MIL - Food Lab and Interpretation Center — Restaurant in Maras

This was an experience which we treated ourselves to as it was our honeymoon. Undoubtedly the most expensive meal we’ve eaten but worth every penny. Unfortunately we couldn’t do the full experience as there wasn’t availability on the day that we went, but it was an experience anyway!

Service The service was wonderful and the staff described the dishes passionately and in great detail in both English and Spanish. The meal moved at a good pace and there were no awkward gaps between courses, equally, we didn’t feel rushed. My husband went to the toilet multiple times during the meal due to his weak bladder but the staff timed our meal around this, they also rearranged his napkin each time he went.

Location The restaurant is in the most incredible location. The views are spectacular, we would recommend hiring a taxi for the day - our driver took us to other sights nearby and it ended up being a delightful journey to and from Cusco. Warn your driver, the meal is 3h long.

As you enter the building you are immediately enveloped in a world gastronomic experimentation. The diversity of plants and flowers so well displayed with tasteful and beautiful decor. The courtyard is not only nice to look at, but adds to the feeling of total immersion. The rooms are small and intimate and allow guests to feel they are the upmost priority of the staff. Every detail of the building is perfect down to the thatched roof, antiquated walls and Incan decor. The staff took the time do explain each element of the design to us which added to our experience of the environment. One criticism would be that our chairs were quite far apart as the tables are large - easily resolved by shuffling our chairs closer.

Food We have eaten in a few well renowned restaurants and there have always been one or two courses we didn’t like. This was not the case at Mil. Every course was delicious and well thought out. We were told the story of ancient Incan agriculture, with each ingredient at the centre, through delicious and beautiful courses. The colours and textures in each course married perfectly and made us see simple, underrated ingredients in a new light. It was a great way to learn about ancient local traditions and culture and to be fully immersed in it. The meal connected us to the Incan agricultural scientists of Moray experimenting with different textures, varieties and combinations of the ingredients found in this harsh climate.

It was easily the best meal we’ve ever had and we would honestly return to Cusco just to come back! Thank you for teaching us, and sharing your experiments and your...

I will admit that I came to Cusco just for this meal and then planned my whole trip around this. I was able to find a reservation for the immersive experience for the 23rd but then called Central to request it be moved to the 22nd (their opening day) successfully. I then proceeded to book everything including a 2-day stay in Urubamba and a trip to Machu Picchu the day before coming to MIL.

The day of the meal, I got a car that would take us from Urubamba to Moray in the middle of constant rain that hadn't stopped all night and into the morning. We were supposed to arrive at 10 am. We left at 9 am. The trip lasts around 40 minutes. Except, it didn't! The road to Moray from Maras is being worked on. Beware! Ask your driver to take you from the other route (not Maras). We took a detour that ended up with us getting stuck in the mud for 25 minutes. We finally got unstuck and arrived at Moray miraculously. There was no signal most of the way but we finally managed to receive some messages from the restaurant and asking if we were on the way.

We arrived at the restaurant at 10:40 very excited and also amazed that we had made it. We were the first ones to arrive. The immersion experience was lovely. Manuel and Juan explained the process of growing tubers, we toasted with Juan and walked in the mud looking at plants from the region. We got to see the restaurant, look at the distillery, we even got to see from the outside a meeting with the community.

The meal was excellent. I have been already to Central and Kjolle and also Mayo for brunch. The meal at MIL was different in that it used ultra local ingredients that were even grown right outside the restaurant. The most interesting part was the fact that everything looked just so beautifully plated. We got to meet the Chef and have some meals served for us by him. It was one of the best meals I've had. I was just surprised by a purple potato. I had never eaten something so purple! I loved the drinks, we had an alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairing to try everything. The hot drinks before the meal were delicious too. We basically started eating at around 1 pm and left almost at 6 pm.

We also got lucky because in the end we got driven back to Urubamba by one of the chefs whi gave us a lift with another party. It was an amazing experience in every way from the rain to getting stuck to the meal to the view clearing up in the afternoon where I got to see how gorgeous Moray is. It was just a beautiful meal to match a...

MIL is more than just a restaurant—it’s an unforgettable experience that engages all the senses (we had the Inmersión MIL + Menú Degustación). From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by our guide, Maribel, whose friendliness, deep knowledge, and ability to seamlessly communicate in three languages (Quechua, Spanish and English) made the visit even more enjoyable.

The journey began with Mercedes, our local guide, who introduced us to the rich diversity of native herbs. She explained their uses, cultural significance, and the deep historical roots they have within the local communities. This connection to tradition and nature set the perfect tone for what was to come.

The landscape surrounding MIL is breathtaking, especially during the rainy season. The rolling Andean mountains, vibrant green tones, and delicate wildflowers create a stunning backdrop, making the setting almost as memorable as the food itself. What makes it even more special is knowing that this very site—the ruins of Moray—was used by the ancestors of this land to develop agricultural diversity, a tradition that MIL continues to honor and evolve.

The meal itself was a masterpiece. Every course was a celebration of local flavors, history, and craftsmanship. The dishes were not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully presented—each plate a work of art. The flavors were bold, surprising, and palate-opening, allowing us to experiment and appreciate every individual ingredient in a new way. Everything was sourced locally, and everything had a deeper meaning, making the dining experience truly unique.

Beyond being an extraordinary fine-dining experience, MIL is a project worth supporting. It preserves generations of knowledge, fosters the skills of local artisans, and showcases the true essence of this region’s culture. Thanks to the amazing people behind it, this was an experience we will never forget. Highly...