4 Best Restaurants in The Central Highlands, Peru

Casa Grill

$$ Fodor's choice
Dining in this charmingly refitted family home is like dining at Grandpa's house—if Grandpa were an internationally trained grill expert who served only the most exquisite cuts of meat. That's because the steaks, fire-cooked pork, and whole salmon at the sumptuous parrilla (grill) are the best in Ayacucho, with delicious sauces to boot. Sit on the red-tile porch at night and look up at the chirimoya trees.

Huancahuasi

$$ Fodor's choice
A festival-hall atmosphere and mind-blowing updates of Peruvian classic dishes make this Huancayo institution one of the sierra's best restaurants. The versions of papa a la huancaína and alpaca saltado (stir-fried alpaca with onions and tomatoes) are like nothing you've had before, and the brightly costumed waiters take joy in introducing the region's cuisine to visitors. The Lima (Avenida Javier Prado Este 1405) branch of this eatery is equally scrumptious.

La Cabaña

$ Fodor's choice

Over-the-top decorations and labyrinthine rooms give this restaurant charm, but the food has made it a favorite. Wash down wood-fired pizzas and grilled meats with a pitcher of calientitos (hot spiced rum punch). The service can be slow, but sitting in the garden on balmy days or by the fire on cooler ones makes it worth it.

The owner can arrange cooking classes, Spanish lessons, music instruction, and long-term local homestays.

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QuinuaQ

$ Fodor's choice
This lovely hillside restaurant is a perfect lunchtime pit stop after seeing the battlefield and before heading back to Ayacucho. The owners work with a Dutch nonprofit to provide training for disadvantaged local kids, and the food—including a heavenly asado negro con puré (beef roast over mashed potatoes)—rivals that of any (okay, almost any) top Lima chef.
Peruvian Lunch $ Fodor's Choice
Rasuhuilca s/n, Quinua, Ayacucho, Peru
946-393–258
www.quinuaq.com
Known For
  • stunning mountain views
  • programs for disadvantaged youth
  • best food in Ayacucho
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner