Cicciolina

A Cusco institution, with a tapas bar and a serious wine list.

  • Address: Calle Palacio 110, 2do piso
  • District: Centro Historico
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean and Italian-Peruvian, tapas bar

Cicciolina is a long-running Cusco institution on the second floor of a colonial building two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, with the feel of a Tuscan countryside dining room. Executive chef Luis Alberto Sacilotto leads a kitchen that blends Mediterranean and Italian-Peruvian cooking, with menu favorites such as beet ravioli with pesto and chicken in wild-mushroom sauce with spicy polenta. A tapas bar up front serves small plates such as scallops and quail-egg bites, and tapas at the bar or on the balcony do not need a reservation. The wine list is one of the more serious ones in the city, and the restaurant has built a loyal following of locals and repeat travelers over many years. Cicciolina took first place among the best restaurants of Cusco at the Premios Summum 2026, and it was ranked #55 on the 2024 Opinionated About Dining list of South America's top restaurants. It is open daily from 12:30 to 9:30 pm, and a reservation is recommended for dinner.

Why we chose it

  • A reliable, well-reviewed option with a Mediterranean and Italian-Peruvian menu, without leaving Cusco.
  • The tapas format suits groups who want to share several small plates rather than commit to one large dish
  • Strong, consistent reputation built over many years rather than a recent opening
  • Good wine selection makes it a solid pick for a relaxed dinner rather than a formal tasting-menu experience

Highlights

  • Tapas bar plus a full Mediterranean and Italian-Peruvian dining room
  • One of the more extensive wine lists in Cusco
  • Housed in a colonial building two blocks from the Plaza de Armas
  • Nominated for Best Restaurant in Cusco, Premios Somos 2025
  • Long-established favorite among both residents and repeat visitors
  • First place among the best restaurants of Cusco, Premios Summum 2026
  • Executive chef Luis Alberto Sacilotto
  • #55 on Opinionated About Dining's 2024 South America list

Ideal for

  • couples
  • wine lovers

Practical information

Hours
Daily, 12:30pm-9:30pm
Reservations
Recommended for dinner; tapas at the bar or on the balcony do not need a reservation
Good to know
Cicciolina is at Calle Palacio 110, 2do piso, on the second floor. Phone: +51 84 255763.
Tips
Start with tapas at the bar, then move to the dining room for the beet ravioli or the chicken in wild-mushroom sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cicciolina Italian or Peruvian food?

Both: most dishes follow an Italian and broader Mediterranean base, but many ingredients and flavor touches are distinctly Peruvian, and the front tapas bar leans toward small, shareable plates.

How far ahead should I book?

For dinner, especially in high season, booking at least a few days to two weeks ahead is a good idea, since the dining room is popular and seating is limited.

Is it within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas?

Yes, it sits about two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, an easy walk from most hotels in the historic center.

How did Cicciolina do at the Premios Summum 2026?

It took first place among the best restaurants of Cusco.

Who is the chef at Cicciolina?

Executive chef Luis Alberto Sacilotto.

Do I need a reservation for tapas?

No. Reservations are not required for tapas at the bar or on the balcony, but they are recommended for dinner in the dining room.