Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, captivates not only with its historical and architectural richness but also with a culinary scene that masterfully fuses Andean tradition with contemporary cooking techniques. The imperial city has established itself as one of South America’s top gastronomic destinations, where each restaurant tells a unique story through its flavors.
This complete guide will introduce you to the best restaurants in Cusco for 2025, from buffet spots offering unlimited variety to à la carte restaurants known for their specialized culinary concepts. Each recommendation is selected based on ingredient quality, dining experience, and feedback from both local and international diners.
Cusqueñan cuisine is a full sensory experience that combines ancestral ingredients like quinoa, guinea pig, trout, and an impressive variety of native potatoes with modern cooking techniques that enhance traditional flavors without losing their cultural essence.
List of the Best Restaurants in Cusco 2025
The selection of the best restaurants in Cusco for 2025 is based on strict criteria, including culinary quality, customer service, authenticity of dishes, value for money, and overall dining experience. This list highlights the best of Cusco’s current culinary offerings.
“Cusqueñan cuisine is a journey through time that connects the present with the ancient traditions of the Inca Empire, where every dish tells an ancestral story.”
Buffet Restaurants
- Extensive culinary variety
- Fixed price per person
- Ideal for large groups
- Multiple dietary options
À la Carte Restaurants
- Specialized culinary experience
- Dishes prepared to order
- Unique gastronomic concepts
- More intimate atmosphere
Buffet Restaurants: Variety and Tradition in One Place
“Cusqueñan cuisine is a journey through time that connects the present with the ancient traditions of the Inca Empire, where every dish tells an ancestral story.”
Buffet restaurants in Cusco offer a unique opportunity to explore Andean culinary diversity in a single meal. These establishments are known for featuring a wide range of traditional and contemporary dishes, allowing diners to experience various flavors and textures of Cusqueñan cuisine.
Tunupa: Andean Tradition in Every Bite
Located in the heart of Cusco’s historic center, Tunupa has become one of the city’s most recognized buffet restaurants. Its culinary concept focuses on preserving traditional Andean recipes, presented in a buffet format that allows guests to explore the richness of local cuisine.
The restaurant is known for its traditional pachamanca, its various types of native potatoes, and its selection of Andean meats. The venue evokes the atmosphere of a colonial Cusqueñan house, with live folk music that complements the dining experience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average price | S/ 45 – 65 per person |
| Hours | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Specialty | Traditional Andean cuisine |
| Location | Portal Confituría 233, Plaza de Armas |
Belmond Hotel Monasterio: Gastronomic Luxury with History
The buffet restaurant at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio represents the pinnacle of gastronomic luxury in Cusco. Set inside a building dating back to the 16th century, this establishment combines colonial architectural elegance with an internationally inspired culinary proposal that incorporates local ingredients and techniques.
Their Sunday buffet is particularly acclaimed for its outstanding product quality, including fresh seafood, premium meats, and a dessert selection that blends French techniques with Andean flavors. Personalized service and the refined atmosphere make this a memorable dining experience.
Tayta Fe: Homestyle Flavors on a Grand Scale
Tayta Fe stands out for offering a culinary experience that evokes the taste of homemade Cusqueñan food in buffet format. This family-run restaurant has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike for maintaining the authenticity of traditional recipes without sacrificing quality in large-scale preparation.
Its strength lies in traditional stews like adobo cusqueño, chiri uchu, and an impressive variety of Andean soups that change with the seasons. Its cozy environment and affordable prices have made it a favorite choice for families and groups of friends.
14 Inkas: Innovation in Buffet Form
14 Inkas represents an innovative concept in the Cusqueñan buffet scene, combining traditional dishes with contemporary interpretations of Andean cuisine. Its name references the rulers of the Inca Empire, and each section of the buffet is thematically linked to different aspects of Inca culture.
The experience includes interactive stations where diners can watch the preparation of certain dishes, such as quinoa cooked in various styles and traditional sauces made with native chili peppers.
Food tip: At Cusco buffet restaurants, start by tasting small portions of various dishes to discover your favorites before serving full portions.
À la Carte Restaurants: Specialized Culinary Experiences
À la carte restaurants in Cusco offer more personalized and specialized dining experiences, where each dish is individually prepared with meticulous attention to detail. These establishments are known for their well-defined culinary proposals and chefs who craft unique interpretations of local and international cuisine.
Incanto: Excellent Italo-Peruvian Fusion
Incanto has revolutionized Cusco’s dining scene with its Italo-Peruvian fusion concept that honors the traditions of both culinary cultures. Located in a restored colonial house, the restaurant offers an experience that combines Italian sophistication with the intense flavors of the Peruvian Andes.
