Pakakuna Restaurante — Restaurant in Urubamba

Pakakuna: A Culinary Gem in Urubamba

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pakakuna, a charming family-owned Peruvian restaurant nestled in the heart of Urubamba, and I must say that it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish.

From the moment I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly staff who exuded genuine hospitality. It's evident that this restaurant is not just a business; it's a labor of love for the family who runs it. Their warm and inviting atmosphere made me feel like I was dining in the home of a dear friend.

Now, let's talk about the food – oh, the food! Pakakuna offers a mouthwatering array of traditional Peruvian dishes that are a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of the country. Every dish I tried was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. The attention to detail in their cooking is nothing short of extraordinary. The ceviche was a fresh and zesty burst of citrus, and the lomo saltado was a tantalizing combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables. And don't even get me started on their empanadas – they were simply divine.

One standout aspect of Pakakuna is their commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. This not only ensures the freshness of their dishes but also supports the local community – a commendable and responsible approach to dining.

The service was impeccable throughout my visit. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and they were more than happy to share their knowledge of the dishes and offer recommendations. They truly went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my dining experience was enjoyable.

To top it all off, the prices at Pakakuna are incredibly reasonable for the level of quality and service you receive. It's a testament to their dedication to providing an authentic Peruvian dining experience accessible to everyone.

Whether you're a local looking for a fantastic meal or a visitor exploring the culinary treasures of Urubamba, Pakakuna is a must-visit. This family-owned gem has captured my heart, and I can't wait to return to savor more of their incredible dishes. Thank you, Pakakuna, for a memorable dining experience that exceeded all...

I did the market tour and cooking lesson solo. The tour through the market with Anilu, who explained about all the products on offer and who knew all the vendors and thus could snag little samples for me at the stalls, was fantastic. I’ve visited markets all over the world, but this personal experience interacting with vendors and learning about Peruvian fruits, vegetables, healing herbs, and grains added dimensions I could never have experienced just wandering in on my own. She bought several types of fruit that I was not familiar with, and we then proceeded to the restaurant in a mototaxi, the last couple blocks on a dirt road. Because I knew this would be a gourmet food experience I was expecting a fancy place. Instead it’s very casual and the cooking and eating took place outside. (They must do something else on rainy days, but the weather today was glorious).

Anilu let me sample the fruits she’d just purchased. I was skeptical of some of the odder looking fruit, but they were all tasty except for one that was not my fav. I then had a cooking lesson with Diego, who is a gourmet chef. The lesson was fantastic and the food amazing. The tour started at 9 am and I ate the main course at noon. The entire experience is $90 per person - amply worth it. (I had to pay a bit extra as my husband couldn’t go at the last minute and they’d bought ingredients for two). Both Anilu and Diego speak English but were kind enough to speak with me in slow, clear Spanish.

I HIGHLY recommend this experience if you are interested both understanding and tasting the best of...

During my trip to Peru, I had the absolute pleasure of staying in Urubamba, just a short walk from one of the most unforgettable dining experiences I’ve ever had: Pakakuna Restaurante. My family and I (six of us in total) walked over one evening for dinner, not knowing we were about to discover a true culinary treasure. Pakakuna is a family-run restaurant built right in their backyard, and from the moment we stepped in, we could feel the warmth, care, and authenticity that defines this magical place. Each of us ordered different dishes and drinks, and though it took about 45 minutes for everything to arrive, that was part of the beauty..you could taste the freshness. This wasn’t fast food; this was real, homemade, soul-filled cooking. I’ve dined at many Michelin-starred restaurants, and Pakakuna absolutely holds its own. In fact, in many ways, it surpasses them.The ingredients are completely local—freshly caught fish from the nearby stream, produce straight from the region(and their garden), and flavors that capture the heart of Peruvian cuisine. It’s not flashy or pretentious. It’s calm, quiet, simple and absolutely perfect. If you’re in Urubamba or anywhere nearby, do not miss this place. I’m recommending it to everyone I know. Pakakuna is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. One that I will...