"La Cusqueñita"
Immerse yourself in Cusco's culture with vibrant dance shows and authentic Peruvian dishes, offering great value and hearty portions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
"La Cusqueñita"
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in Cusco's culture with vibrant dance shows and authentic Peruvian dishes, offering great value and hearty portions.
"A must-visit for an authentic taste of Cusco's traditions and delicious, generous meals!"
Book for stage view
Reserve a table in advance for a central view of the stage during the 2 PM dance show.
Try local delicacies
Don't miss out on trying Cuy (guinea pig) and other authentic regional specialties.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Peruvian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+51 974 965 662
Address
Centenario 800, Cusco 08002, Peru
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Dance Performances
Experience vibrant folk dances and traditional music that bring Cusco's rich culture to life, creating an immersive dining atmosphere.
Authentic Peruvian Cuisine
Savor traditional dishes like cuy (guinea pig) and ceviche, prepared with local ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Generous Portions & Great Value
Enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with huge portions that offer excellent value for money, making it a favorite among locals and tourists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for stage view
Reserve a table in advance for a central view of the stage during the 2 PM dance show.
Try local delicacies
Don't miss out on trying Cuy (guinea pig) and other authentic regional specialties.
Lunch for energy
Visit during lunchtime for a satisfying meal that will keep you energized throughout your day.
Peak times
Weekends can be busy, but service remains good. Plan accordingly, but don't let crowds deter you.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for stage view
Reserve a table in advance for a central view of the stage during the 2 PM dance show.
Try local delicacies
Don't miss out on trying Cuy (guinea pig) and other authentic regional specialties.
Lunch for energy
Visit during lunchtime for a satisfying meal that will keep you energized throughout your day.
Peak times
Weekends can be busy, but service remains good. Plan accordingly, but don't let crowds deter you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Cusqueñita is celebrated for its vibrant cultural experience, featuring traditional dance performances alongside hearty, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Diners consistently praise the generous portion sizes and excellent value for money. While most reviews highlight attentive service and a lively atmosphere, a few patrons have noted occasional issues with food temperature and slow service during peak times.
"The food is super tasty, the portions are HUGE, and the prices are kind to your wallet. The staff? Friendly and awesome they’ll make you feel like family. Go hungry, leave happy!"
Armando Bazaldua
"Great value for money where you can enjoy local food with complimentary local dance performance. Highly recommend ceviche, pig’s heart, juice and pig’s feet. Really nice and attentive staff. Huge portions and just enough sophisticated menu to navigate."
Nicole N
"Solid traditional food and service. The space is large and welcoming. I would come back"
AJ Soriano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cuy is guinea pig, a traditional Incan food. Many visitors find it a unique and worthwhile culinary experience during their visit to Cusco.
The traditional dance performances typically take place daily from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
Yes, the restaurant is known for serving very large portions, offering great value for money.
While not always strictly necessary, reserving a table in advance is recommended, especially for a good view of the stage during performances.
Popular dishes include Cuy (guinea pig), Ceviche, and various traditional Peruvian stews and fried meats.
Yes, the lively atmosphere, cultural shows, and hearty food make it a family-friendly dining destination.
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Where to Eat in Cusco—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner + Nightlife
Located in the heart of Cusco, this charming eatery invites guests to experience the rich traditions of the region through its vibrant performances and authentic dishes. As you enter La Cusqueñita’s welcoming dining space, you’ll be greeted by the rhythmic beats of traditional music and the colorful costumes of dancers who bring the spirit of Cusco to life. Additionally, the menu features a tantalizing array of classic Peruvian dishes, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that showcase the flavors of the region.
Cusco! | Best Seen on Foot
Our hostel owner in Lima suggested a restaurant in Cusco called La Cusqueñita. Gerrod and I were originally going to go there for dinner, but the walk was really sketchy and we decided to go there for lunch instead after we came across a pack of stray dogs blocking the sidewalk and saw a guy peeing on the sidewalk during our nighttime walk. The next day at lunch time the walk felt much safer.
Best Restaurants in Cusco
La Cusqueñita serves classic Peruvian dishes in a laid-back and cozy setting. Known for its hearty portions and great flavors, the restaurant offers popular dishes like “pachamanca,” “cuy chactado” (fried guinea pig), and various regional specialties. Its friendly atmosphere and affordability make it a great option for those looking to experience authentic, home-style Peruvian cooking.
Traditional Restaurants in Cusco – Andean Peru Treks
La Cusqueñita Picantería – Popular for its traditional food, regional dance shows and beer chicha, La Cusqueñita escapes from the cheese factory by having a solid base in the local culture. It is not the best meal of its kind in Cusco, but the full package makes it worth a visit. Centennial 800 (with a second place further away in Av. De la Cultura 3035).
Where to Eat in Cusco Peru: 15 Foods You Need to Try -
We came here very specifically to eat cuy, or guinea pig, in Cusco. Apparently, it is a traditional Incan Food tradition that Peruvians still celebrate. As my friend Art said, it’s more like a “gimmick pig.” We ordered the Cuy Chaqtado, which is a deep-fried version of the pig.
Peruvian Traditional Eats - Picanterias And Chicherias In Cusco
As with chicherias, most picantarias are woman-owned businesses and are named as such – “La Chomba,” “Las Manuelitas,” and “La Cusqueñita” are some great examples, and some of the best picanterias you can find.
An intro to traditional food in Cusco: 12 dishes to try and where to find them
For those who want to try this traditional food in Cusco, restaurants like Pachapapa, Cuy Lokal, and Cuyeria La Cusqueñita are renowned for their exquisite preparation of cuy.
The Cusco Conundrum - by Sutee Dee
It’s a touristy restaurant (they have a free dance show as part of the experience), but the food was good.
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