… The views here overlook the park with “Mesa Redonda,” an Inca site in town. This rock is the starting point of this self-guided hiking tour of free Inca ruins in Cusco, which visits the impressive site of Inkilltambo, Temple of the Moon, and more hidden gem Inca ruins within the city limits of Cusco.
Find them here: Urb. Jardines del Inca G-3 San Blas | Hours: Daily 12:00 – 21:45 | Facebook Page: Pizzeria La Nonna
UFO Asian Food
Located in the heart of San Blas, UFO Asian Food is serving up a variety of different Asian cuisine. From udon noodle bowls, ramen, and curries, this place has a little bit of everything. There’s also a few vegan options.
Find them here: Carmen Bajo 222 | Hours: Mon – Sat 12:30 – 21:30, Sun 13:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: UFO Asian Food
Jack’s Café
Have you been on the road for a while? Are you craving that huge American breakfast? Head to the expat favorite, Jack’s Café, which is almost always full during breakfast. There is also a lunch and dinner menu which features soups, salads, sandwiches, and other hearty fare. For now, Jack’s Café has limited hours.
Find them here: Choqechaka 509 | Hours: Tue – Sun 7:00 – 15:30 | Facebook Page: Jacks Café Cusco
Chakruna Native Burgers
Looking on where to snag the best burger in Cusco? Try Chakruna Native Burgers, which serves up a variety of different protein burgers (there’s a few veggie options). Choose your burger protein and fries. There are a few different dipping sauces for the fries, three are included. Chakruna Native Burgers is always busy and there’s usually a cue outside, but it’s right next to San Blas Plaza, so it’s a great place to wait. These burgers are worth the hype!
Find them here: Plazoleta de San Blas 699 | Hours: Tue – Sun 11:30 – 16:00, 18:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page: Chakruna Native Burgers
Sami’s Burgers
Sami’s Burgers is a little out of town, by PlazaVea, but the burgers here are a real treat! They do serve some Peruvian items on the menu, but the burgers and wings feels reminiscent of the U.S.A. The burgers are huge and come with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces for the large fry wedges. There are a few seats inside this modern burger shop.
Find them here: Avenida Humberto Vidal Unda G-8 | Hours: Daily 12:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: Sami’s Burgers
Salteñas Copacabana
Salteñas are a specialty of Bolivia, almost like their take on an empanada. If you haven’t tried one you need to! They are usually filled with a meat, an almost sweet sauce, peas, carrots, and potatoes. Salteñas Copacabana makes these savory pastries and includes them in a daily special with a tea or coffee. Make sure to add the aji, fresh spicy peppers, for the perfect flavor combo.
Find them here: Quera 220 (there are two locations in Cusco) | Hours: Mon – Sat 9:00 – 18:00 | Facebook Page: Salteñeria Copacabana
Sweet Treats for Anytime of the Day
After all that walking around, you may be looking for a bakery goodie or a scoop of ice cream. Here’s where to eat in Cusco if you’re looking to grab that perfect snack or sweet treat.
Qosqo Maki
Hands down, Qosqo Maki is one of the best bakeries in all of Cusco. Find fresh loaves of bread, chocolate pastries, croissants, danishes, and cookies. There are a few small tables on the inside where it’s nice to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The prices are super reasonable and the sweet treats always freshly baked.
Find them here: Av. Tullumayo 465 (there are two locations in Cusco) | Hours: Mon – Sat 7:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: Qosqo Maki
De Tradición: Pasteleria, Café, Bagueteria
Tucked away on Recoleta Street in San Blas is De Tradición. This local cafe boasts some incredible pies, cakes, cheesecakes, and other sweet treats for a super reasonable price. All of the items are displayed beautifully behind a glass case. Inside are a few small tables where you can enjoy a slice of cake with a coffee. This is a favorite neighborhood bakery among the locals of the area.
Find them here: Recoleta 558 | Hours: Mon – Sat 7:00 – 21:00 | Facebook Page: De Tradición: Pasteleria, Café, Bagueteria
Pasteleria Café M & M
Another great café that serves up a huge range of typical Peruvian pies and cakes is Pasteleria Café M & M. This bakery can be pretty busy since it can be found in Limacpampa Plaza, where many of the city buses stop. Grab a goodie to-go, or enjoy it inside with coffee or tea.
Find them here: Limacpampa Grande 104 | Hours: Mon – Sat 8:00 – 20:30, Sun until 18:00 | Facebook Page: Pasteleria Café M & M
La Rabona
La Rabona Peruvian Deli serves up some delicious sweet treats, but their specialty has to be their fresh baked bread. They also have a small cafe menu, mostly healthy salad bowls and sandwiches made on their homemade bread. La Rabona also has some great vegan and gluten-free options. Besides the bakery case, this little shop sells some organic grocery goods and specialty items that can be hard to find. This deli is a must stop when visiting Cusco.
Find them here: Herrajes 146 | Hours: Mon – Sat 8:00 – 20:00, Sun 10:00 – 18:00 | Facebook Page: La Rabona Peruvian Deli
Qucharitas
Located only a block from the Plaza de Armas, Qucharitas is scooping out some hardcore artisanal ice cream. Want the best of both world? Put a scoop of ice cream on a fresh waffle or crepe. They pride themselves on homemade ice cream that is made without preservatives or chemicals. Enjoy the ice cream in the colorful garden patio, or walk to the nearby Plaza de Armas and people watch.
