Cicciolina
Don’t let the name deceive you; Cicciolina is much more than just another Italian-inspired tourist attraction in Cusco. Instead, it stands out as a sophisticated establishment offering a variety of dining experiences. From tapas and wine to breakfast and fine dining, Cicciolina has it all. What’s more, it enjoys a convenient location just a stone’s throw away from the Plaza de Armas.
Renowned as one of Cusco’s most popular and highly-rated eateries, Cicciolina has always glowing reviews from its customers, who flock to the place for breakfast, lunch, tapas, bar meals, and dinner. The extensive a la carte dinner menu is a highlight, featuring an impressive selection of both Peruvian and global dishes. Guests have the option to dine in the relaxed air of the bar area, marked by its high vaulted ceiling and rustic wooden beams. Alternatively, they can opt for the more elegant dining room, adorned with deep red walls, modern art canvases, and lovely period furniture.
Seafood enthusiasts are in for a treat, such as Cicciolina’s scallops with a tasty sauce of ginger, honey, sesame, and soy. Moreover, their chargrilled seafood brochettes, come highly recommended. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring a diverse range of choices. Complementing the meal is a reasonably priced wine list, perfectly tailored to enhance the dining experience, with a thoughtfully curated dessert menu. As for the bill, guests can expect to pay around 100 soles per person for a three-course meal, excluding beverages. Due to its popularity, it is strongly advised to make reservations well in advance to secure your table at Cicciolina.
- Address: 2nd Floor, 393 Calle Triunfo, Cusco
- Opening Hours: Open daily for breakfast – 8 am to 11 am, lunch – 12 noon to 3 pm, and dinner – 6 pm to 10 pm.
Chicha, by Gaston Acurio
Anyone who knows a little about Peruvian cuisine will have heard of Gaston Acurio. It is a global culinary empire that already extends across three continents and whose Lima eatery is considered one of the world’s top 50. Whilst that particular eatery has a price tag that more than reflects its world standing. Luckily for guests to Cusco, Chicha, one of Acurio’s two Cusco offerings offers a taste of the master’s famous cuisine at much more cheaper prices.
The menu is mostly Peruvian with staples such as causa–mashed native potatoes. It can be topped with trout, avocado, quail’s egg, and hot red pepper; ceviche; adobo – a rich meat stew; and, of course, guinea pig. Even the more cosmopolitan pizza includes alpaca in its topping. I can recommend the grilled octopus with pickled radish and micro herbs and the pork chicharron with native potato fries, “giant corn” and fresh herby huacatay sauce. It is a huge, well cooked portion that would satisfy even the healthiest of hunger.
The service can be a bit spotty – and you can’t tell from the menu what is a starter and what is a main course. But the quality of the food, the affordable prices, and the amazing place on one of the Historical Center’s most picturesque squares, make Chicha a safe bet and a great way to sample a little bit of Gaston Acurios food. For around 100 Soles per head for three courses without drinks.
- Address: 261 Plaza Regocijo, 2nd floor, Cusco
- Opening Hours: Open daily from noon to 11 pm
Uchu, Peruvian Steakhouse
It seems only fitting that eatery as good as Uchu should be located close to the lovely Plaza Nazarenas, home to no less than four of Cusco’s most elegant, and exclusive hotels. If you are lucky enough to be staying here then take a short stroll downhill from the square and slip into the unassuming courtyard that leads to this misleadingly named “steakhouse”.
Banish all thoughts of giant steaks being thrown at you by stetson-wearing hulks in gingham shirts and picture a sophisticated dining experience in slightly traditional, slightly glittery surroundings served by friendly and very professional staff.
The food is mainly Peruvian – starters include causas – those tasty little potato stacks – with seared alpaca, as well as a range of classic fish dishes based on the ceviche theme. All tasty. The main draw is the generous and equally tasty main courses of various types of fish, meat, and seafood served on sizzling, heavy volcanic stone slabs. It may sound gimmicky but it works. Two courses, without drinks, will set you back around 75 Soles, and managing three would be a struggle.
