Are you looking for the best restaurants in Huaraz, Peru? We have gathered options to suit various tastes and budgets, ranging from traditional Ancash cuisine to cafés, pizzerias, vegetarian spots, and international restaurants. Discover where to eat in Huaraz, which dishes to try, what to expect in terms of cost, how to get there, and which restaurants to choose before or after a trek.
Why is Huaraz such a surprise for food lovers?
Huaraz’s cuisine reflects the diversity of its surroundings: Andean products, ingredients from different ecological zones, and recipes that are part of Ancash’s culinary traditions. At its restaurants, you can try everything from cevichocho and pachamanca to trout, grilled meats, contemporary dishes, and international cuisine. That’s why eating in Huaraz can be just as interesting as exploring its mountains.
Where to eat in Huaraz based on what you’re looking for
If you’re looking for where to eat in Huaraz, the best options depend on your budget and the type of food you want to try. For traditional Ancash cuisine, look for restaurants specializing in dishes such as cevichocho, pachamanca, trout, and spicy guinea pig; for vegetarian options, Salvia is a good choice; and for breakfast before a trek, California Café stands out for opening early.
Quick guide to restaurants in Huaraz
If you’re looking for | Recommended |
| Typical Huaraz food | El Rinconcito Minero |
| Budget-friendly meals | Taita / Salvia |
| Restaurant for couples | Manka / Jama |
| Where to eat after a trek | El Fogón |
| Early breakfast | California Café |
| Vegetarian food | Salvia / Chilli Heaven |
| Pizza | Mi Comedia |
| International cuisine | Trivio / Chilli Heaven |
| Ceviche or cevichocho | Al Punto / Mordiscos |
| Family dining | Kay Pacha |
Traditional flavors you should try in Ancash
Before choosing a restaurant, it’s worth getting to know the dishes that define Ancash’s culinary identity. That way, when you open the menu, you’ll know exactly what to order.
- Picante de cuy: golden brown guinea pig served with an ají panca and peanut sauce, along with native potatoes.
- Llunca kashki (llunca with chicken): a hearty soup made with peeled wheat and chicken, ideal for the high altitude.
- Cuchicanca: slow roasted pork cooked until the skin becomes crispy.
- Pecan caldo: lamb head broth traditionally enjoyed by locals at sunrise, especially after a celebration.
- Pachamanca: meats, potatoes, fava beans, and humitas cooked underground with hot stones.
- Cebiche de chocho or cevichocho: tarwi instead of fish, served with leche de tigre, cancha, and sweet potato.
- Huaraz-style ham: marinated and seasoned pork leg served with salad or inside a sandwich.
- Trout from the Callejón de Huaylas: fried, grilled, or served with sauce, always fresh.
- Squash pudding and humitas: sweet treats that are the perfect way to finish a Sunday lunch.
The 16 best restaurants in Huaraz
Now let’s get to what really matters: where to eat in Huaraz. We’ve put together 16 restaurants and organized them by type of cuisine, because the best place depends on what you’re craving, your budget, and the timing of your trip. You’ll find everything from traditional Ancash flavors to cafés, pizza, and international dishes. All that’s left is to decide which one to try first.
Traditional, peruvian creole cuisine and grilled meats
1. El Rinconcito Minero - Ancash and creole cuisine
If you want to try an authentic Huaraz flavor, El Rinconcito Minero is a great place to start. Portions are generous, and the menu focuses on homestyle and traditional flavors. Come hungry, because making it all the way to dessert may be quite a challenge.
