Pucara Cafe Bar - Cusco, Peru

The Pucara Cafe Bar is located a short walk from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. It is a very clean, cozy and inviting restaurant offering basic Peruvian fare at a very good price.

We had planned on eating dinner around 5pm but were turned away until after 6pm due to the period of descansa or rest when most of Cusco businesses shut down. Much like the Mexican siesta, Pucara re-opened and we were able to choose a table right near the window looking out onto the street leading towards the Plaza. It was a rather chilly May evening and the warm atmosphere and friendly service was a welcome respite from the cold and the day spent exploring.

We ordered the coca tea, $1, which is recommended for tourists visiting the high altitude. Our tea was served with fresh coca leaves in ceramic cups with a slice of lime. We also ordered a vegetable and a chicken soup, lomo saltado and papa rellena.

Our soups, which were about $4 each, were very flavorful and we scooped up every last drop of the rice, onions, spinash, cilantro and chicken. The lomo saltado, about $6, strips of beef sauteed with onions, tomato, potato fries and peas served over a bed of rice was good but I would have to say my mom makes a better version of this dish. The papa rellena, a stuffed potato was $3, had a wonderfully crisp outer shell containing delicious mashed potato and spices and ground beef at its center.

All in all, this was one of the most enjoyable and satisfying meals during our visit to Peru. I would definitely recommend Pucara to anyone visiting Cusco.

Pucara Cafe Bar
Calle Plateros, 309
Cusco, Peru
22-2027