Top 10 Machu Picchu Restaurants | Must-try Dishes & Tips

Step into a world of rich flavors and vibrant culinary traditions in the heart of Peru. Dining here is about more than just food. It’s about enjoying local ingredients and traditional recipes while surrounded by beautiful views of ancient ruins and green landscapes.

Here’s the deal, though: you can’t eat inside Machu Picchu itself. Just outside the entrance, you have some limited options, though for real variety, you’ll need to head down to Aguas Calientes, the little town at the base of the mountain. That’s where the real dining scene is—everything from quirky French-Peruvian fusion spots to riverside cafés serving trout fresh from the valley.

Machu Picchu restaurants (on-site options)

Tinkuy Buffet at Sanctuary Lodge

Nestled right outside the entrance gates, this is the closest you’ll ever dine to the citadel. The buffet features everything from roasted meats to colorful vegetable dishes and classic Peruvian stews. Expensive? Yes. But absolutely worth it.

Cuisine: Peruvian and International
Menu highlights: Grilled trout, quinoa salads, and Andean potatoes
Timings: 11:00 – 15:30
Distance: 1-minute walk away from the Machu Picchu gates

Tampu Restaurant (Sanctuary Lodge)

This riverside gem in Aguas Calientes is famous for its sizzling alpaca steak and generous portions. The sound of the Urubamba rushing by adds to the charm, making it one of the most atmospheric spots in town.

Cuisine: Fine Dining Peruvian
Menu highlights: Alpaca tenderloin, ceviche, Andean soups
Timings: 6am to 9am, 12 noon to 3pm, and 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Distance: 1-minute walk away from Machu Picchu gates

Snack bar at Machu Picchu entrance

Quick and convenient, offering sandwiches, empanadas, and coffee just outside the ruins. Best for travelers who want to grab a bite and keep moving.

Cuisine: Quick bites and fast food
Menu highlights: Sandwiches, empanadas, small pizzas
Timings: 9:30 to 3:30pm
Distance: 1-minute walk away from Machu Picchu gates

Find more restaurant options in Aguas Calientes

Indio Feliz Bistro

A quirky French-Peruvian fusion spot, Indio Feliz is loved by travelers and foodies alike. Expect dishes like trout with mango sauce, hearty soups, and decadent desserts—all served in a colorful, cozy setting that feels like home.

Cuisine: French-Peruvian Fusion
Menu highlights: Trout with mango sauce, ceviche, alpaca steak

The Tree House Restaurant

Perched above town, far from the touristy crowd of Aguas Calientes, this cozy place serves up organic, fusion flavors. Great for anyone craving a fresh spin on Peruvian staples.

Cuisine: Fusion / Healthy
Menu highlights: Quinoa salad, fresh trout, vegetarian-friendly dishes

Toto’s House

Lively riverside dining with hearty plates and wood-fired pizzas. It’s a great place for families and groups who want a relaxed, satisfying meal after a long day.

Cuisine: Peruvian and International
Menu highlights: Ají de gallina, pizzas, grilled meats

Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant

This is where regional craft brews meet Peruvian grill favorites. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for unwinding with friends over good food and drinks.

Cuisine: Peruvian Grill and Pub
Menu highlights: Alpaca burger, anticuchos, craft beer

Mapi Restaurant

Modern and welcoming, this spot highlights classic Peruvian comfort food. Think lomo saltado, grilled trout, and steaming bowls of soup to refuel.

Cuisine: Peruvian
Menu highlights: Lomo saltado, quinoa soup, trout

La Boulangerie de Paris Café

A French-style bakery in the Andes serving croissants, sandwiches, and strong coffee. It’s a lifesaver for early risers or hikers needing takeaway snacks.

Cuisine: French bakery
Menu highlights: Pastries, sandwiches, espresso

Full House Peruvian Cuisine

Tucked by the Urubamba River in Aguas Calientes, Full House is all about atmosphere. The sizzling alpaca steak is the star here, but the sound of the river rushing by is what makes it unforgettable.

Cuisine: Peruvian and International
Menu highlights: Wood-fired pizza, ceviche, alpaca dishes

Café Inkaterra

Nestled in Aguas Calientes, this café offers a tranquil escape with a rustic ambience and a rare view of trains running on both sides, framed by the lush Vilcanota River valley.

Cuisine: Peruvian
Menu highlights: Andean-inspired sandwiches and specialty coffee blends

Hot tip: Step off the main tourist strip and you’ll find small family-run restaurants serving papa rellena (stuffed potatoes), quinoa soup, and freshly squeezed juices. These spots may not make the guidebooks, but they’ll fill you up with authentic flavors at half the cost.

Only 4,000 visitors allowed per day: Book now to reserve your spot

Machu Picchu Circuit 2-Classic Tickets

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Machu Picchu Circuit 3-Royalty Tickets

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Machu Picchu Circuit 1-Panoramic Tickets

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From Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Ollantaytambo and Chinchero with Lunch

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

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From Cusco: Half-Day Tour to Maras and Moray

Free cancellation

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6 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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From Cusco: Machu Picchu Day Trip

13 hr.

Transfers included

Meals included

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Visitor tips

Book ahead whenever you can. Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, and reserving a table will save you the last-minute scramble.
Don’t miss Peruvian specialties like ceviche, quinoa dishes, and Andean soups—they’re fresh, flavorful, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Lunchtime can get busy, so consider an early lunch or a late afternoon snack to enjoy the views in peace.
It’s polite to greet staff with a friendly “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” when entering. Small gestures go a long way.
Some smaller eateries don’t accept cards, so keep some small bills ready for a quick treat or souvenir.
Order local fruit juices or traditional herbal teas. They’re refreshing and part of the local experience.

Frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu restaurants

Are there restaurants inside Machu Picchu?

While Machu Picchu offers a few snack bars and small cafes, dining options on site are very limited. Visitors typically plan to have their meals in Aguas Calientes or pack light snacks for the day. Planning is key when visiting the ancient site.

Where can I find dining options near Machu Picchu?

Aguas Calientes is your hub for diverse dining experiences near Machu Picchu. The town boasts an abundance of restaurants, from local family-run spots to upscale eateries, offering authentic Peruvian dishes alongside international cuisine choices for every taste.

Can I bring food into Machu Picchu?

Food is not allowed inside the ruins. Small snacks like energy bars may pass, but larger meals must be eaten outside.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available?

Yes, restaurants like The Tree House and Mapi Restaurant serve creative vegetarian and plant-based options.

Are prices high near Machu Picchu?

Yes, expect to pay more than in Cusco. Budget eats start at €5–8, mid-range meals at €15–25, and Sanctuary Lodge upwards of €50+.