| Location | Jr. Julián de Morales 757, downtown Huaraz |
| How to get there | Walk 4 blocks from the Plaza de Armas (5 to 7 minutes). If you prefer a taxi, a ride within the city center costs around S/ 6 to S/ 8. |
| Signature dish | Lomo saltado |
| House specialty | Generous portions of Creole and Andean cuisine, plus a very complete daily set menu |
| Approximate cost | S/ 18 to S/ 40 per dish; the daily set menu is around S/ 12 to S/ 18 |
| Typical hours | Lunch and dinner; it’s best to arrive before 1:00 p.m. |
2. Recreo Kay Pacha - Traditional Ancash countryside restaurant
Traveling with family or a group? Kay Pacha stands out for its spacious areas, green spaces, and peaceful atmosphere outside downtown Huaraz. Its menu highlights traditional Ancash recipes prepared with ingredients from the Callejón de Huaylas. It has one location in Huaraz and another in Anta, making it a convenient stop if you’re returning from Caraz or Laguna Parón. It’s a good option for enjoying a relaxed lunch surrounded by nature.
| Location | Jr. Daniel Villaizán 291, Independencia (Huaraz). Second location on the Huaraz Caraz road, 5 minutes from Anta Airport |
| How to get there | Take a taxi from downtown (10 minutes, around S/ 6 to S/ 10). For the Anta location, take a colectivo toward Caraz and get off near the airport (25 to 35 minutes). |
| Signature dish | Fried trout with meunière sauce |
| House specialty | Charcoal roasted suckling pig, arroz con pato, and quinoa chaufa; for dessert, mille feuille and chocolate humitas |
| Approximate cost | S/ 30 to S/ 60 per dish |
| Typical hours | Lunch and early evening; it gets busy on Sundays, so make a reservation |
3. El Fogón - Grilled meats and regional dishes
After a long hike, El Fogón is one of those places you enjoy even more when you arrive hungry. Its grilled meats, cooked over wood fired flames, along with options such as trout and rabbit, make it a great place to refuel. The atmosphere is pleasant, and if you’ve just finished a trek, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a good meal before calling it a day.
| Location | Av. Mariscal Toribio de Luzuriaga 928 |
| How to get there | Head to Huaraz’s main avenue and walk north from the Plaza de Armas (6 to 8 minutes on foot). |
| Signature dish | Barbecue chicken |
| House specialty | Mixed grills, fried trout, beef cuts, and rabbit |
| Approximate cost | S/ 20 to S/ 50 per dish |
| Typical hours | From noon until approximately 10:00 p.m. |
4. Calima Restaurant & Café - Contemporary peruvian cuisine
If you’re in the mood for a relaxed meal that’s well prepared, Calima delivers. The atmosphere is warm and quiet. Its lomo saltado, for example, comes with the perfect wok sear, with the meat nicely browned while the fries remain crisp. Meanwhile, the ossobuco is slow cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. Both dishes are well worth the price.
| Location | Jr. Lucar y Torre 435 |
| How to get there | Walk 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas along Jr. Lucar y Torre, one of the busiest streets downtown. |
| Signature dish | Lomo saltado |
| House specialty | Slow cooked ossobuco |
| Approximate cost | S/ 40 to S/ 50 per dish |
| Typical hours | Opens at 1:00 p.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays |
Ceviche, trout, and Andean Tarwi
5. Cevichería Al Punto - Ceviche and seafood flavors
Although Huaraz is in the Andes, you can still enjoy great seafood flavors here. At Al Punto, you’ll find cevichocho, an Andean take on ceviche that uses tarwi or chocho instead of fish. If you prefer something warm, parihuela is an excellent choice for a chilly evening. It’s a good place to try something different and experience another side of Huaraz’s culinary scene.
| Location | Jr. Fidel Olivas Escudero 965 |
| How to get there | Walk 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas or take a mototaxi for around S/ 4 to S/ 5. |
| Signature dish | Cevichocho (tarwi ceviche) |
| House specialty | Hearty parihuela, traditional ceviche, and grilled dishes |
| Approximate cost | S/ 15 to S/ 50 per dish |
| Typical hours | From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as ceviche tradition dictates |
6. Taita - Tarwi and Andean fast food
Taita is a good option if you want to try chocho, one of the most representative flavors of Huaraz’s cuisine, without spending too much. The atmosphere has a special touch thanks to old photographs of the city decorating the restaurant. It’s a practical place for a late breakfast or a light lunch before continuing toward Yungay or Caraz.
