Cusco is a mesmerizing city: the rich culture heritage, stunning colonial architectures, impressive historic remains. Beyond all the attractions, the food there should also be a highlight on your Cusco trip. Here are our favorite 4 restaurants.

Michelin-Style Experience: Le Soleil

Le Soleil has a long established legacy being the first French gourmet restaurant in the city of Cusco. The menu is constantly changing and provides fresh products available according to the market. Le Soleil is also the place where you can enjoy excellent French wine from crisp Champagne to Bordeaux grands cru. The stone walls on the outside and the linen tablecloth and minimalist interior design create a strong contrast and generate amazing sparks. The cuisines come in a generous portion, so you may want to save some room for the main courses after the appetizers. The atmosphere is classy, the service is impeccable, the food takes you from Peru to Paris.

A Must-Have: Marcelo Batata

Based on Peruvian ingredients and incorporating Criollo, Oriental and Mediterranean influences, Marcelo Batata is a place full of surprises. As you enter the restaurant you will be welcomed by the deep red walls. The black-and-white photography works on the wall present the lives of the local people and the story of this land. You can choose either to dine inside and immerse yourself in this modern and artistic atmosphere or dine on the rooftop terrace where you can feast your eyes on the splendid city views. Their signature dish is grilled alpaca sirloin with rocoto pepper, mango chutney, quinoa risotto and green salad. The meat is tender and juicy with a great combination of flavors. The lomo saltado is also fabulous, a must.

The Local Taste: Los Toldos Chicken

Here at Los Toldos you can have the most genuine Pollo a la Brasa - Peruvian roast chicken. You may wonder why a roasted chicken place can be listed together with Peruvian and French gourmet restaurants in this blog. Well, in Peru, this delicious dish has its own holiday. On the third Sunday in July, Peru celebrates “Día del Pollo a la Brasa” (Roast Chicken Day). When you enter, you see the chickens on a rotisserie over a wood fire and smell the flavor in the air. The chicken here at Los Toldos is superbly seasoned and cooked to perfection, accompanied with a mountain of french fries and fresh salad bar. If you are looking for a quick bite at a cozy and comfortable place for local fare, Los Toldos Chicken is something you can’t miss.

Afternoon Hangouts: Jack’s Cafe

So you have been wandering around Cusco and sampling Peruvian food for days and missing the fluffy pancakes and sandwiches from home. Good news - Jack’s Cafe will make you feel right at home. Sitting discreetly on a cobblestone street corner, Jack’s Cafe is famous for its delicious foods, large portions and cozy atmosphere. The cafe is adorable with natural lighting and very friendly service. Be sure to have the marshmallow hot chocolate, pictured here. You will be hooked by this hidden gem.

Click here for a list of our recommended restaurants in Peru.