Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana
A slice of Italy in Cusco, offering authentic handmade pasta, delicious pizza, and a captivating tableside tiramisu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A slice of Italy in Cusco, offering authentic handmade pasta, delicious pizza, and a captivating tableside tiramisu.
"This is one of the best Italian places in Cusco, and it's definitely worth checking out."
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot gets busy; book a table in advance to avoid a wait, especially in the evening.
Try Diverse Dishes
Explore the wide array of authentic pizzas and pastas for a full taste of Italian culinary variety.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+51 84 287945
Address
C. Plateros 361, Cusco 08001, Peru
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tableside Tiramisu Experience
Witness the theatrical preparation of their famed tiramisu right at your table for an unforgettable dessert.
Authentic Homemade Pasta & Pizza
Savor the true taste of Italy with high-quality, handcrafted pasta and pizzas made with traditional recipes.
Cozy Italian Ambiance
Immerse yourself in a warm, intimate atmosphere that transports you straight to a charming Italian trattoria.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot gets busy; book a table in advance to avoid a wait, especially in the evening.
Try Diverse Dishes
Explore the wide array of authentic pizzas and pastas for a full taste of Italian culinary variety.
Cash for Tips
Please note that cash is preferred for tipping your servers.
Don't Miss the Tiramisu
The tiramisu, made tableside, is a must-try dessert that garners rave reviews.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
This cozy spot gets busy; book a table in advance to avoid a wait, especially in the evening.
Try Diverse Dishes
Explore the wide array of authentic pizzas and pastas for a full taste of Italian culinary variety.
Cash for Tips
Please note that cash is preferred for tipping your servers.
Don't Miss the Tiramisu
The tiramisu, made tableside, is a must-try dessert that garners rave reviews.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana is celebrated for its authentic, homemade Italian dishes, particularly its pizzas and pastas. Diners rave about the cozy ambiance and the unique tableside tiramisu experience. While the food is consistently praised, some reviews mention occasional service delays or small portions, though most find the overall experience well worth it.
"This is a tiny place, and it can be hard to get a table, but the effort is worth it. The pasta is homemade, and all the food is excellent. I had the Ravioli. They tasted great, but the portion was a bit small. Next time, I will try the Ossobuco, which the waiter told me is a very large portion. My friends also recommended the gnocchi. Simply put, this is one of the best Italian places in Cusco, and it's definitely worth checking out."
Keith Moore
"Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana
Calle Plateros 361, Cusco 08002, Peru
You’re drawn in from the street by the sight of chefs making fresh pasta behind glass – a brilliant touch.
The menu reads: All of our pizzas are made according to the traditional Neapolitan recipe: 24 hours for rising, fresh mozzarella and a whole lot of love. And they’re playing Neh Nah Nah. Everything just fits.
I had a simple salad to start, then the Deliziosa pizza – thin, crisp crust with roasted pumpkin cream, caramelized onion, mushrooms and spinach. Incredibly good.
After two weeks of Peruvian food, I switched gears – and this was the perfect place for it.
One star less than the maximum: the space is too tight for my taste, though the ambience is still good."
Christian
"Absolutely delicious food - everything is cooked fresh! However our meal was forgotten about so we had to wait 45 minutes for it. The tiramisu is a must and it is prepared in front of you! However, we had an extra meal added to our bill, which was removed when requested, although it did feel like they wanted us to pay very quickly and the bill was taken away from us as soon as we’d seen it. Luckily we questioned how high it was and got the additional meal removed. Definitely book a table as it gets very busy in the evening!"
Amy S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is most famous for its authentic, homemade Italian pasta and pizzas, as well as its unique tableside tiramisu preparation.
Yes, it's highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is small and popular.
Yes, the tiramisu is a highlight and is prepared tableside, offering a special dining experience.
Popular pasta dishes include spaghetti seafood, ravioli, carbonara, and gnocchi, all made fresh in-house.
Yes, the chefs prepare fresh pasta behind glass, which adds to the authentic Italian experience.
While the focus is on authentic Italian cuisine, there are various drinks including juices and sodas.
Cash tips are appreciated by the staff.
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This is a delightful Italian restaurant where you can watch them hand-making pasta as you enter the restaurant. We had two different kinds of pasta which were excellent. We liked the pizza crust, but the margarita pizza is more like a traditional cheese pie- tomato sauce and cheese rather than fresh tomatoes.
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Next up is my ultimate favourite, so much so that we ate at Carpe Diem three times. If like me you’ve been travelling in South America for a while and your taste buds are craving authentic Italian food, then this is the spot. Carpe Diem serve some of the best pizza and pasta I’ve had outside of Italy.
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Si echas de menos la pizza (hablas con una italiana que se le antoja una vez a la semana ?), la de esta pizzería gestionada por un italiano de Padua es la mejor que he probado en Cusco. Hacen también pasta fresca y el tiramisú con un mascarpone delicioso que te lo preparan al momento, delante de ti.
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Carpe Diem: There is Little to say about this place, they have the best pizza I’ve tried in Peru. Italian style crust with some really fine ingredients and the Price is also really good. This is a must if you love pizza like me, they are really close to the plaza in Plateros.
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When looking for the best pizza in Cusco, Carpe Diem is often the top choice. It’s an authentic Italian pizzeria near the Plaza de Armas. This place is loved by both locals and visitors for its true Italian flavors in the heart of Cusco.
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A cozy nook that feels like a slice of Italy in the heart of Cusco. The intimate setting is complemented by warm wooden interiors and romantic lighting. As its name suggests, the restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine.
Top Cusco Restaurants: Best Places to Dine in Peru 2025
Places like Limo mix Peruvian and Japanese flavors, while Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana serves up authentic Italian food. These international restaurants in Cusco add a global twist to Peru’s culinary scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit