SUMAQCHA RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Distrito de Cusco

Dining at Sumaqcha was an absolute delight during our trip to Cusco. This Peruvian restaurant came recommended by way of a friend who lived here for several years while doing a PhD so we knew we had to go there.

The owner (our waiter) spoke fluent english and helped us pick a perfect meal for our evening. He is undoubtedly the friendliest man we have met during our time here, if you have the pleasure of meeting him you will leave with a smile.

I ordered the Rocoto Relleno and my partner had a beef dish, and we shared and avocado salad for an appetizer. Both entrees and the app were excellent dishes, the beef in my partners dish was perfectly done and the Rocoto just had a fantastic crunch to the exterior then almost a donut texture to the batter. The pepper had a good level of spice and the interior was packed with meat, peas, spices. The flavor and texture was all there and it was utter deliciousness, and did I mention you get two of these? Both entree dishes had a good healthy side of veggies which I have sorely missed from my diet back home and was happy to have in this town of endless meat and potatoes.

Our dishes were great however I did find myself sitting at our table jealous of all the people around us because basically everything coming out of the kitchen looked superb and well plated. I would have eaten here at least two more times if I had found this place sooner.

The vibe is warm and friendly, music is not to loud and mostly Peruvian themed. The Restaurant is clean with a great bathroom.

Prices were good around 20-35 soles per plate drinks were 4-10 soles range.

This is a great...

Great Food and Outstanding Service

This review is made from a visit on a Friday 7.21.23 for Lunch. This restaurant is owned and attended by a local family. Nestor was a great host and he did an excellent job and set the bar high considering this is my first restaurant I try in Peru.

Nestor provided great recommendations for my first food and he provided explanations on how the locals eat each of the dishes I ordered:

-I started with a Coca Tea. Fresh leaves over hot water and a promise that this drink helps the body to get used to the altitude in Cusco. A short stair walk will be enough for you to get the idea what I am talking about.

-Then, I ordered the Tamales. For me being Mexican, the tamales were not the best, but still good enough. They have meat but mostly "masa". But don't worry, It taste pretty good.

-Finally I ordered the Trout Ceviche. I loved it, but If I have to say something constructive, I would say the lemon overpowers the dish considerably.

As I mentioned, service couldn't be better. Nestor went far and beyond. Too friendly and attentive.

As far as prices, I consider them affordable. I ended up paying $70 Soles including 10% tip. For the quality of the food. I can't complain.

I hope I get the opportunity to say hi to Nestor again and try...

This restaurant is a gem, with some of the best service & food we experienced while in Cusco! We opted for cuy al horno, roasted and the alpaca anticuchos. We enjoyed the alpaca & delicious pisco sours while we waited the 45 minutes for the cuy to roast. The alpaca was perfectly seasoned & cooked! They serve a wonderful (and spicy) onion salsa with the meal, which just elevated each dish. The cuy came out, presented whole and with a little hat (great photo op). They then take it to the back of the kitchen and quarter it to eat. It was very well prepared and a fantastic experience. We then were offered a little aperitif, prepared in house by the family - A small “digestivo” but so delicious & warming, and just a lovely way to end the meal. The ambience, like the wait staff is warm and welcoming. There are so many options for dinner in Cusco - but if you want a truly authentic experience, fairly priced, with phenomenal service in a warm & relaxing setting, Sumaqcha...