Peruvian cuisine boasts a world-renowned culinary tradition that blends native ingredients with modern techniques. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is no exception . If you're planning your trip, a food tour in Cusco will help you discover an essential aspect of the region's history.
In this guide, we'll answer your most frequently asked questions. How much does a meal cost in Cusco, Peru ? Which stalls in the local markets are the best to eat at? And which upscale restaurants are worth trying? We'll also explore Cusco's typical cuisine and offer a complete culinary tour to enjoy from morning till night. You'll also find recommendations for tours and excursions to complement your trip .
The morning: an immersion in the typical food of Cusco
The city sits at 3,399 meters above sea level, and this altitude calls for a light yet energizing start to the day . The historic center boasts specialty coffee shops that work with beans grown in the nearby La Convención Valley. If you're looking to begin your day with local traditions, street stalls and markets offer hot drinks like emoliente , a thick infusion made with roasted barley, flaxseed, and medicinal herbs —perfect for combating the chilly morning temperatures.
Let's see where to begin.
Visit to the Central Market of San Pedro
Walking along Santa Clara Street, about 800 meters southwest of the Plaza de Armas, you'll find the San Pedro Central Market . This market is the epicenter of food distribution in the city. In its aisles, organized by sections, you'll find exotic fruits like cherimoya and aguaymanto , dozens of varieties of native potatoes, giant corn from the Sacred Valley, fresh Andean cheeses, and freshly baked breads , such as the traditional "chuta."
For those who want to go from simply observing to doing, we recommend booking the San Pedro Central Market tour with a Peruvian cooking class . This guided experience begins at the market stalls where you can buy fresh ingredients and meet local producers directly.
Next, the group moves to a professional cooking studio. There, a chef instructor teaches step-by-step how to prepare iconic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, as well as a classic pisco sour . It's an excellent interactive activity for understanding cooking techniques and taking practical recipes home.
Where to have lunch: regional cuisine near the Plaza
At lunchtime, the city center offers excellent options for trying traditional Andean dishes without needing to use public transport.
El Mordisco Restaurant in Cusco
About three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, at 298 San Juan de Dios Street, you'll find El Mordisco de Cusco restaurant . This establishment serves local cuisine at affordable prices and with generous portions. It's just steps from the San Pedro Market, making it perfect for a midday break.
Their menu features hearty dishes such as fried trout with native potatoes, traditional soups, or the classic stuffed rocoto pepper , making it a great option for eating well while staying within budget.
Deva Restaurant in Cusco
If you walk in the opposite direction, southeast of the main square, you'll reach 280 San Agustín Street, where Deva Restaurant is located. It's approximately 300 meters from the cathedral.
This restaurant focuses on reviving ancestral Andean recipes using 100% Peruvian ingredients . Among the most popular dishes are the baked guinea pig , prepared using classic highland techniques, and appetizers like causa limeña . The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and the staff provides information about the origin of each ingredient on the menu.
Chicha restaurant in Cusco
If you're looking for a meal that combines regional ingredients with international haute cuisine techniques , Chicha is the perfect stop. Owned by chef Gastón Acurio, it's located on the second floor of a mansion at Plaza Regocijo 261, just one block from the Plaza de Armas .
Chicha's culinary offerings pay homage to Andean culinary wisdom. It serves modern interpretations of dishes like Cusco-style adobo, pork cracklings, and a variety of fresh fish . Due to its immense popularity, reservations are essential to secure a table.
Where to eat ceviche in Cusco
A trip to Peru demands trying its national dish. Although Cusco is located high in the Andes Mountains, fresh fish arrives daily from the coast. Adding to this is a regional distinction: Cusco boasts excellent trout from local rivers.
Limo restaurant in Cusco
Located right on the perimeter of the Plaza de Armas, at Portal de Carnes 236, is Limo Nikkei . Its culinary offerings are based on a fusion of Peruvian tradition and Japanese techniques . The restaurant is on the second floor, so its balconies offer direct and unobstructed views of the cathedral and the historic center .
At Limo, ceviche takes on a whole new dimension. Their menu features innovative variations of the classic Peruvian dish, along with tiraditos with citrus sauces and sushi rolls made with Andean trout . To accompany the seafood, Limo offers a bar with traditional pisco sours and macerated local fruits. It's an unbeatable option for lunch or watching the sunset overlooking the plaza.
Palacio del Inka Restaurant in Cusco
The Palacio del Inka Cusco restaurant (officially called Inti Raymi) offers sophisticated dining experiences that incorporate local history. It is located within the hotel of the same name, at Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259 , about four blocks south of the Plaza de Armas.
The complex operates in a colonial mansion that still retains original Inca stone walls. Dining here offers tasting menus designed with high-end Andean products, presented with meticulous attention to detail. It's the ideal setting for a romantic meal or to end a trip in a luxurious space, surrounded by international service.
How much does a meal cost in Cusco, Peru?
Planning your travel budget is a crucial step. The answer varies depending on the area of the city and the type of establishment. Below, we detail the current averages. But first, an important clarification: in Peruvian restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip equivalent to 10% of the total bill , especially if the service charge is not already included in the total.
Local stalls and markets: Lunch near the San Pedro Market or in restaurants catering to locals costs approximately 15 to 25 Peruvian soles (equivalent to 4 to 7 US dollars) . This price gets you the classic "menu of the day," which usually includes an appetizer, a main course, and a natural beverage.
Mid-range restaurants: In establishments located in the historic center, such as El Mordisco, the average expenditure per person ranges from 40 to 70 Peruvian soles (approximately 10 to 19 dollars) for a substantial main course and drinks.
Fine dining and signature restaurants: top-tier gastronomic experiences at places like Limo, Chicha, or the Palacio del Inka restaurant start at 100 Peruvian soles and can exceed 200 soles per person (between US$25 and US$55) . This price increases if you include full tasting menus, imported wines, or signature cocktails.