Chicha por Gaston Acurio — Restaurant in Distrito de Cusco

Edit to the original post below after receiving the reply from the restaurant which is in the comment to my review: I leave the original post in entirety (incl. stars) only to show how admirably the restaurant responded. At the same time, I would like to thank the restaurant team for acknowledging my comment and for cancelling my bill. I won’t have the opportunity to visit you again soon, but hopefully another time in the future. Original post follows below in entirety.

In summary: Don’t bother, they don’t either

It took me two days to travel to Cuzco because of delayed flights so I was really excited about getting the table at Chicha for the last serving (21.30). It was the only opportunity for me to visit this 3h experience of an 8-course tasting menu (see picture of menu and most of dishes).

Immediately after getting bread and butter and pisco sour aperitif the rush began. They were rushing me through the service aiming to get me out if there in 1.5h instead of 3h. I was served my first dish before having a chance to finish the pisco sour tasting, and the white wine they pair the dish with was not chilled. I asked for a slowdown in tempo after dish 2 which they obliged by starting to serve lukewarm food (dishes 3, 4 and 5) in their attempt to keep up with the same excited timeline they were on by making me eat faster. After complaining mid-meal, dish 6 finally came at a raised temperature but it was also not a freshly prepared steak that would steam, rather a more heated up version than previous dishes. Deserts were really good (7, 8), can’t complain. I guess easier to do for them, as they were already in the fridge.

It’s a pity, the ingredients for all the dishes are all really good, but they don’t get the chance to shine.

On the service, the staff and waiters are nice. One of senior staff came to serve the most “hot” dish and offered an apology. The waitress serving me said they would compensate at the end. I was expecting some reduction in the bill but it was two tiny cookies the size of big thumb-nail. Maybe that ought to have come with the hot drink at the end anyhow but I didn’t that anymore, I already lost all interest by that time.

I guess a problem is that the place is over-dimensioned and there’s bit enough guests to cover cost and make sufficient profit. When I left around 24h, lots of staff did as well. In that case suggest to not offer the option if you can’t...

Chicha por Gaston Acurio in Cuzco is a culinary oasis, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience that transcends expectations. From the moment you step in, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for an extraordinary dining journey. The restaurant seamlessly combines traditional Peruvian charm with a contemporary flair, creating a unique and delightful atmosphere.

Gaston Acurio's culinary prowess shines through in every dish. The menu is a celebration of Peru's diverse flavors, skillfully crafted with a modern touch. Each bite is a revelation, a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on the palate. The attention to detail in the presentation is remarkable, elevating the dining experience to a true art form.

The ceviche, a Peruvian classic, is a standout masterpiece. The freshness of the ingredients and the perfect balance of acidity and spice make it a true delight for seafood enthusiasts. The innovative twists on traditional dishes showcase the chef's creativity, making every selection a culinary adventure.

The service at Chicha is impeccable. The staff is not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about ensuring your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. Their recommendations are spot-on, adding a personalized touch to the overall enjoyment.

The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish, contributing to the authenticity of the flavors. The diverse drink menu complements the food beautifully, with an array of beverages, including expertly crafted cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine selection.

Chicha por Gaston Acurio is more than a restaurant; it's a celebration of Peruvian culture through its vibrant cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or a casual diner, this establishment promises an unparalleled journey through the heart of Peruvian gastronomy. In Cuzco, Chicha is not just a place to dine; it's an experience that lingers in your memory, inviting you to return and relish the...

As others have commented, I had high expectations going into this experience given the reputation of Gaston Acurio and my visit to his Miami restaurant a few years ago. Unfortunately my expectations were far from being met and hence the reason for only 1 star. The space itself is very nice, simple yet done in good taste. The service was not horrible but it seemed that the staff was always rushing and it was difficult to get their attention sometimes. Considering the brand and pricing, service should be very good. Atmosphere and service of a restaurant of this level can be ok but the food must be excellent. This was clearly not the case. Firstly, the portions were huge! Some may be ok with that but I believe the point of a high-end dining experience is to be able to enjoy several elements of your meal (at least a starter, main and dessert) to complete the experience. I also feel it's a waste of food unless you have a huge appetite and can finish everything! We only made it past a shared starter which was very good, half the main and no dessert. The waiter commented that their aim was to provide "well-served portions". They nailed that strategy but it was quantity over quality. My wife had the Rabo de Toro which is a beef stew cooked in wine. It was served lukewarm with an overwhelming taste of wine which should not be the case. Wine should enrich the flavors of the dish, not overpower. It was as if they had poured wine over the beef before serving. I had the pork belly which was bland and served with undercooked, lukewarm potatoes. I've read other reviews where the term "re-heated" was used to describe the food. This could be the case here. After 9 days in Peru visiting Lima, Urubamba and Cusco, this was the only disappointing meal. Peru is known for its great chefs and culinary expertise. This was the case at all restaurants we visited except Chicha even at lower...