Hungry? Got some time on your hands? Why not explore some of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley?
By Chere Di Boscio
Let’s be honest: life in the Sacred Valley is generally led at a slow, lazy pace. Which means long lunches are the norm. And thank heavens for that! But there’s more to be grateful for, too. Namely, the proliferation of exciting – and often, organic – eateries in the Valley.
Whether you’re looking for something uber healthy, a lunch with a view, or a great place to spend the day nibbling on tasty food with friends, there’s a perfect lunch spot in the Valley for you.
The Best Lunch Cafes In The Sacred Valley
1. Raw Cafe, Huayoccari
If you’re taking care of your health and/or diet, lunch Restaurants In The Sacred Valley don’t get better than this! Here, you’ll find organic food grown on the premises, concocted into delicious, imaginative dishes. Not much is actually ‘raw’, to be fair. But you’ll find everything here from crispy crusted vegan pizzas and savoury mushroom burgers to enormous salads and creamy ‘cheese’ cakes. Every time I eat here, I feel like I added a year to my life! And the gardens are simply stunning, too.
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Health food.
2. Tambo del Inka, Urubamba
This beautiful luxury hotel houses two eateries. There’s the rather formal, and quite expensive Hawa restaurant, where delicious New Andean cuisine is prepared, made with home-grown organic products. But our preference for lunch in the Sacred Valley is the Kiri Bar! This place boasts a spectacular amber lighting behind the bar, and a wonderful terrace that serves cocktails and light lunches such as salads, sushi and burgers.
Location: Central Urubamba, on the pista
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Amazing views on the patio outside the bar, beside the river.
3. El Cafe Feliz, Pisac
Missing Indian food? El Cafe Feliz is one of the best cafes in the Sacred Valley for you! Whether you want a creamy paneer, crunchy pakora or spicy curry, you’ll find it here, alongside many other dishes. For example? Their big, all-day breakfast is popular, as is their hearty veggie burger.
Personally, I adore the variety of drinks here. Dandelion coffee, mushroom coffee and golden milk are just some of the more unusual beverages. There are also loads of smoothies and juices to choose from, too.
Location: Centre of Pisac. Call: 946 662 938
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Indian food
4. AMA, Urubamba
With its huge playground for kids, this is a popular restaurant/cafe with families. It’s more a restaurant than a cafe, with an extensive menu of healthy food that includes falafel wraps, salads, soups and fish dishes.
One of their most popular plates is the grilled trout, which comes sizzling hot on a cast iron grill, served with Andean veggies and potatoes.
Their fresh juices are superlative, and I love how their main plates come with a small soup or salad of your choice.
Location: Av. Mariscal Castilla 563, Urubamba
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Grilled trout, hearty vegan food.
5. ALTO, Arin
With its little playground, lovely garden and delicious food, this is one of the most fun places in the Valley to meet friends for lunch or to bring the kids for a day out.
Owner Barbara Gilpin is well known for her fresh, spongy doughnuts, but her creative mind also blesses ALTO with some unique dishes in the valley. Think: tofu scrambled ‘eggs’ on fluffy white bagels; pork or chicken boa buns; healthy Bali bowls, and pad Thai, for example.
Service is super friendly, and you’ll feel like family here in no time!
Location: 2nd Paradero, Arin (on the pista)
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: A smattering of Asian foods.
6. Aiki, Yucay
The chef behind Aiki is Yuka Miya, and she is truly a force of nature. She passionately believes food and health are deeply connected, and aims to heal her customers through her cooking.
She calls her Peruvian twist on Japanese dishes from Okinawa ‘cocina Japoandina’ and it’s absolutely delicious. Whether it’s because she sources all her ingredients organically and locally, or just puts a lot of love into everything she does, it’s hard to say. But without a doubt, this is one of the best cafes in the Sacred Valley for lovers of healthy Asian food, be they carnivores or vegetarians.
Dishes include wonderful curries with homemade tofu, teriaki chicken with organic veggies, miso glazed trout, homemade black sesame ice cream, and other delicacies.
Tip: This is a tiny restaurant, with only 4 tables, so book a table in advance!
Location: In front of the church in Yucay, right on the pista.
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Japoandina food, of course!
7. Mishki, Urubamba
Be prepared to get addicted. Mishki makes some of the BEST ravioli in the whole wide world. I mean, native Italians will even be impressed! But that’s not all. This mom-and-daughter owned cafe also does amazing wraps (try the croquante!), empanadas, quiches, desserts and coffees.
Location: Barraziobal, near the pista, in Urubamba.
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: PASTA!!!
8. Migas del Valley, Urubamba
Once upon a time, Migas was merely the best bakery in the Sacred Valley. Now, sourdough and gluten free loaves, croissants and pastries are just the icing on the cake here (pardon the pun!) Migas del Valley is now a full on restaurant, offering rich, creamy coffees, a variety of teas, and an extensive menu of sandwiches, pizzas and other tasty dishes.
The menu of the day is always well worth a try, and includes a soup, drink and main dish.
There are also loads of yummy packaged local foods, organic soaps and cosmetics, and handmade chocolates for sale in the shop connected to the restaurant. And did I mention you can also eat dinner here, too?
Location: 559 Calle Bolivar, near the plaza, Urubamba
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Incredibly good food, bread and desserts. Also, very quick and professional service.
9. Viva Peru, Huaran
A favourite with the locals, this friendly cafe is known for its community vibes and homemade ice creams (with vegan options). They are, in fact, truly unique – think: strawberry, basil and black pepper, raspberry coconut and ginger.
Daily specials typically include dishes like Viva Peru pasta, veggie curries and black bean tacos.
This is one of the few cafes that also has a licence to serve alcohol, and they also make a killer chai latte!
Location: Paradero verde, Huaran, just off the pista.
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Friendly service, hanging out with friends.
10. Pakakuna, Urubamba
This fusion restaurant is a family favourite, for good reason! The food is simply delicious, and has firmly Peruvian roots. Think: trout dishes, quinoa dishes, and a tart, tangy pie de limon, for example.
Location: Sector Chajuar, Urubamba, up the entrance of Aby 2, 200m up the road.
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Chilling with family and friends on Sunday, when this place really hops!
11. Sol Seed, Pisac
Since its opening not too long ago, Sol Seed has become the Pisac hub. It not only offers life-transforming classes and workshops, but also healthy, fresh food. There are always gluten free and vegan options, but no matter what you get, it’s going to be made with love. That could be anything from a yucca wrapped burrito, mixed berry smoothie, or one of their famous chicken tacos.
Location: Calle Pardo 360, Pisac
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Home-away-from home vibes.
12. Apu Organic Nativo, Pisac
You know when you eat something, and you can kind of ‘taste the love’? Well, that’s what always happens to me at Apu Organic.
This vegan cafe, situated near the main market, offers soups, smoothies, salads, and Peruvian dishes like ceviche and causa.
Location: Calle Grau 534, Pisac, a una cuadra de la Plaza Principal., Pisac
One of the best lunch restaurants in the Sacred Valley for: Their causa is out of this world!
