8 Of The Best Restaurants In Cusco, Peru 2026
Peru’s infamous Inca city is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu, but home to a host of incredible restaurants. From traditional Peruvian dishes to Italian and Mexican influences, I’m sharing my list of the best spots to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in Cusco.
Plus, all eight of these restaurants are in or near the historic centre and within walking distance of each other for easy access. Let’s dive in…
P.S. If you’re looking for the best coffee shops in Cusco too, you can find my ultimate favourites here!
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1. Yaku Restaurant
Cuisine: Peruvian
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 11am – 10:30pm
We’re kicking things off with firm favourite – Yaku. This bright and fresh restaurant serves classic Peruvian and Andean flavours alongside a range of tasty wood-fired pizzas and zesty salads. They’re also known for their traditional guinea pig dish (or ‘cuy’ as it’s known in Peru), so if you’re feeling adventurous then this is a great spot to try it!
Whether you’re looking for a full Peruvian experience or craving classic comfort food, there’s something for everyone. Which is why Yaku is the perfect pick for a first night in Cusco. Sit inside on chilly nights or soak up some late afternoon sun on their patio!
2. Carpe Diem
Cuisine: Italian
Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Next up is my ultimate favourite, so much so that we ate at Carpe Diem three times. If like me you’ve been travelling in South America for a while and your taste buds are craving authentic Italian food, then this is the spot. Carpe Diem serve some of the best pizza and pasta I’ve had outside of Italy.
The dough is freshly made, the wine is delicious, the sauces are rich and flavoursome and the environment is warm and welcoming. Not to mention the star of the show – the tiramisu. The classic dessert is assembled at your table layering fresh espresso, the fluffiest cream and light sponge. I practically ran the end of the Salkantay trek to get back to this place! 😂
3. Green Point
Cuisine: Vegan fusion
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 8am – 10pm
For a beautiful courtyard dining experience, choose Green Point. Again, we ate here multiple times during our week in Cusco, enticed back by their delicious brunch, lunch and dinner dishes. Everything is vegan and on the healthier side which is great for a little break from heavier meat based dishes.
From fluffy pancakes and loaded toast to tasty wraps, kebabs and nachos, everything is made with the best local ingredients and super flavourful. Only made better by the surroundings as you dine amongst trees, vines, water features and delicate string lights in this mini escape.
4. Avocado, toast & more.
Cuisine: Brunch & lunch
Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: Closed
Speaking of loaded toast, if it’s some of the best avocado toast (and avocado everything) you’re after then aptly named Avocado, toast & more is for you! Their fresh and clean restaurant serves everything from avocado burgers and avocado pasta to avocado smoothies and even avocado ice cream.
They also do great fresh salads, chicken dishes and açai bowls so it’s the ultimate brunch spot. Everything is beautifully presented and the cosy restaurant itself is calm, cool and relaxed. For me, this was the perfect midday stop to take a little break from the bustle of the city!
5. Organika Restaurant
Cuisine: Peruvian farm to table
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 11am – 10pm
For a flavour sensation, head to Organika. This exclusively organic restaurant prides itself on their close relationships with local farmers and growing their own produce in the sacred valley. So eating here not only means you’re dining on the freshest locally-grown ingredients but supporting the local community.
Stand out dishes are their purple cabbage soup, sweet potato ravioli and goat’s cheese pizza decorated with edible flowers. This really is a lovely experience topped off with great service, tasty cocktails and thoughtfully designed space.
6. Qura
Cuisine: Healthy brunch & lunch
Opening hours:
Wed – Mon: 8am – 9pm
Tue: 8am – 3pm
Another great brunch and lunch spot is Qura. Here you’ll find excellent pancakes, sandwiches, eggs, French toast and grain bowls alongside freshly brewed coffee, smoothies and juices. For me this was the perfect place to refuel and recover after our Salkantay trek.
Their second floor restaurant is also spacious, welcoming and attracts other travellers so if you’re looking for some company, it’s a safe bet too. Especially if you’ve been solo travelling or on the road for some time, hearing others talk about their similar journeys can be comforting! 💗
7. Ceviche Seafood Kitchen
Cuisine: Seafood
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Peru is also famous for ceviche – even recognised by UNESCO as an intangible part of Peruvian heritage. So I had to include a top spot to try it for yourself and that’s perfectly named, Ceviche Seafood Kitchen.
The reviews of this place speak for themselves, the food is incredibly high quality, the seafood is fresh and the flavours are authentic. Wash your ceviche down with a textbook pisco sour for the ultimate experience!
8. Piedra & Sal Restaurante
Cuisine: Peruvian
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Last but by no means least is Piedra & Sal – the top choice for a fine dining experience without the huge price tag. This luxurious and stylish restaurant serves paired back dishes that let the flavours speak for themselves, with their alpaca steak getting some of the best reviews in town.
This is a restaurant to be enjoyed so take your time, relax and know you’re in for a treat!
There we have it, that’s my ultimate mouth-watering list of the best restaurants in Cusco. I hope you enjoy eating here as much as I did and if you have any questions about visiting Cusco or wider Peru, drop them in the comments box below and I’ll do my best to help. Happy travelling!
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