| Location | Jr. Larrea y Loredo, downtown Huaraz |
| How to get there | From the Plaza de Armas, walk 3 blocks; you’ll get there in less than 5 minutes. |
| Signature dish | Cevichocho |
| House specialty | Chocho served in different styles, from the classic version to a mixed version with chicharrón |
| Approximate cost | S/ 15 to S/ 35 per dish |
| Typical hours | Approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
7. Mordiscos - Ceviche, Jaleas, and Tiraditos
Mordiscos keeps its kitchen open throughout the afternoon, making it a good option if you’re looking for where to eat in Huaraz outside the usual hours. Its mixed ceviche stands out for its freshness, great flavor, and just the right amount of lime, while the jaleas arrive crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you’re craving seafood after exploring the city, this can be a great stop.
| Location | Jr. Amadeo Figueroa 1280 |
| How to get there | Walk about 12 minutes from downtown or take a taxi for S/ 5 to S/ 6. |
| Signature dish | Mixed ceviche |
| House specialty | Jaleas and tiraditos |
| Approximate cost | S/ 25 to S/ 50 per dish |
| Typical hours | From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Fine dining and fusion cuisine
8. Jama - Contemporary peruvian cuisine
When you want to celebrate something special, make a reservation at Jama. This restaurant has just five tables, so every dish receives careful attention to detail. Its cuisine starts with traditional Peruvian recipes and takes them in a more contemporary direction, incorporating Andean ingredients that you don’t often see on menus. In short, you can enjoy an elevated dining experience without losing the local character.
| Location | Pasaje Guzmán Arenas, near downtown Huaraz |
| How to get there | Walk 7 to 8 minutes from the Plaza de Armas; the passageway is narrow, so check the map before heading out. |
| Signature dish | Seasonal chef’s creations based on what arrives from the market |
| House specialty | Contemporary Peruvian cuisine in an intimate setting, featuring regional ingredients |
| Approximate cost | S/ 45 to S/ 90 per dish |
| Typical hours | Dinner only and reservations are required; the restaurant fills up quickly |
9. Trivio Resto Bar - Peruvian and international fusion
Trivio, located across from Parque del Periodista, is one of those places where you can easily end up chatting with other travelers, climbers, or guides. Its menu combines Peruvian flavors with international cuisine, offering options such as pasta, burgers, and shareable bites. You can also pair your meal with a craft beer brewed in Huaraz while enjoying its laid-back atmosphere.
| Location | Parque del Periodista s/n |
| How to get there | Walk 8 to 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas along Jr. José de Sucre; the park is easy to find. |
| Signature dish | Thai pasta |
| House specialty | Craft burgers, large salads, and local craft beer |
| Approximate cost | S/ 30 to S/ 60 per dish |
| Typical hours | From 9:00 a.m. until after midnight |
10. Manka Fusión Artesanal - Italian peruvian fusion
Manka proves that Italian Peruvian fusion also has a special place in Huaraz’s culinary scene. Its portions are generous, and the warm lighting, wood details, and soft music create an atmosphere that invites you to stay and take your time. It’s a great option for a relaxed dinner for two after a day exploring the Cordillera Blanca.
| Location | Calle Juan Bautista 840 |
| How to get there | Walk 8 minutes from the Plaza de Armas or take a short taxi ride for S/ 5. |
| Signature dish | Handmade pasta with an Andean twist |
| House specialty | Dishes that combine Italian cuisine with Peruvian ingredients |
| Approximate cost | S/ 19 to S/ 58 per dish |
| Typical hours | Lunch and dinner |
Cafés, breakfast spots, and desserts
11. Café Andino - Coffee shop and breakfasts
Café Andino is a cozy place to enjoy a good cup of coffee, relax by the fireplace, and spend a quiet afternoon in Huaraz. Its menu includes crepes, waffles, burgers, vegetarian options, and hearty breakfasts. It’s an excellent place to recharge before exploring the Cordillera Blanca.
