Top Restaurants: Enjoy traditional peruvian foods in this off the beaten path country, known for its impressive ruins, rich culture, and natural beauty. Peruvian restaurants are known for their hearty appetite, and serving sizes are generous, featuring plenty of meat, fats and wine list..
Prices are also surprisingly low, with meals ranging from USD 4.50 to USD 15 in Michellin level restaurants. Service is generally friendly and helpful, if sometimes slow. Here are our personal favorites in Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Arequipa, and Paracas.”.
“Top Restaurants in Lima”
Astrid y Gaston: is a world renowned restaurant with high expectations but still served great food, like the famous ceviche and tasty Peruvian Causa (boiled potatoes and yellow potatoes).
Mayta: Offers innovative and tasty dishes, with standout ceviche and fish from the jungle with shitake. The earthy ambiance with natural tones and stone plates adds to the dining experience.
Mangos: With a stunning terrace overlooking the ocean, Mangos is a top choice for location. The food is delicious but not gourmet, and service can be slow. Prices are on the higher side.”
“Top Restaurants in Paracas”
Stay at the luxurious DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, which also houses the stylish beach restaurant.
El Pardo al Mar. The restaurant serves international and contemporary Peruvian dishes, and the staff is amazing with beautiful pool and ocean views.
Cevichería La Tia Fela. is a beachfront restaurant that serves fresh fish in the middle of the Paracas National Reserve. The rustic atmosphere with plastic chairs and open windows adds to the dining experience.
Los Horcones de La Caravedo. is a restaurant located at Hacienda La Caravedo, the oldest distillery in South America, and a fantastic hotel surrounded by vineyards.
“Top Restaurants in Sacred Valley”
- Garden Grille: Located in the Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, this restaurant offers huge portions of top quality food. The interior is standard hotel design, but the views over Cusco’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains make up for it. Don’t forget to try the fantastic pisco sour.
- Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse: This restaurant offers the best chicken the author has ever had, with fast and friendly service. Located near Cusco’s central tourist spots.
- Organika: A quality over quantity spot with fresh ingredients and a garden in the Sacred Valley. Offers healthy and organic options, such as the interesting fluffy pizza and arugula tiramisu.
- Aulita: A charming contemporary fusion restaurant cafe that sells Peruvian decorations and handicraft products, as well as bespoke cocktails and craft beer and wines.
- El Maqt’a serves authentic Peruvian cuisine including local favorites such as chicha (made with purple corn), arroz con pato (duck with rice), chicharon papas a la huancaina, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), and cuy chactado. Enjoy the simple interior with big windows and perfect views.
“Top Restaurants in Machu Picchu”
To reach Machu Picchu, you’ll need to take a bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). You may choose to spend a night or two in the place. consider staying at the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel:
- Chullos: Enjoy dinner with stunning views of the Urubamba River and mountains from Chullos balcony. This restaurant serves top-notch food and offers a game-changing, homemade beer.
- Green House Organic Concept: Expect excellent service and healthy, colorful dishes at Green House. Choose from meat and meatless options, all made with fresh ingredients.
“Top Restaurants in Arequipa”
But even if you don’t venture out of town, you’ll still need to eat. Here are two highly recommended restaurants in Arequipa:
Pasta Canteen
Pasta Canteen is a must-visit for pasta lovers and has pizza options as well. You can personalize your pasta to your taste, with the friendly servers available to assist. The menu also includes a salad and garlic bread before your pasta dish. The restaurant has a cool wood and concrete interior.
13 Monjas
13 Monjas, or “13 Nuns,” has earned a reputation as a great restaurant in Arequipa. The restaurant is located in a stone house next to the Santa Catalina Monastery and boasts a mix of wooden chairs and comfortable lounge chairs. There are also outdoor tables available.
The food, including steak and organic ingredients, was great, and the craft beer, especially the Belgian brand, was a highlight.
