Looking for something fun to do at night? Here’s where to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley
By Chere Di Boscio
Lima is well known for its gastronomic culture. And that’s fair enough; the food there is excellent! But Peruvian food is also excellent in the Sacred Valley. During the day, that is.
Let’s face it: there’s not a whole lot to do here at night. And for most of us, that’s the way we like it. But one activity we all enjoy sometimes is going out to eat. Whether it’s a romantic date or a get together with friends, dinner can be an awesome way to pass the night away.
Luckily, our dining out options are increasing every year. Here below, I’ve found some of the best places were we can can eat dinner in the Sacred Valley. Hopefully, there will be more additions coming soon!
Where To Dine Out In The Sacred Valley
1. Forty
If you close your eyes for a minute and re-open them, you might well think you’ve landed at a chic bistro in London, Madrid or Paris. That’s because Forty is owned by renowned interior designer, Roberto de Rivero. And it shows! This gorgeous restaurant features a rustic fireplace, perfect lighting, and Peruvian ‘tapa’ dishes. These could include: trout sliders, chimichurri oyster mushrooms, and quinoa croquettes, for example. The cocktails are superlative, too.
Tip: Dress up. This place is elegant!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Really elegant, urban vibes.
Jirón Grau 654, Urubamba
2. Biga
Who’d have thought the best pizza outside of Italy would be found in the Sacred Valley? But trust me, it is! Any Italian would have to admit these crunchy, wood-fired pies are just as good as anything found in Naples or Rome. And with good reason: the ingredients are fresh, and the mozzarella is proper. There’s also pasta here, and excellent, locally sourced salads. And they’re all served up in a cozy little nook of a restaurant, with only 6 tables.
Tip: Reservations are recommended.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: OMG, the pizza!
Jirón Grau 654, Urubamba
3. OM Restobar
I was so happy when OM arrived on the scene! This informal eatery offers one of my favourite types of cuisine: Japanese. You’ll find everything from gyoza and miso soup to poke bowls and sushi here. But it’s best known for it’s awesome, Peruvian fusion sushi rolls. Not into fish? Ask for their vegan options instead!
Tip: Just be sure to take a jacket because all the tables are outside.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Sushi, Japanese food.
4. Huacatay
This was one of the first decent places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley, and it’s still one of the best. Set in an old building in lush gardens, you’ll find really creative cuisine here. My personal favourite dish is the veggie curry, which comes with a quinoa-encrusted plantain. But there are lots of meaty dishes, too, as well as interesting spins on trout.
Tip: Bring a jacket. Many tables are outside. And know this: the indoor lighting is rather yuk, so you’ll probably want to be outdoors!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Local gourmet cuisine.
5. Tambo del Inka
This might be one of the most expensive places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley, but it’s also one of the best venues to go to for a special occasion. Despite being a highly rated hotel, for the longest time, the food here was just…meh. Recently, the hotel got wise and hired a new chef. Now you can find everything from beetroot gnocchis and curries to ceviche and burgers on the menu.
Tip: Skip the enormous dining room in favour of the smaller (and better lit) bar, but ask for the dining room menu to be served.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Celebrations and special occasions.
6. La Ruta del Sabor
Tip: The food is good, but the atmosphere is lacking. Go here to eat, not on a date!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Local food in Pisac.
7. Inkaterra Hacienda
Sometimes, you just want to get a bit fancy. And that’s when you go to Inkaterra for dinner.
Most of their dishes are based on vegetables from their organic garden, but don’t think that they’re not meaty. There’s plenty of meat here – so much so that vegetarians will struggle. Vegans even more so. But if you’re after polished service in a formal dining atmosphere, you’ll find it here.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Cosy vibes by the fireplace; impeccable service; an atmosphere of grandeur.
Km 63, Urubamba
8. 3 Keros
When you arrive to the 3 Keros, you’re greeted by a friendly waiter and immediately served a complimentary bread and a bean dip. Then, you’ll have to choose from their many delicious plates. That’s where it gets difficult! Will it be a creamy pumpkin soup and meaty lomo? Or a lighter organic Andean salad followed by a quinoa mushroom ‘risotto’? Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert! The deep fried chocolate truffles are to die for! If the lighting were a bit better, this place would be perfect.
Tip: Ask to sit by the fireplace in winter.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Delicious food based on local ingredients.
Corner of the Ferrocarril (pista) and Av. Senor de Torrechayoc, Urubamba +51 84 753310
9. Antica Osteria
Ready to carbo-load? You’re in the right place! This cozy eatery offers huge plates of pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and really delicious cakes – often made from organic ingredients. It’s not exactly vegan-friendly, but it is a local favourite.
Tip: Don’t miss dessert!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Hearty Italian food.
Avenida Federico Zamalloa, Pisac Tel: 926 253 525
10. El Huerto at the Belmond
Got a special occasion coming up? El Huerto is the beautiful restaurant in the Belmond Hotel, and their food is second to none!
The hotel has a beautiful garden from which their herbs and fresh vegetables are harvested. That’s why their salads are so delicious, not to mention imaginative. But of course there’s lots more on offer here, from local ceviche, quinotto and grilled trout, to International pasta flavours and creative gourmet desserts.
Tip: Take a walk beside the river after eating. The views are spectacular!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Gourmet cuisine.
Km. 75. 8, Carretera Urubamba-Ollantaytambo, Urubamba
11. Kampu
Craving Asian flavours? Come to Kampu! This place is a hidden gem and definitely worthy of a visit. Chef Eduardo basically makes different dishes that inspire him on the day. He will keep all dietary considerations in mind, and then come up with something tasty. It could be anything from a Thai curry, Indian paneer or a Moroccan tagine. But whatever it is, it will take your tastebuds on a world tour.
Tip: Chat to Eduardo about his travels abroad. He’s quite the character!
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Curry lovers, of course!
Jiron Sagrario 342, Urubamba
12. Amanto
From causa acevichado and trout tiradito to alpaca carpaccio, you’ll find the very best of Andean cuisine at Amanto. Located close to where the train leaves for Machu Picchu, this is a popular favourite eatery with both tourists and locals alike.
Tip: Don’t skip out on the wonderful desserts here! Fresh, creative, and masterfully created.
One of the best places to eat dinner in the Sacred Valley for: Dessert!
Calle Horno Intersection Calle Principal, Ollantaytambo Tel: 906919229