| Location | Jr. Lucar y Torre 530 |
| How to get there | Walk 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas; it’s just a few steps from Calima. |
| Signature dish | Full Andean breakfast with locally sourced coffee |
| House specialty | Crepes, waffles, homemade desserts, and vegetarian dishes |
| Approximate cost | S/ 25 to S/ 50 per person |
| Typical hours | From 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays |
12. California Café - Coffee shop and acclimatization
This café is a great stop as soon as you arrive in Huaraz, especially if you want to take things slowly while you adjust to the altitude. It serves American-style breakfasts throughout the day and roasts its own coffee, so the aroma welcomes you as soon as you walk through the door. With a library and book exchange, it’s a quiet place to rest, enjoy something warm, and slow down before heading out to explore.
| Location | Jr. 28 de Julio 562 |
| How to get there | Walk 6 minutes from the Plaza de Armas along Jr. 28 de Julio. |
| Signature dish | American breakfast served all day |
| House specialty | Freshly roasted coffee, homemade pastries, brownies, and falafel |
| Approximate cost | S/ 15 to S/ 40 per person |
| Typical hours | From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
International Cuisine: Pizza, crepes, and curries in Huaraz
13. Mi Comedia Pizzería - wood fired Pizza
Finding a good pizza in the Andes may seem difficult, but Mi Comedia gets it right. The rustic atmosphere also makes you want to stay awhile. Order a pitcher of sangria, share two pizzas between three people, and let the evening unfold at an easy pace.
| Location | Av. Centenario 351 |
| How to get there | Take a taxi from downtown (5 to 8 minutes, around S/ 5) or walk 15 minutes north along the main avenue. |
| Signature dish | Wood-fired pizza |
| House specialty | Homemade dough and a short but well-executed Italian menu |
| Approximate cost | S/ 30 to S/ 60 per pizza |
| Typical hours | Dinner only, starting at 6:00 p.m. |
14. Creperie Patrick - French and french peruvian cuisine
Creperie Patrick has been making crepes for years on one of Huaraz’s main avenues and offers a menu with some truly creative options. You can try a chicken ají de gallina crepe, an alpaca burger, or a trout fondue. Its terrace also offers a beautiful view of the Cordillera Blanca, making it the perfect place to enjoy your meal while taking in the scenery.
| Location | Av. Mariscal Toribio de Luzuriaga 422 |
| How to get there | Walk half a block from the Plaza de Armas; it’s located on the busiest avenue in the city center. |
| Signature dish | Chicken ají de gallina crepe |
| House specialty | Trout fondue, alpaca burger, and French desserts |
| Approximate cost | S/ 25 to S/ 50 per dish |
| Typical hours | From 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; closed on Mondays |
15. Chilli Heaven - Indian and thai cuisine
Sometimes you need some real heat, and that’s where Chilli Heaven comes in. This restaurant at Parque Ginebra serves Indian and Thai curries with serious heat. If you don’t eat meat, you’ll also find one of the city’s best vegetarian menus here. The selection of beers also comes in handy when the spice starts to build.
| Location | Parque Ginebra, Jr. José de Sucre |
| How to get there | Walk 3 minutes from the Plaza de Armas; Parque Ginebra is home to several trekking agencies, so you’ll spot it easily. |
| Signature dish | Indian curry |
| House specialty | Thai curries, vegetarian options, and some Mexican dishes |
| Approximate cost | S/ 25 to S/ 45 per dish |
| Typical hours | Lunch and dinner |
Local tip…
If you have an early excursion the next morning, confirm the restaurant’s hours the night before and look for a breakfast spot that opens early.
