La Perla Criolla (Comida Peruana)

My wife and I dined at this small but cosy restaurant at least five times during our time in Cusco. Hands down, this was the best restaurant in Cusco we've dined in based on price and quality. We tried most Peruvian classics here—e.g. lomo saltado, anticuchos, aji de gallina, chaufa, ceviche, grilled andean trout—and they were all seriously on point. The standout dishes in our opinion were the lomo saltado and tallarines a la huancaina con lomo saltado (generous servings of beef which were so tasty and tender; probably the best we've had in our two months in Peru so far), and the trucha a la chorrillana. Prices here were also really reasonable considering its location in San Blas. Most mains were around 20-25 soles. Do note that the waiting time for the food can be quite slow (30-45 mins after ordering), especially if the restaurant is full. There is usually only one wait staff too. That said, the quality of the food more than makes up for the waiting time. Payment by credit card is accepted here, though with an extra 5% charge.

So far, this has been the best food we had in Cusco. We had tequenos as starter. I asked for pasta huacaina with chicken, and was delivered some saltado de carne/beef. Attendant had made a mistake. He realized and brought pasta with beef instead of chicken. As my wife food was already there, I just took it. The food was excellent, despite his mistake. I would go back there for sure. Note they add 5% surcharge to pay with credit card.

Came in for Sopa Ala Minuta before my 4 day hike of the InkA Trail. Unfortunately I was in a bit of rush. So the soup took a little while to make. But was worth the wait. And I ate the ceviche after for dinner. Was so good thank you to everyone. The sopa Ala Minuta is beef and beef broth with spaghetti and boiled egg. So flavorful, highly recommend for those getting used to the altitude here in Cusco.

Spent two weeks in Cusco and this was our favourite restaurant. Delicious food, nice staff and absolutely moderate prices (especially in comparison to the historic center and all the restaurants around plaza de las armas). Highly recommended! Especially loved their Tallarín a la Huancaína and the Ceviche, 10/10.

We ate here 3 times during our stay in Cusco, once for lunch and twice for dinner. We loved this place, their delicious food, and their incredible prices. After dining here, everywhere else wouldn't compare to it, especially when the same dishes would be twice as expensive in other restaurants, and not as delicious as here. This is a casual, small, neighborhood spot, nothing fancy, but the food speaks for itself. Try their lomo saltado with tallarines a la huancaína (my favorite) or any of their warming, filling soups.

The food here is excellent. I opted for traditional Peruvian and it did not disappoint. A pleasant environment, great service, reasonably priced, and it is located within a few minutes walk from the historic center. Highly recommended!

Amazing food and great price. But the service is a little bit slow. So be prepared to wait awhile to get your food!

I ate here 3 times during my 5 day stay in Cusco. The staff is wonderful, the food is good (and beautiful!), and the price is very reasonable (especially compared to other places in the area). As others have said, be prepared to wait for your food, but it’s worth it!