Chicha por Gaston Acurio
Gaston Acurio's take on Arequipeno classics, right across from Santa Catalina.
- Address: Portal Santa Catalina 210 (facing the Monasterio de Santa Catalina), Arequipa
- District: Cercado
- Cuisine: Contemporary Peruvian / Regional Arequipeno
- Chef / group: Gaston Acurio (with local Arequipa partners)
Chicha is chef Gaston Acurio's Arequipa restaurant, part of a small regional group he runs with local partners in Arequipa and Cusco. Rather than a generic Peruvian menu, it's built specifically around Arequipeno ingredients and dishes -- rocoto relleno, cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), tacu tacu and trout -- refined with the polish of a modern Lima-trained kitchen. The dining room sits right across from the Monasterio de Santa Catalina in the historic center, with a lively, upscale-casual atmosphere that draws both visitors and well-heeled locals. It's considered one of the city's most fashionable tables, so reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Why we chose it
- Premios Summum 2025: ranked the #1 restaurant in Arequipa, Peru's own restaurant awards.
- Premios Summum 2023: winner, Mejor Restaurante Arequipa (Best Restaurant Arequipa).
- A rare combination of top-tier consistency and genuine Arequipeno identity, rather than a generic pan-Peruvian menu.
Highlights
- Ranked #1 restaurant in Arequipa at the Premios Summum 2025
- Won Mejor Restaurante Arequipa (Best Restaurant Arequipa) at the Premios Summum 2023
- Location directly across from the Monasterio de Santa Catalina
- Arequipeno classics -- rocoto relleno, cuy chactado, trout -- with a refined, modern touch
Ideal for
- guests who want a polished take on Arequipeno cuisine
- a special dinner in the historic center
- travelers who enjoyed Gaston Acurio's restaurants in Lima and want the regional version
Practical information
- Hours
- Lunch and dinner daily (check current schedule)
- Price
- $25-40 per person
- Reservations
- Recommended, especially for dinner and weekends
- Payment
- Major credit cards accepted
- Tips
- Book ahead if visiting in the evening -- it's one of the most in-demand tables in the historic center.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicha related to Gaston Acurio's other restaurants?
Yes -- Chicha is part of a small group of regional restaurants Gaston Acurio runs with local partners in Arequipa and Cusco, distinct from his Lima restaurants like Astrid & Gaston.
What awards has Chicha Arequipa won?
It was ranked the #1 restaurant in Arequipa at the Premios Summum 2025, and won Mejor Restaurante Arequipa at the Premios Summum 2023.
Do I need a reservation?
It's recommended, especially for dinner -- Chicha is one of the most popular tables in Arequipa's historic center.