Where to Eat in Cusco Peru

Cusco has some excellent dining options. Our top finds include:

The MAP Cafe is a must on your list of where to eat in Cusco. It is a sleek, contemporary, all glass restaurant in the center courtyard of the Museo de Arte Precolombino de Cusco. Plaza Nazarenas 231.

Senzo Restaurant: For fine dining, make sure to make a reservation at Senzo Restaurant at the Belmond Placio Nazarenas, located at Plaza Nazarenas 144. Chef Virgilio Martínez, one of the top Peruvian Chefs and chef of Central Restaurante in Lima, opened Senzo in 2012.

Cicciolina Bodega, Tapas Bar and Restaurante: This a fun, casual spot for a light dinner with a fun atmosphere. Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd Fl.

LIMO: Located at Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd Fl., this is a great restaurant with warm decor, overlooking the Plaza de Armas. I recommend enjoying lunch while sitting on the porch overlooking the main square. It is known for its Peruvian cuisine and pisco sours.

Check out the website Cuzco Restaurants for information on where to eat and the ability to make online reservations.

Uchu: At Calle Palacio 135, this is a great spot for Peruvian cuisine. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. You can cook meat, poultry or fish on hot volcanic stones or sample their traditional ceviche, tiraditos, causa, anticuchos and bruschettas. I enjoyed my first lunch there after flying in from Lima.

Famed Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio has Chicha, located at Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd Fl. You will find ceviches and other Peruvian specialties.

I was amazed to find a Starbucks on the second floor overlooking the Plaza de Armas. It is a great spot for a break and to check emails using their free WiFi. The Monasterio does have a fun spot for coffee and a snack, the Deli Monasterio, located on the street, just outside the hotel. Palacios 136.

Soleil Restaurant, featuring French food, also gets good reviews and has an attractive dining room. Calle San Agustin 275.

Casa Qorikancha Restaurante and Tapas Bar is also recommended for Peruvian cuisine at Calle Zetas #109, near the Temple de Qorikancha.