Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Morena Peruvian Kitchen serves classic Peruvian dishes with a lighter, modern touch, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. El Comercio's Premios Somos 2025 nominated it for best restaurant in Cusco and listed it at Portal Harinas 181; other guides place it at the north-west corner of the square. The Portal de Harinas is one of the colonial arcades around the Plaza de Armas, built on the site of the Inca palace of Korakora, so even a casual lunch here comes with plenty of history. It suits travellers who want well-presented Peruvian food without the formality of a tasting menu.

The menu covers the greatest hits, with twists. Anticuchos de corazón, marinated beef heart skewers from the charcoal grill, come with salsa anticuchera, a Lima-style tamal, valley corn, grilled local cheese, a roasted chilli chimichurri and huancaína sauce. The causitas, little stacks of seasoned potato, are topped with beetroot, peas, carrot, avocado, olives and tomato, with an egg-free aioli and roasted black quinoa. The lomo saltado uses filet mignon sautéed with soy sauce, red wine, garlic, tomato and coriander, served over quinoa rather than rice. Trout appears in several forms, including starters dressed chalaquita-style or with chimichurri, and other dishes include pork belly with uchucuta, a local chilli sauce, and a quinoa risotto.

Drinks are a strong point. Try the freshly squeezed limeade flavoured with lemongrass, chicha morada made from purple corn, a Cusqueña beer or mate de coca, the coca-leaf tea. There are cocktails and desserts too, and tea if you only want a break between sights.

The dining room is bright, with white plaster walls, Cusco stonework, local artwork and wicker chairs with cushions. It has been reported as open every day from 12:00 to 22:00, but there can be a wait at busy times, so arriving early or late helps.

Morena suits couples, families and groups with mixed tastes, as the menu includes vegetable-based dishes alongside meat and fish. It is a sensible lunch stop between visits to the Cathedral, the Compañía and Qorikancha, and an easy dinner option if you are staying in the centre.