The Best Restaurants in Aguas Calientes, Peru

Incontri del Pueblo Viejo
Incontri del Pueblo Viejo | Courtesy of Incontri del Pueblo Viejo
Harry Stewart

A steady stream of daily tourist arrivals means there are plenty of quality restaurants scattered throughout Aguas Calientes. However, its remote location means prices are notably higher than elsewhere in Peru, so this is perhaps not the best place for budget travelers to splurge on a meal. Nevertheless, Culture Trip has compiled a list of the finest local restaurants for travelers ready to splash a little cash.

1. Restaurant Indio Feliz

Restaurant, Peruvian, French, Fusion

An oldie but a goodie, this popular Peruvian-French fusion restaurant has been feeding hungry tourists for years. Covered wall to wall in postcards and other travel related knickknacks, Indio Feliz is most famous for its attentive service and high-quality fusion fare. It may be more expensive than other options in town, but certainly worth considering for a bit of a splurge.

2. Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine

Restaurant, Peruvian, Vegetarian, Vegan

Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine, Aguas Calientes
Courtesy of Mapacho

The craft beer revolution may still be in its infancy in Peru, but the folks at Mapacho have searched far and wide to source the best the country has to offer. Sweet amber nectar aside, the restaurant, as the name implies, serves a mouthwatering selection of classic Peruvian dishes plus a few more adventurous options such as alpaca steak and cuy (guinea pig).

3. The Tree House

Restaurant, Peruvian, Italian, North American

Another old classic in the Aguas Calientes restaurant scene, Tree House has stood the test of time for the sheer quality of the food on offer. With a polished wood interior and friendly attentive service, it also has a pleasant atmosphere for feasting upon Peruvian and international favorites.

4. Incontri del Pueblo Viejo

Restaurant, Italian

Incontri del Pueblo Viejo, Aguas Calientes
Courtesy of Incontri del Pueblo Viejo

The Italian owner of this elegant eatery ensures the food remains as authentic as it gets, which is quite an achievement in such a notoriously touristy town. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and scrumptious desserts adorn the menu, while the cozy interior is akin to an Italian ski chalet thanks to its high pointy ceiling and a crackling warm fireplace.

5. La Boulangerie de Paris

Bakery, Pastry Shop, French

For a fine French patisserie in the heart of Aguas Calientes, La Boulangerie de Paris is clearly the place to go. Aside from serving up some of the town’s best coffee, its French owner is a whizz at baking a delectable selection of pastries, tarts, and croissants. Consider taking one of their delicious sandwiches away for a picnic lunch overlooking the ruins.

6. Café Inkaterra

Cafe, Peruvian

Café Inkaterra
Courtesy of Café Inkaterra

With pointy thatched roofs amid a lush garden setting, the peaceful ambiance of this upmarket hotel restaurant makes it among the most refined establishments in the city. Each of their exquisite Peruvian fusion dishes is elegantly presented, while uninterrupted views of a roaring river below ensure the atmosphere remains serene.

7. Full House Peruvian Cuisine

Restaurant, Peruvian, Fusion

Upscale Peruvian fusion is all the rage in Aguas Calientes, and few do it as well as the team at Full House Peruvian Cuisine. Juicy alpaca steaks, lamb cutlets in creole sauce, and flame grilled anticuchos (cow heart) are some of the standout options, just be sure to leave some room for their succulent desserts as well. Opt for a seat on the balcony which is perched directly over the river.

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