Vegetarian and vegan options
16. Salvia Restaurante Vegetariano - Vegetarian and vegan
If you don’t eat meat, Salvia has you covered for the whole day. Its kitchen works with local vegetables, grains, and tubers, so every dish tastes like the Callejón de Huaylas. It also keeps prices affordable, making it easy to eat well without spending too much.
| Location | Jr. 28 de Julio 688 |
| How to get there | Walk 6 minutes from the Plaza de Armas; it’s half a block from California Café. |
| Signature dish | Squash stew made with local ingredients |
| House specialty | Lentil soups and daily vegetarian set menus |
| Approximate cost | S/ 15 to S/ 30 per dish |
| Typical hours | From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays |
Other places worth checking out…
- Wayta (Jr. Simón Bolívar 707): Peruvian cuisine combining flavors from the coast and highlands.
- Pizza Bruno (Av. Luzuriaga 834): wood fired pizzas and lasagna, with a short and consistently good menu.
- Paulino’s Indian Cuisine (Jr. Juan Bautista 859): butter chicken and curries served in generous portions.
- Seismil Coffeeshop (Jr. Víctor Cordero 827): coffee and homemade cakes at very affordable prices.
- Salud y Vida (Jr. Simón Bolívar 893): affordable vegan set menus, perfect for long trips.
How much does it cost to eat in Huaraz?
Keep in mind that prices change depending on the season, so use these figures as a general reference.
Restaurant | Type of cuisine | Signature dish | Approx. price |
| El Rinconcito Minero | Ancash and Creole | Lomo saltado | S/ 18 – 40 |
| Recreo Kay Pacha | Traditional Ancash countryside cuisine | Trout with meunière sauce | S/ 30 – 60 |
| El Fogón | Grilled meats and regional cuisine | Barbecue chicken | S/ 20 – 50 |
| Calima Restaurant & Café | Contemporary Peruvian | Lomo saltado | S/ 40 – 50 |
| Cevichería Al Punto | Seafood and Creole | Cevichocho | S/ 15 – 50 |
| Taita | Andean tarwi | Cevichocho | S/ 15 – 35 |
| Mordiscos | Cevichería | Mixed ceviche | S/ 25 – 50 |
| Jama | Contemporary Peruvian | Seasonal menu | S/ 45 – 90 |
| Trivio Resto Bar | International fusion | Thai pasta | S/ 30 – 60 |
| Manka Fusión Artesanal | Italian-Peruvian | Handmade pasta | S/ 19 – 58 |
| Café Andino | Coffee shop | Andean breakfast | S/ 25 – 50 |
| California Café | Coffee shop | American breakfast | S/ 15 – 40 |
| Mi Comedia Pizzería | Pizzeria | Wood-fired pizza | S/ 30 – 60 |
| Creperie Patrick | French-Peruvian | Chicken ají de gallina crepe | S/ 25 – 50 |
| Chilli Heaven | Indian and Thai | Indian curry | S/ 25 – 45 |
| Salvia | Vegetarian | Squash stew | S/ 15 – 30 |
Important note about prices and hours…
The amounts shown in this blog are approximate price ranges per dish and may vary depending on the season, exchange rate, and daily menu.
Likewise, several restaurants close one day a week or change their hours during the low season (November to March).
For this reason, always confirm by phone or WhatsApp before leaving your hotel.
What should you eat before and after a trek in Huaraz?
When | What to eat | Good options | What to avoid |
| Before the trek | Easy to digest carbohydrates plus some protein. | Oatmeal, eggs, bread, bananas, yogurt, quinoa, fruit, light soups. | Fried foods, very heavy meals, excess fat, or spicy foods. |
| During the hike | Easy to carry snacks and carbohydrates. | Dried fruit, bananas, nuts, granola bars, chocolate, light sandwiches. | Foods you haven’t tried before. |
| After returning | Carbohydrates plus protein to restore energy. | Soup, trout, chicken, rice, potatoes, quinoa, eggs, complete meals. | Eating too much immediately if your stomach feels unsettled. |
| At night. | A complete but easy to digest meal. | Soup, pasta, rice, potatoes, cooked vegetables plus a source of protein. | Excessive alcohol and overly heavy meals. |
Traditional drinks at Huaraz restaurants
Ordering the right drink can completely change your experience. For example, a cup of muña tea after lunch can help with digestion and may also ease altitude-related discomfort. Here are some of Ancash’s most representative drinks and the ideal time to order each one.
