Rusticus Food & Drink — Restaurant in Distrito de Cusco

A good friend had recommended Rusticus, so today we decided to give it a try. From the moment we walked in, the welcome felt warm and genuine, like visiting an old friend’s home rather than just another restaurant.

My girlfriend went straight for the Hamburger Rusticus, and from the very first bite she was in love. The patty was juicy, the flavors perfectly balanced, and the fries alongside it were spot-on. Carlos, our host, suggested she pair it with a grape pisco sour. Before serving, he took a moment to explain how the grape flavor was infused, turning the drink into more than just a cocktail, it was a little story in a glass.

I decided on the ceviche, with a Negroni to sip (two since it was perfect). When Carlos learned I preferred a bit more spice, he had the chef tweak the dish just for me. That personal touch made it unforgettable, fresh, tangy, with just the right fiery kick. It consisted of every texture and balance that a dish has that makes it unforgettable.

As we enjoyed our food, the conversation flowed easily. We talked about our trip to Peru, and Carlos shared his dream of visiting Mexico. It felt less like dining out and more like sharing a meal in someone’s home. What stood out most was his humility, compliments we gave, he passed on to his chef with pride.

Carlos also revealed that Rusticus had only been open for four months-ish. Suddenly, the fact that he already had 80 glowing reviews, and still held a perfect 5-star rating in Google maps made perfect sense. Between his passion, the quality of the food, and the way he connects with people, it’s clear Rusticus is something special.

If I could, I’d give Carlos, his team, and this little gem of a place more than 5 stars. Thank you for the food, the drinks, and the heart you put...

My friend and I stopped in for some drinks before dinner, and it ended up being one of the best experiences we had in Cusco. Carlos, the bartender, and Brandon, the chef, were both so warm and welcoming. From the moment Carlos greeted us at the door, it felt like we were stepping into a friend’s home. He crafted incredible pisco sours while Brandon served us the most delicious octopus bites—I could’ve easily eaten twenty. On top of that, they shared great recommendations for local restaurants and souvenir shops. If you’re in Cusco, this is a spot you...

We stumbled upon Rusticus while searching for a place to eat dinner one day and the food was so amazing it made us return before our flight back home a week later. Not only did the owner remember our group by name, but he also took into consideration all our requests regarding food restrictions and/or preferences (one friend in our group loved the chilli sauce so much, he got the actual chilli served to him on a plate). Absolutely recommend this new business to anyone who is in Cusco looking for yummy food and...