Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Oliver

Cusco is probably—no, definitely—the city where I’ve had some of the best food of my life. And honestly, that shouldn’t be surprising. Peruvian food is next level and probably the best in South America (just look at Lima with all its Michelin-star restaurants).

I ended up spending about three weeks in Cusco across two trips. The first time, I was backpacking Peru and stayed for two weeks. Then I just came back from another week-long trip, and let me tell you—Cusco still hits. The food is just as incredible as I remembered.

After my first trip, I didn’t write much about the food, but now that I’ve gone back, revisited my favorite spots, and found some new ones, I have to share them. Because these restaurants? You need to know about them.

What Are the Best Cusco Peru Restaurants? Here’s Where I Actually Ate

Cusco’s food scene might not be as famous as Lima’s, but honestly, it should be. I’m still surprised there aren’t any Michelin-star restaurants here because some of these places absolutely deserve it.

But instead of giving you a list of fine-dining spots you may or may not care about, I’m keeping this guide real. I hate when I Google the “best restaurants” in a city and just get a list of fancy places I’d never actually go to.

So, this list is a mix of my favorite spots that I actually ate at and would 100% recommend. You’ll find some amazing fine dining (because it’s so good and so affordable that you have to try it), plus some solid ceviche spots, vegan-friendly options, cocktail bars, breakfast cafés, and coffee shops—the kind of places you’d actually want to check out while exploring Cusco.

If you’re spending time in Cusco, check out my guide on the best things to do in Cusco, Peru.

Morena Peruvian Kitchen // Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Cusco Peru

Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Without a doubt, this is the best restaurant in Cusco, Peru.

This list isn’t in a strict ranking, but if I had to pick the best restaurant in Cusco, it’s Morena Peruvian Kitchen—and I think most people would agree. I’ve been here twice, once on my first trip to Peru and again recently for my birthday dinner because I love it that much.

Located right on a corner of Plaza de Armas, Morena has a gorgeous interior—kind of a mix between boho-chic and traditional Peruvian, making it a perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. But the real highlight here is of course the food.

I had the alpaca risotto, which was insanely creamy, and the alpaca itself was so tender. If you want to try alpaca but don’t feel like tackling a full steak, this is the way to do it. Their ceviche was also fantastic (though, to be honest, I found an even better one next door—more on that in a sec). But my favorite dish here is the ossobuco. Slow-cooked veal shanks packed with flavor. Easily the best thing on the menu.

💡 Their sister restaurant, Campo Cocina Andina, is also in Cusco. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to try it, but I’ve heard amazing things

Ceviche Seafood Kitchen // My TOP Cusco Restaurant for Ceviche

Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

This is the best ceviche I’ve ever had!

Funny enough, my favorite ceviche spot in Cusco is right next door to Morena Peruvian Kitchen. Since ceviche is Peru’s national dish, you have to try it while you’re here—trust me, it’s the best I’ve ever had.

I’ve been to Ceviche Seafood Kitchen (or as I like to call it, the ceviche place) an embarrassing number of times. It’s not a fine dining restaurant, but once they bring out the food, you’d think it is—beautiful presentation, insanely fresh flavors, and just overall incredible quality.

I always go for the classic ceviche because I’m obsessed, but if it’s your first time, I’d recommend getting the trio—it comes with classic ceviche plus a couple of other traditional Peruvian seafood dishes. And don’t skip the pisco sour—they make a seriously good one here.

If you want to try top-tier Peruvian seafood without the formal fine dining vibe, this is the spot.

Three Monkeys Coffee Cusco // My Go-To Coffee Spot in Cusco

Opening Hours: 8am-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

When I first visited Three Monkeys Coffee Cusco, it was just a little coffee cart—but now they’ve leveled up to a full café (don’t worry, the cart is still there too).

In my opinion, this is the best coffee in Cusco. I know coffee preference is super personal, but if you’re into a solid cortado or a strong flat white, this is the place. You can tell they’re serious about their coffee, and I love that.