Drink | What it’s made from | What to pair it with |
| Chicha de jora. | Sprouted and fermented corn. | Grilled meats, cuchicanca, pachamanca. |
| Peanut chicha. | Fermented peanuts with cloves and cinnamon. | Celebration dishes and long lunches. |
| Chicha morada. | Purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves. | Ceviche, lomo saltado, and daily set menus. |
| Calientito or caliche. | Tea, aromatic herbs, lemon, and a splash of liquor. | Cold nights and July festivals. |
| Broad bean punch. | Toasted fava beans, milk, and spices. | Early-morning breakfasts before a trek. |
| Coca or muña tea. | Infusion made from Andean leaves. | Any meal; it can help with altitude. |
| Emoliente. | Barley, flaxseed, horsetail, and lemon | Breakfast and street stands at sunrise |
| Ancash craft beer. | Locally produced malted barley | Grilled meats, burgers, and spicy curries |
| Pisco sour. | Pisco, lime, syrup, and egg white. | An aperitif before a special dinner. |
Three quick tips about drinks…
- Chicha de jora contains alcohol, although only a small amount. Therefore, if you’ve just arrived and are still acclimating, drink it in moderation.
- Coca and muña tea are served at almost every restaurant and hotel, often at no extra charge. Even so, they don’t replace water, so make sure you stay hydrated.
- Huaraz has been producing craft beer for years, and several bars downtown serve it on tap. As a result, ordering it directly supports the local economy.
Traditional sauces and creams at Huaraz restaurants
In Peru, sauce isn’t just a garnish: it’s part of the dish. Not all sauces are equally spicy, so it’s worth knowing what you’re trying before serving yourself a generous spoonful.
Sauces most commonly served at Huaraz restaurants
Sauce | Main ingredients | Flavor and heat | Dishes it pairs with |
| Rocoto pepper sauce | Ground rocoto peppers with salt and oil | High and direct heat | Grilled meats, soups, and Creole set meals |
| Huacatay chili sauce | Huacatay, yellow chili pepper, and fresh cheese | Herbal and creamy | Guinea pig, boiled potatoes, and meats |
| Salsa criolla | Red onion, lime, chili pepper, and cilantro | Tangy and fresh | Chicharrones, Huaraz-style ham, and fried foods |
| Leche de tigre | Ceviche juices with lime, chili pepper, and fish | Intense and citrusy | Ceviche, tiraditos, and cevichocho |
| Chimichurri | Parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and oil | Herbal and tangy | Grilled meats and anticuchos |
| Tartar sauce | Mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon | Mild and slightly tangy | Fried trout and jaleas |
| Yellow chili pepper cream | Blended yellow chili pepper with oil | Medium heat with a slightly sweet flavor | Pasta, sandwiches, and potatoes |
| Uchucuta or chincho chili sauce | Chili pepper, chincho or mint, and salt | Fresh and pungent | Soups, potatoes, and stewed dishes |
How to order sauces without suffering…
- If you can’t handle spicy food, ask for the sauce on the side and taste it first with the tip of your fork.
- Huacatay chili sauce may look mild because of its light green color, but it’s often much spicier than it appears.
- Andean cancha and boiled sweet potato do a much better job of cooling the burn than water.
- Also, at almost every restaurant you can ask for “no chili,” and they’ll accommodate you without a problem.
How do you get to the best restaurants in Huaraz?