- Address: 135 Calle Palacio, Cusco
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12:30 pm to 11 pm
Limo
Limo enjoys one of the best places of any eatery in Cusco, on the upper floor of an ancient colonial building overlooking the amazing Plaza de Armas itself. Inside is divided into a Pisco bar, main diner, and balcony area, all sharing relaxing and tasteful décor – deep red and purple walls, dark wood and white leather furniture, large modern art canvases, and big vases of lilies. Oh, and the balcony is fully enclosed and extremely well insulated – no chilly drafts here as you sip on your drinks.
The menu is Peruvian-Japanese fusion with visually pleasing and tasty starters like ceviche-style sushi rolls and crunchy panko-coated causa rolls with smoked trout and avocado, all served up with soy sauce, slivers of pickled ginger, and wasabi paste. There is an extensive list of mains to choose from too. The osso buco is very flavoursome and the alpaca loin with quinoa risotto is particularly good. I would have put Limo close to the top of my list of eateries in Cusco, and that’s despite the hefty price tag too. Expect to pay at least 100 Soles for three courses without drinks, and make a reservation. Evening sittings are 7 pm and 9 pm.
- Address: 2nd Floor, 236 Portal de Carnes, Plaza de Arma, Cusco
- Opening Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner; Dinner reservations accepted for 7 pm or 9 pm
Papacho’s
There are two reasons a burger joint is on our list of best places to eat in Cusco. First, it is another affordable part of the ever-growing empire of Peruvian wonder chef Gaston Acurio (See Chicha, above) and second, the food, service, ambiance, and location all conspire to make it hard to have a bad experience here – even if the specialty is the humble hamburger.
Papacho’s is located in a large, airy upstairs space in a colonial building on a corner overlooking the Plaza de Armas. If you come for lunch and are very lucky you may even get a table on the small balcony out front where you can enjoy the unforgettable views of the square and the Andes. Inside can get pretty lively, particularly at night and it is very popular with groups. However, there is a veritable army of highly efficient and friendly waiting staff who all seem to speak good English, so you never have to wait too long for your order. But if you are impatient by nature or bore easily, you can take benefit of the jar of crayons on each table and decorate your paper table mat while you wait.
There are more than burgers on the menu, with some tasty vegetarian options, but passing the opportunity to try a “Cordon”, with ham, cheese, crispy onions, and elderberry sauce, or a “Guacha” with provolone cheese and avocado would be like going to an oyster bar and ordering a ham sandwich. And the really good news is you can get two burgers with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine for under 150 Soles.
- Address: 2nd floor, 115 Porta de Belen, Plaza de Armas, Cusco
- Opening Hours: Daily, from noon til midnight
Cusqueñísima Picantería
Cusqueisima Picanteria, which opened its doors in the midst of a pandemic and where diners may enjoy the region’s oldest dishes, is owned by José Luján and Diana Samanez. Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Address: Alfredo Yepez Avenue C-8 Mastery 2nd Stage, Cusco
Cappuccino Cusco Cafe
Located on Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Cappuccino Cafe offers breathtaking views of the cathedral from its three outside balconies. The cafe also features fast Wi-Fi and a variety of organic coffee drinks. The sandwiches at this cafeteria are tasty and reasonably priced.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Kentucky Fried Chicken is a chain of fast food restaurants found throughout Peru. It is located in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco and has been rated as one of the better options for quick and familiar eats. The portions are large and the food is really tasty, making it a great option for North American tourists.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a well-known fast food chain with many outlets worldwide. It is located near the cathedral in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. The staff is usually pleasant and eager to assist guests. The burgers and fries are ordinary stuff, but they’re worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood.
Located at: plaza de armas, Portal de Carnes Nº 254, Cusco 08002
They are open from 1100 a.m. until 21:00 p.m.
Burger King Cusco
Burger King is the world’s second largest fast food hamburger brand. In Peru Cusco, the original home of the Whopper, you may eat burgers made with Peruvian ingredients.
Located at: Real Plaza Cusco
They are open from 12:00 p.m. until 18:00 p.m.