The interior is minimalist and modern—cool, but not exactly cozy. So while it’s not the kind of place I’d lounge around in all day, it’s perfect for grabbing a quality coffee to start the day right.

Qura // One of the Best Restaurants in Cusco Peru for Breakfast

Opening Hours: 8am-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Qura is one of those places I randomly stumbled upon, even though it’s not a hidden gem—it’s actually pretty well-known. I just hadn’t heard of it before. It’s tucked away upstairs in a little cobblestone alley, which makes it feel extra cozy.

This is the kind of café where you want to linger all morning, ordering coffee after coffee and slowly making your way through breakfast. The staff is super friendly, the coffee is great, and the whole vibe just makes you want to stay.

I’ve been here more times than I can count, and my go-to is the shakshuka or their avocado and eggs on toast—both so good. But if you’re more into healthier options, they also have smoothie bowls, Buddha bowls, and poke bowls. Whether you’re here for brunch or a healthy lunch, Qura is a great choice.

💡If you’re planning a longer trip around Peru, check out my 10-day Peru itinerary

Green Point // Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant in Cusco Peru

Opening Hours: 8am-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

This is the best vegan food I have ever had!

I used to be vegetarian for about five years (not anymore, though), so I’ve eaten at a lot of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. And let me tell you—Green Point is easily one of the best I’ve ever been to. I was actually shocked by how good the food was.

The dishes here are next-level creative and honestly borderline fine dining. I had their mushroom ceviche, which was insane, the tacu tacu (a traditional Peruvian rice and bean dish), and some of the best ravioli I’ve ever had. Everything was packed with flavor.

They also make great cocktails, the atmosphere is super chill but stylish, and their vegan desserts are unreal. I had a passionfruit cheesecake that honestly made me question if it was even vegan. If you’re vegan or vegetarian and want a proper dining experience in Cusco, this is the place.

Pachapapa // Best Spot for Alpaca Steak & Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

This is definitely one of the best Cusco restaurants for traditional alpaca steaks.

Big shift from the last spot—Pachapapa is a classic Peruvian grill that specializes in traditional dishes, including alpaca steak and cuy (guinea pig).

I really liked Pachapapa because it’s the kind of place you go with friends, grab a few beers, and just enjoy some hearty food. The atmosphere is great, especially with their wood-fired oven adding to the cozy, rustic vibe.

I came here specifically to try the alpaca steak, which was surprisingly tender and really flavorful. I also tried cuy (yep, guinea pig), which is a Peruvian delicacy. I wanted to give it a go just for the experience, and while I didn’t hate it, I probably wouldn’t order it again. But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, this is the place to try it.

Garibaldi Cocktail Bar // Best Place for a Pisco Sour

Opening Hours: 6pm-2am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Garibaldi Cocktail Bar is my go-to spot for a drink after dinner in Cusco. While the restaurant scene here is amazing, I found the cocktail bar scene a bit underwhelming—but Garibaldi stands out.

They make a fantastic Pisco Sour, and they’ll also mix up all the classic cocktails. The vibe is quiet and low-key, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed drink rather than a big night out.

I used to love Los Perros for drinks, but it’s now listed as temporarily closed on Google, and I couldn’t figure out if it’s actually reopening. If it does, it’s a great alternative for casual drinks in Cusco.

Miwa // One of the Best Places to Eat in Cusco for Fusion Food

Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

You probably didn’t know this, but Peru has a huge Japanese influence due to a wave of Japanese immigrants years ago. That’s why Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine is so good—think fresh fish, ceviche, and sushi with a local twist. If you’re looking for that fusion experience in Cusco, Miwa is my top recommendation.

I’ve only been here once because it’s a bit pricey, but I loved it. The atmosphere is great, and the decor has a strong Japanese feel. I, of course, had the ceviche, which was super tasty, the spicy tuna sushi, which was maybe the best sushi in town, and the ramen, which hit the spot—especially on those cold Cusco evenings.

