12 Best Restaurants in Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru

An engaging French-Peruvian couple manage one of the town's best restaurants, whose eclectic decor—think maritime kitsch—is worth a visit on its own. Quiche Lorraine, ginger chicken, and spicy trucha a la macho (trout in hot pepper and wine sauce) are favorites on the Peruvian-French fusion à la carte menu, but the reasonably priced (S/80), prix-fixe, three-course menu is the way to go, offering all the same options plus heavenly homemade bread. It's as good a place for dining with friends as for an intimate dinner for two.

The restaurant in the Sumaq Hotel is a must-experience for foodies thanks not only to culinary offerings that can easily hold their own against anything Lima's finest restaurants can dish out but also to a first-class setting and the utmost in professional yet warm service. European dishes like ravioli are given an Andean slant by stuffing them with ají de gallina, and traditional Peruvian fare is infused with international flavor. Reservations are a good idea, especially if you plan to opt for the six-course degustation menu, a true gastronomic delight.

This fully organic restaurant pairs a green menu with an even greener concept—dining is at wooden tables on an open terrace filled with potted plants and garlands of flowers hanging from the ceiling. Tasty options from the healthy menu include cebiche of trout or seasonal mushrooms, vegetarian quinoa burgers, marinated alpaca loin over quinoa risotto, and garden vegetable pizzas.

With an owner-chef who hails directly from Italy, you can be sure to find authentic Mediterranean fare here, as well as house-made pasta and Peruvian cuisine. The large, open space has comfortable seating with a cozy fireplace, and the fair prices, especially on the Italian wines, make this a great value. For those who want something a bit simpler, delicious pizzas are also available. With luck, the dessert offerings will include the chef's fabulous tiramisu.

Paris's loss is Aguas Calientes's gain with the authentic French pastries served here, as well as coffee, sandwiches on house artisanal bread, quiches, and more. Eat in or take some of the delicious choices to go—the excellent boxed-lunch options are perfect for enjoying in Machu Picchu, and the restaurant opens at 5 am so you can pick them up on the way to the bus.

Overlooking the river and the main street, Mesa 7 boasts a beautiful terrace and presents an array of craft food and beers. Besides classic Peruvian standards, you'll find some tasty vegan and vegetarian options. The set menu is a very good value, but you can order à la carte as well. 

This hip corner spot with strong espressos, iced coffee, cakes, and sandwiches is a good bet for people-watching and getting some online work done. Come during happy hour, when the place becomes a hive of traveler activity.

Although this casual café is part of the Supertramp backpacker hostel, the food is first-rate, with burgers, pizzas, and salads that are perfect for satiating an appetite forged by hoofing around Machu Picchu. Unlike at many of the places lining the main streets in town, this restaurant's pizza and burgers are worthy of being included in its name, and both are available with a variety of tasty toppings such as blue cheese and jamon serrano (dry-cured Spanish ham). If you come in the evening, be sure to check out the lively rooftop bar.

Take a break at this cute coffee shop by the side of the train tracks and away from the main tourist avenue. The selection of gelatos, espressos, burgers, and finger foods is ideal for a break after visiting the ruins.

This well-established tourist favorite has long tables set up in the center of its cavernous dining room to accommodate the tour groups that come for the huge buffet lunch. In the evening, grilled dishes like trucha andina (Andean trout), beef, or alpaca—served amid the entertainment of a folkloric music show—are better bets than the buffet items. Grab one of the smaller tables by the window for a river view or out on the shaded front patio for some good people-watching.

Perched high above the streets of Aguas Calientes, this small, wood-paneled restaurant serves some of the best international cuisine in town. Fresh, local ingredients are the backbone for such dishes like quinoa salad with goat cheese, gnocchi with lamb ragout, and Thai brochettes. The intimate candlelit dining room is small, so you may want to make dinner reservations.

This is the best choice for a romantic dinner.