Best restaurants in Cusco that will delight your palate
Cusco is a city that will surprise you in every possible way. It has impressive architecture, art, music and amazing gastronomy, from traditional Peruvian dishes to international experimental cuisine, the city has something for everyone to enjoy. This is a list of the best restaurants in Cusco that will delight your palate.
1. La Bodega 138
If you are looking for a delicious and affordable meal, look no further than La Bodega 138. This restaurant offers traditional Peruvian cuisine with a twist. The menu features classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, as well as creative fusion dishes like quinoa risotto and sweet potato gnocchi. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, La Bodega 138 is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
2. Cicciolina
Cicciolina is a very popular Italian restaurant in Cusco. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. Cicciolina also offers a wide selection of wine and cocktails. The outdoor seating is perfect for people watching, and the restaurant often has live music.
3. Señor Tito’s
Señor Tito’s is a local favorite for Peruvian food. The restaurant is small and family-run, and the menu features traditional dishes like Ceviche, Pollo a la Brasa, and Lomo Saltado. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are large. Señor Tito’s is the perfect place to go for a quick and tasty meal.
4. El Cardo
El Cardo is a new restaurant in Cusco, but it has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The menu features creative versions of Peruvian and international cuisine. The lomo saltado is a must-try, and the quinoa risotto is also very popular. El Cardo has a beautiful outdoor seating area that is perfect for enjoying a meal on a sunny day.
5. PachaMama
PachaMama is a restaurant that specializes in healthy, organic food. The menu offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. The restaurant also has a juice bar, and the staff is always happy to make recommendations to the customers. PachaMama is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Most popular dishes to Cusco gastronomy
Cusco is a place that merges traditions and modernity in every possible way.
The city is home for the most incredible gourmet restaurants and chicherìas and popular places, so it offers a great variety of traditional dishes that are actually unique. Here are a list of some of the best Andean dishes that you can find in Cusco:
1. Pachamanca
Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish that is typically made with lamb or beef. The meat is slow-cooked in a hole made on the soil and heated with rocks. It also has vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potato, beans, andean cheese and corn.
2. Chiriuchu
Chiriuchu is a cold dish that is traditionally made of chicken, cuy, sausage, a sort of corn pancakes , dry meat, cheese, cochayuyo (an algae), potatoes, chili and a variety of spices. This dish is very popular during the celebration of Corpus Christi.
3. Humitas
Humitas are a type of tamale that is made with fresh corn, cheese, and spices. The corn dough is wrapped in corn husks and steamed until it is well cooked.
4. Solterito
Soltero or Solteriro is a dish that is traditionally made with white potatoes, cheese, and a variety of vegetables. The potatoes and vegetables are boiled and then mashed together. The mashed potato mixture is then fried and served with cheese on top.
5. Chupe de camarones
Chupe de camarones is a shrimp soup that is typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, beans and carrots. The soup is often served with rice on the side.
Peru is known as one of the best gastronomy destinations around the world, and Cusco has the best options to try delicious dishes and amaze your palate. Here are another dishes you must definitely try on your trip to the Imperial city:
- Ceviche: A must-try while in Peru, this dish of fresh fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice is simply delicious.
- Aji de gallina: Another Peruvian classic, this dish of shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce is not to be missed.
- Lomo saltado: A popular dish made with beef, tomatoes, and onions, stir-fried and served with rice.
- Papa a la huancaina: A potato dish served with a cheese and spicy pepper creamy sauce.
There are many other delicious dishes to try in Cusco and all around the country, these are just a few of the best ones. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and explore all the amazing food that this city has to offer!
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