Find them here: Procuradores 372 | Hours: Daily 12:00 – 20:00, Sun until 19:00 | Facebook Page: Qucharitas
Avocado, Toast, & More.
Avocado, Toast, & More is a cafe, but what really stands out here is the Avocado ice cream. The green treat is delicious and smooth, and almost tastes like an extra creamy pistachio ice cream. There is a convenient walk-up window. Grab a cone to enjoy and savor it on a bench in the nearby Plazoleta Santa Catalina.
Find them here: Santa Catalina Ancha 366 | Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00 – 19:00
It’s Not Just Where to Eat in Cusco, but Where to Drink
After all these awesome things to do in Cusco, you may be looking for a beer, glass of wine, or Peru’s very own national drink, the Pisco Sour. It’s not just where to eat in Cusco, but where to enjoy a drink!
Here are a few of the best places to grab a beverage in Cusco, most with a view!
Cholos Craft Beers Cusco
Cholos Craft Beer is serving up some serious craft beers in Cusco. This had to my absolute favorite place to try Peruvian beers. Not only is the beer on-point, but the beer garden in the terrace is an added bonus. There’s a nice menu of pub grub items that pair nicely with the beers. The bar logo and cozy atmosphere can feel as if you have found your very own “Cheers” local watering hole.
Find them here: Calle Palacio 110 | Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 – 1:00 | Facebook Page: Cholos Craft Beers Cusco
Selectos Ibéricos
Looking for a place to sip on some Spanish wines, or savor some tapas? Selectos Ibéricos is a small Peruvian chain that focuses on imported items from Spain. They serve cheap glasses of house wines and yummy sandwiches of delicate and cured meats from Spain. This cozy little spot is the perfect place to score a charcuterie board. They’ve recently moved closer to the Plaza de Armas, so head upstairs and soak in those views of the cobblestone streets of Cusco. This is by far the cheapest place to have a glass of wine in Cusco.
Find them here: Calle Plateros 359 | Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00 – 14:00 & 15:00 – 19:00 | Facebook Page: Selecto Ibéricos
Cantina Vino Italiano
Cantina Vino Italiano is a lovely intimate wine bar only a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The owner is from Italy and offers wines and specialty imported items from his home country. There are a few tables with a welcoming, yet romantic atmosphere. They also have a clay oven and make authentic wood-fired pizzas. Catina Vino Italiano is one of my favorite wine bars in Cusco.
Find them here: Calle Saphy 554 | Hours: Mon – Sat 18:00 – 23:00 | Facebook Page: La Cantina Vino Italiano
Hanz Craft Beer
Hanz Craft Beer is located right on the Plaza de Armas and offers some sweeping city views of Cusco. They have a nice assortment of craft beers, Peruvian wines, cocktails, and a diverse menu. I also loved the creativity on how they hand-out the wi-fi code. I won’t spoil the fun.
Find them here: Portal de Carnes 216 | Hours: Daily 11:00 – 23:00 | Facebook Page: Hanz Craft Beer
Limbus Resto Bar
Limbus Restobar is probably one of the most popular tourist places in Cusco and that’s due to the incredible view of Cusco and the surrounding mountains. There is oftentimes a wait to get in and the prices can cater more to the tourist crowd. While it’s nice to sip on a cocktail here, there are better options when it comes on where to eat in Cusco.
Find them here: Calle Pasñapakana 133 | Hours: Daily 8:00 – 23:00, Sun opens at 11:00 | Facebook Page: Limbus Resto Bar
ViewHouse Resto Bar
The name says it all. ViewHouse Resto Bar is another awesome little spot that boasts some epic views. It’s located near the San Blas Mirador and isn’t quite as busy as Limbus. Inside, there’s a funky atmosphere, but the real treasure is the covered balcony. Although they serve food, it’s best to just grab a cocktail and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
Find them here: San Blas, Kiskapata 100 | Hours: Daily 11:30 – 22:00, Fri & Sat open until 22:30 | Facebook Page: ViewHouse Resto Bar
Where to Eat in Cusco | The Ultimate Guide
In short, this is the ultimate guide on where to eat in Cusco. Whether looking for a modern coffeeshop, sampling Peruvian food in a market, or trying out a local lunch menu, there is a wide range of cuisine in Cusco. On top of where to eat in Cusco, this round-up provides what to eat! Don’t leave Cusco without trying some regional favorite dishes.
As Cusco continues to become a popular tourist spot, more vegetarian, vegan, and international cuisine options are popping up around town. Many of these new food establishments can be found in the hip San Blas neighborhood. Although there are many options on where to eat in Cusco, this post focuses on more authentic and budget friendly options.
While exploring the beautiful colonial city of Cusco, make sure to save room for a Peruvian pastry, cake, or sweet treat. There are some excellent places to grab a homemade ice cream cone and wander the cobblestone streets.
At the end of a long day, sip on a beverage with a view.
Now that you know where to eat in Cusco, be ready to fall completely in love with city via the food.
What did you think of this complete guide on where to eat in Cusco? Did you eat at any of the above recommendations? Would you add any places to this ultimate list on where to eat in Cusco? Did you fall in love with Cusco and the yummy foodie scene, too? Let me know in the comments below!
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