Mauka

Pia Leon's tasting menu of Cusco, inside Palacio Nazarenas.

  • Address: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Plazoleta Nazarenas 223
  • District: Centro Historico (Plazoleta Nazarenas)
  • Cuisine: Cusco and Peruvian biodiversity tasting menu
  • Chef / group: Pia Leon (directora culinaria)

Mauka is chef Pía León's tasting-menu restaurant inside the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco. Pía León was named the World's Best Female Chef in 2021, and here she cooks with the biodiversity of the Cusco region itself: native potatoes, Andean grains, high-jungle fruits and dishes such as alpaca crudo topped with lemon verbena and chuño, a typical preserved potato. It is a refined dining room that suits couples, food lovers and guests of the palace, with no need to travel to Moray, where its sister project MIL sits. Afternoon tea is served from 2 to 4 pm for two or more guests, and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Mauka ranked #9 among the best restaurants of Cusco at the Premios Summum 2026. It opened in 2023 and is at Plazoleta Nazarenas 223, inside Palacio Nazarenas.

Why we chose it

  • Gives guests staying in central Cusco access to Pia Leon's cooking without the half-day trip to Moray
  • A refined dining room, a great fit for travelers with limited time in Cusco
  • Strong reviews and a growing reputation without yet being as widely known as MIL, appealing to guests who want something special but not overrun
  • Pairs well with a stay at, or a visit to, Palacio Nazarenas itself

Highlights

  • Tasting menu by chef Pia Leon, focused on Cusco-region biodiversity
  • Located inside the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, in the heart of the historic center
  • Native tubers, Andean grains and high-jungle fruits featured throughout the menu
  • Opened in 2023 and has quickly built a strong reputation among Cusco's fine-dining tables
  • No travel time required, unlike MIL, its sister project near Moray
  • #9 among the best restaurants of Cusco, Premios Summum 2026
  • Afternoon tea from 2 to 4 pm for two or more guests

Ideal for

  • food lovers
  • couples
  • guests of Palacio Nazarenas

Practical information

Hours
Breakfast 6am-10:30am, lunch 12pm-3:30pm, dinner 6:30pm-10pm, daily
Good to know
Mauka is inside Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Plazoleta Nazarenas 223, Cusco.
Tips
Book the tasting menu in advance, and consider the afternoon tea if you prefer a lighter visit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a guest of Palacio Nazarenas to eat at Mauka?

No, Mauka is open to outside diners as well as hotel guests, though reservations are recommended given limited seating.

How is Mauka different from MIL?

Both are led by the Mater Iniciativa team, but Mauka is located in central Cusco and focuses on the region's produce in a refined dining-room setting, while MIL is a lunch-only research restaurant beside the Moray terraces, about 1.5 hours away.

What kind of dress code or advance notice is expected?

As a tasting-menu restaurant inside a luxury hotel, smart-casual dress is appropriate, and reservations should be made a few days ahead where possible.

How did Mauka do at the Premios Summum 2026?

It ranked #9 among the best restaurants of Cusco.

Who is the chef at Mauka?

Chef Pía León, named the World's Best Female Chef in 2021.

Is afternoon tea served?

Yes, afternoon tea is served from 2 to 4 pm for two or more guests.