Chicha por Gaston Acurio

Gaston Acurio's tribute to the kitchens of Cusco.

  • Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso
  • District: Centro Historico (Plaza Regocijo)
  • Cuisine: Regional Cusco cuisine
  • Chef / group: Gaston Acurio (Acurio Restaurantes)

Chicha is chef Gastón Acurio's tribute to the kitchens of Cusco, set on the second floor of an old mansion with blue balconies overlooking Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas. The dining room is warm and unhurried, and the menu celebrates Andean regional cooking: native potatoes, corn, capchi de setas and beef rib malaya, built with the technique and polish that made Acurio's name at Astrid & Gastón in Lima. It is open daily for lunch and dinner, with long opening hours that suit groups and flexible schedules, and its central location makes it one of the easiest and most reliable recommendations in Cusco for a relaxed, high-quality meal. Chicha ranked #2 among the best restaurants of Cusco at the Premios Summum 2026, behind Cicciolina, and it won Best Restaurant in Cusco at the Premios Somos 2025, El Comercio's reader-voted culinary awards. It is at Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso.

Why we chose it

  • A confirmed, verifiable award (Premios Somos 2025) rather than just marketing language
  • Recognizable name for guests already familiar with Gaston Acurio from Lima, which builds confidence booking in an unfamiliar city
  • Reliable, well-run kitchen with long opening hours, useful for groups with flexible schedules
  • Central location makes it one of the easiest fine-casual recommendations in Cusco

Highlights

  • Winner, Best Restaurant in Cusco, Premios Somos 2025 (El Comercio, reader vote)
  • Regional Cusco and Andean dishes reinterpreted by Gaston Acurio's team
  • Second-floor dining room overlooking Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas
  • Open daily for both lunch and dinner
  • A natural bridge for guests who dined at Astrid & Gaston or other Acurio restaurants in Lima
  • #2 among the best restaurants of Cusco, Premios Summum 2026

Ideal for

  • first-time visitors
  • guests who know Acurio from Lima

Practical information

Hours
Daily, 12pm-10:30pm
Good to know
Chicha is at Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso, on the second floor, overlooking Plaza Regocijo.
Reservations
Recommended for dinner and weekends
Tips
Ask for a table by the balcony to see Plaza Regocijo, and share a few regional dishes.

Frequently asked questions

Has Chicha won any recognized awards?

Yes, Chicha por Gaston Acurio won Best Restaurant in Cusco at the 2025 Premios Somos, an annual award voted by readers of El Comercio, Peru's leading newspaper.

Is Chicha related to Astrid & Gaston in Lima?

Chicha is part of chef Gaston Acurio's restaurant group, sharing his culinary philosophy, though it focuses specifically on Cusco and Andean regional cuisine rather than the fine-dining format of Astrid & Gaston.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends, given the restaurant's popularity with both locals and visitors.

Where is Chicha in Cusco?

At Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso, on the second floor, one block from the Plaza de Armas.

How did Chicha do at the Premios Summum 2026?

It ranked #2 among the best restaurants of Cusco, behind Cicciolina.

What should I try at Chicha?

Regional Cusco and Andean dishes, such as native potatoes, capchi de setas and beef rib malaya.