Fortunately, almost all the restaurants on this list are less than a 15 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Ways to get to the best restaurants in Huaraz
- On foot: the best option during the day. However, walk slowly during your first two days because the altitude can take a toll.
- Taxi: rides within the city cost between S/ 5 and S/ 8. Always agree on the price before getting in, since taxis do not use meters.
- Mototaxi: cheaper, between S/ 3 and S/ 5, although it’s best suited for short distances.
- Colectivos to Independencia, Anta, Yungay, or Caraz: they leave downtown frequently and cost between S/ 2 and S/ 10 depending on the destination.
- At night, take a taxi and avoid unnecessary walks along poorly lit streets.
Approximate costs at the best restaurants in Huaraz
It all depends on your travel style and budget.
Traveler profile | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Total per day |
| Tight budget | S/ 8 - 12 | S/ 12 - 18 (set menu) | S/ 15 - 25 | S/ 35 - 55 |
| Mid-range | S/ 15 - 25 | S/ 25 - 40 | S/ 30 - 50 | S/ 70 - 115 |
| No restrictions | S/ 25 - 40 | S/ 40 - 60 | S/ 60 - 90 | S/ 125 - 190 |
As you can see, you can eat well for less than S/ 60 per day. However, if you want to treat yourself at Jama or Calima, set aside a little extra for that particular evening.
Practical tips before sitting down to eat
Give your body time before eating a heavy meal
Huaraz sits at around 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. Therefore, during your first 24 to 48 hours, it’s best to eat light. In other words, prioritize soups, broths, and carbohydrates instead of a full grilled-meat meal. Once you’ve acclimatized, you can enjoy whatever you like.
Follow local dining hours
Most cevicherías close in the mid-afternoon, while pizzerias and resto-bars usually don’t open until around 6:00 p.m. Likewise, many restaurants take Sundays or Mondays off. As a result, check the hours before walking over.
Make reservations during peak season
Huaraz gets especially busy between June and August. That’s why smaller restaurants can fill up quickly. Whenever possible, send them a WhatsApp message a few hours ahead of time.
Tips, water, and credit cards
- Tipping isn’t mandatory, although leaving 5% to 10% is greatly appreciated.
- Order bottled or boiled water and avoid drinking tap water.
- Restaurants in the city center generally accept cards, but local eateries and markets may only accept cash or Yape.
- Carry small bills, since many places don’t have enough change for S/ 100 bills.
Eat at the market at least once
Finally, don’t leave Huaraz without having breakfast at the Central Market. You’ll find broths, freshly squeezed fruit juices, tamales, and Huaraz-style ham at very affordable prices. Without a doubt, it will be one of the most authentic food experiences of your trip.
Frequently asked questions about the best restaurants in Huaraz
What is the best restaurant in Huaraz?
There’s no single winner because it depends on what you’re looking for. However, El Rinconcito Minero stands out for authentic local cuisine, Jama is a top choice for fine dining, Trivio Resto Bar works best for dinner with friends, and Café Andino takes the prize for breakfast.
What traditional dish should i try in Huaraz?
You absolutely should try cevichocho and trout from the Callejón de Huaylas. Also, if you’re traveling on a weekend, look for pachamanca or picante de cuy at one of the countryside restaurants outside the city.
How much does an average lunch cost in Huaraz?
A daily set lunch usually costs between S/ 12 and S/ 18. By comparison, an à la carte dish at a tourist-oriented restaurant generally costs around S/ 25 to S/ 50.
Can i eat well in Huaraz if i have celiac disease or food allergies?
Yes, although it’s important to let the restaurant know as soon as you sit down. Many Andean dishes contain wheat, such as llunca kashki, so always ask about the ingredients. On the other hand, trout, ceviche, and potato-based stews are often good options.
Can i drink alcohol at this altitude?
Yes, but be careful. Alcohol affects you more quickly at high altitude and can contribute to dehydration. Therefore, wait at least a full day to acclimatize and alternate alcoholic drinks with water.