As the most popular jumping-off point for Inca Trail excursions, the Peruvian city of Cusco caters for its large number of tourists with a huge choice of places to eat and drink
(Photo: Chicha por Gaston Acurio)
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the city is dotted with archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. It’s also the ideal place to acclimatise to the high altitude before you hit the Inca Trail, which is about a two-hour drive from Cusco. Most travellers tend to come here for two to three days before embarking on the epic hike to Machu Pichu, and those who do may well want to sample some of the local culinary scene during their stay. Here are 5 of the best dining and drinking spots that the city has to offer.
Chicha por Gaston Acurio
Perched above Cusco’s peaceful Plaza Regocijo, Chicha por Gastón Acurio brings big culinary clout to the heart of the city’s historic centre. It’s one of several restaurants from Peru’s gastronomic poster boy, Gastón Acurio, and this one centres around Andean soul food with a creative twist. Inside, picture windows frame mountain views as bold, while locally inspired dishes include alpaca carpaccio, trout ceviche and (look away now, children) crispy guinea pig. A flair for elevating native ingredients makes this a top spot for anyone keen to experience Cusco’s cutting edge food scene.
Plaza Regocijo
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
(Photo: Morena Peruvian Kitchen)
Just steps from Cusco’s main square, Morena Peruvian Kitchen serves up bold flavours to a steady stream of patrons. But it’s not just about the food here – the charm is also in the sunlight-drenched setting, plants trailing from the ceiling and walls splashed with colour. Of course, the fare is central to the experience too and is playful, hearty and proudly Peruvian. Menu highlights include lomo saltado stacked like a tower and a creamy quinoa risotto. As for drinks, punchy pisco sours help keep the energy high.
Plaza de Armas, Portal Harinas
Organika
Tucked away on a narrow cobbled street just a few minutes’ walk from Cusco’s main square, Organika is proud of its garden-to-table ethos. Almost everything on the plate comes from their own organic farm in the nearby Sacred Valley in Peru’s Andean highlands – and you can taste it too. The ambiance is relaxed and rustic, with colourful flowers on every table and the occasional alpaca ambling past the window. Perennial favourites include the wood-fired trout and the florally flamboyant salads, but in all honesty, it’s hard to go wrong here.
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Black Cat
(Photo: Black Cat)
As well as being packed with great places to eat, Cusco also knows how to pour a drink – and Black Cat is one of the best watering holes you’ll find anywhere in the city. Set a few cobbled streets from the Plaza de Armas, this laid-back bar serves up a huge selection of Peruvian craft beers along with strong pisco sours and other cocktails. Low lighting, vintage posters a stellar playlist keeps the atmosphere buzzing and if you get peckish the food’s no afterthought either, with burgers, wings and other hearty bar snacks available.
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El Duende Resto Lounge
For a laid-back alternative drinking spot, El Duende Resto Lounge ticks plenty of the right boxes. Situated within easy walking distance of the city’s historic centre, the inviting lounge bar delivers cocktails with a twist together with an impressive selection of local brews. Boasting swanky décor and a chilled out atmosphere, it’s tailor-made for kicking back and relaxing after a tiring day of sightseeing – either locally or on the epic Inca Trail. Low-key live music adds to the relaxed vibes.
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