If you’re after something a little fancier in Cusco, Miwa is totally worth it.

Kushka // One of the Best Places to eat in Cusco for Peruvian Lunch

Opening Hours: 12:30pm-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I’ve been to Kushka a couple of times now, and honestly, it’s my go-to for a solid, no-fuss Peruvian lunch. Yeah, you can come here for dinner too, but to me, it just feels like the perfect midday spot.

The food here is modern Peruvian cuisine but without the fine dining price tag. You’ve got alpaca, trout, ceviche, rice, and chicken—all super fresh, well-cooked, and packed with flavor. Last time I went, I got the trout, and my friend had the northern Peruvian-style chicken with rice. Both were so good. If you’re looking for quality Peruvian food that won’t break the bank, Kushka is the move.

D’Wasi // My Go-To Spot for Cheap & Tasty Breakfast in Cusco

Opening Hours: 7am-10:30pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

D’Wasi was the first breakfast spot I tried in Cusco, and I kept coming back. It’s not the most mind-blowing breakfast in town, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. The sandwiches are big, cheap, and actually really good, and the coffee surprised me—in a good way.

I also used this place as a work spot a few times, and it was totally chill. If you’re looking for a solid, budget-friendly breakfast meal with decent coffee and a no-fuss vibe, this is the spot.

Chikara Sushi // One of my Top Restaurants in Cusco for Sushi

Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm / 6pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I already mentioned Miwa for sushi, but that place leans more into ramen and ceviche. Chikara Sushi, on the other hand, is a proper sushi spot, tucked away in San Blas.

I’m not big on fine dining—if I can get the same quality food in a more laid-back setting, I’ll take that any day. That’s exactly why I love Chikara. The sushi here is top-notch—great nigiri, maki rolls, California rolls, all of it—but without the fancy, overpriced vibe. Just good food, a chill atmosphere, and the perfect place to grab a Japanese or Peruvian beer and hang out with friends over dinner.

Limbus // Best Cusco Restaurant with a View

Opening Hours: 9am-12am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★
Menu & Location

I might be a little harsh on this one, but Limbus is definitely more of a tourist bar. The food is good but a bit overpriced, and the same goes for the cocktails—though to be fair, they do make a solid pisco sour, and the beers are always cold.

That said, the view here is unbeatable. Whether it’s day or night, the panorama over Cusco is worth it. I’d still recommend coming at least once, maybe for sunset. Grab a beer, maybe a burger if you’re craving something more Western, and just take in the view—that’s what makes this place special.

FAQs About My Top Cusco Peru Restaurants

Where can I get traditional food in Cusco?

If you want to try classic Peruvian dishes, I’d go to Pachapapa first. That’s where I had my first alpaca steak, and it was actually way more tender than I expected. They also serve cuy (guinea pig), which I tried once—glad I did, but probably wouldn’t order it again.

What are the best Cusco Peru restaurants with a view?

Limbus Restobar is probably the best spot if you’re after a view. I went there for drinks at sunset, and the city looked incredible from up there.

Is there a Michelin-star restaurant in Cusco?

No, Cusco doesn’t have any Michelin-starred restaurants, which honestly surprises me because some of the food here is on that level. Morena Peruvian Kitchen, for example, feels like it should be Michelin-starred.

Where to eat in Cusco?

That depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you want fine dining, Morena is my top pick. If you’re craving ceviche, go to Ceviche Seafood Kitchen—seriously, I’ve eaten there an embarrassing number of times. For breakfast and coffee, I always find myself at Qura or Three Monkeys Coffee.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Cusco Peru

I spent three weeks in Cusco, and if there’s one thing I did consistently, it was eat really, really well. From fine dining to street food, Cusco’s food scene has it all, and it’s honestly one of the best I’ve experienced anywhere.

Some of these restaurants I went to more times than I’d like to admit (Ceviche Seafood Kitchen, I’m looking at you), and some totally surprised me. If you’re heading to Cusco, just know you’re in for some seriously good food.

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