The menu features handmade pasta crafted with Andean flours, quinoa-based risottos, and meats accompanied by sauces incorporating native chili peppers. The owner-chef, of Italian origin, has created a menu that delights both locals and international visitors.
| Signature Dish | Description | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quinoa Risotto | Creamy quinoa with parmesan and Andean trout | S/ 42 |
| Pasta al Rocoto | Homemade fettuccine with rocoto chili sauce and pancetta | S/ 38 |
| Andean Osso Buco | Lamb shank with Andean herbs and purple corn polenta | S/ 65 |
Inka Grill: Contemporary Cusqueñan Tradition
Inka Grill represents the modern evolution of traditional Cusqueñan cuisine, preserving the essence of ancestral flavors while incorporating modern preparation and presentation techniques. Its prime location in the Plaza de Armas makes it a culinary reference point for those seeking authenticity with a sophisticated touch.
The restaurant is renowned for its grilled alpaca, considered one of the best preparations of this meat in the city, and for its pisco menu that features special varieties from different regions of Peru. The atmosphere combines Incan-inspired décor with modern comforts.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen: Signature Peruvian Cuisine
Morena Peruvian Kitchen has established itself as a leading representative of signature Peruvian cuisine in Cusco. Its culinary approach is based on creative reinterpretations of traditional Peruvian dishes, using contemporary techniques and artistic presentations that turn each dish into an edible masterpiece.
The menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest local ingredients. Their ceviches made with Andean trout and tiraditos with native chili peppers have gained international recognition among food critics.
Limbus Restobar: Altitude and Flavor in Perfect Harmony
Located on one of the highest terraces in the historic center, Limbus Restobar offers a dining experience that combines excellent cuisine with spectacular panoramic views of Cusco. Its menu focuses on international dishes with Peruvian touches, creating a diverse selection for all palates.
The restaurant is especially popular at sunset, when city views pair perfectly with their handcrafted cocktails made with premium pisco and local fruits. Its heated terrace allows for outdoor enjoyment year-round.
Limo: Nikkei Cuisine in the Heart of Cusco
Limo has introduced sophisticated Nikkei cuisine to Cusco’s culinary scene, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients in a stylish and contemporary setting. Its location in the Plaza de Armas and unique culinary offerings have made it a must-visit for fusion cuisine lovers.
The menu features Amazonian fish sashimi, makis made with Andean ingredients, and hot dishes that combine Japanese precision with the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine. The live sushi bar lets guests observe the artisan preparation of each piece.
Nikkei Specialties
- Nikkei tiradito with tiger’s milk
- Acevichado maki with local fish
- Tempura of Andean vegetables
- Quinoa and vegetable gyoza
Signature Cocktails
- Passion fruit Pisco Sour
- Sake Chilcano
- Nikkei Mule with local ginger
- Amazonia Martini
Pachapapa: Andean Authenticity in a Traditional Setting
Pachapapa offers one of the most authentic traditional Cusqueñan culinary experiences, located in a colonial house in the San Blas district that preserves its original architecture. The restaurant specializes in ancestral preparations cooked in clay ovens and traditional firewood stoves that give each dish a unique flavor.
Its specialty is the traditional pachamanca, where meats, potatoes, and vegetables are cooked underground with hot stones, recreating an ancient Inca technique. The rustic and authentic ambiance transports diners to colonial-era Cusco.
Nuna Raymi: Contemporary Ancestral Cuisine
Nuna Raymi, whose name means “soul festival” in Quechua, offers a culinary concept that honors Andean traditions while adapting them to modern tastes. The restaurant is known for its ongoing research into ancestral recipes and its commitment to using local organic ingredients.
The menu features rare dishes like llama charqui prepared using pre-Columbian recipes and soups made with medicinal Andean herbs. The owner-chef works directly with local communities to source high-quality traditional ingredients.
Green Point: Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Green Point has filled an important gap in Cusco’s culinary scene by offering a fully vegetarian and vegan menu that doesn’t compromise on flavor or creativity. Its concept proves that traditional Andean cuisine, rich in vegetables, grains, and legumes, can be perfectly adapted to modern dietary trends.
The restaurant stands out for its veggie burgers made with quinoa and Andean legumes, nutritious bowls featuring local superfoods, and vegan desserts using natural sweeteners like panela and native fruits. Its bohemian, relaxed atmosphere attracts both vegetarians and curious omnivores.
Kusikay: Family-Style Cusqueñan Tradition
Kusikay, meaning “joy” in Quechua, is a family-run restaurant that has preserved traditional Cusqueñan recipes passed down through generations.