Arequipa Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Arequipa

October 25, 2017 Tonie Szymanski

In Peru's second-most populous city, aka "The White City," stunning colonial buildings made of pearly sillar stone vie for attention with the surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped peaks of the western Andes. Founded in 1540, it's a smorgasbord of mansions and museums. The top attraction, 215,000-square-foot Santa Catalina Monastery, is like its own city within a city, complete with fountains and cobblestone streets. Arequipa is the favorite base for visiting Colca Canyon and its massive condors.
Things to do in Arequipa

1. Zig Zag Restaurant

Calle Zela 210, Arequipa, Peru Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$157 - HK$235 +51 54 206020
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Zig Zag Restaurant

The Alpandina dishes offered by the Zig Zag Restaurant are the result of a creative culinary fusion deeply rooted in the Mountains, where the sun endows foodstuffs with energy and balanced components. The dishes most representative of Alpandino gastronomy arise from a marvellous synthesis of unique time-hallowed ingredients from all over Peru, combined with ancient and modern culinary techniques from the Alps and the Andes. One of the results is our great speciality: Volcanic-Stone-Cooked Meats and Fish. This culinary concept was generated specially by the restaurant's proprietor and Chef, Michel Hediger from Switzerland. During the course of many years in Arequipa, Peru, he has developed an original gastronomic proposal which enables one to savour different kinds of food prepared in an exclusive, healthy and very natural style, so that the restaurant's customers might compare and enjoy the country's different flavours. Located in the Historic Centre of Arequipa, opposite the lovely Plaza San Francisco, the Zig Zag Restaurant, with its impressive cast iron staircase designed by the famous French architect Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, is a unique place to enjoy a gastronomic evening with a difference.

Reviewed By EmilyMartha - New York City, New York

This place specialized in volcanic stone cooking and dishes arrive to the table sizzling on the hot stones. Entress include various meat and fish dishes, as well as fondues. Drinks are ample and well-presented. Our only complaint was a long wait for the food -- well over 40 minutes. But it was worth the wait. Fairly priced, too.

2. Los Robles

Plaza Bolivar s/n, Selva Alegre | Libertador Arequipa, Arequipa 051, Peru Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Peruvian, International, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Drinks, Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch HK$47 - HK$149 +51 54 215110
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 106 reviews

Los Robles

Los Robles is a restaurant with character, which has specialized in combining the delicious local ingredients with an international technique that makes the typical dishes of Arequipa even more tasty to the palate. You can't miss tasting the dishes with shrimp, or the stuffed pepper, as well as other specialties of the house, among which stand out the desserts. To satisfy its clients, one can also find en the menu light options and vegetarian dishes.

Reviewed By Fio G

Spent a few days with my family (two kids 3 and 7), we had breakfast there every morning. The breakfast selection is really good, and the service is excellent. I would most definitely come back.

3. Hatunpa

Calle Ugarte 207 - 208 | New Place inside Instituto Cultural Peruano Alemán, Arequipa 04001, Peru Takeout, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Peruvian, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$39 - HK$78 +51 54 212918
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Hatunpa

Welcome WE ARE HATUNPA and the potatoes are our passion. Our concept is a base of boiled potatoes, served "skin on" in slices, covered with the topping of your choice. We have hot and cold toppings; with beef, alpaca, chicken, tuna and vegetables choices; with Peruvian and international flavors. We hope you enjoy it !!

Reviewed By MidcoVincent - Hong Kong, China

This restaurant was very popular. We made a reservation for dinner so we did not have to wait for a table when we arrived. The restaurant was nicely decorated and the ambience was lively. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We had potatoes (especial) with...MoreThanks for sharing your review. We feel glad that you have got charmed with our dishes, ambience and service.

4. India Indian Cuisine

Calle Bolivar 502 | One Block From Monasterio Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$78 +51 958 095 318
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 246 reviews

India Indian Cuisine

The only indian restaurant in the city of Arequipa, Peru, authentic indian food prepared by chef Roy from India. Located on calle bolivar 502, cercado. One block from monasterio santa catalina.

Reviewed By TheArmenianHobo - Austin, Texas

With absolutely no date of return. One thing I hate on vacation is finding a place on TA, making the effort to get there to only find out it is closed! So if you are thinking of visiting this restaurant, you might want to call...MoreSorry about it, this is chef Roy, I went to India after been in Peru about 10 years nonstop, however from tomorrow we will open again, you are welcome anytime. Sincere regards Chef Roy

5. Chelawasi Public House

102 Campo Redondo, Arequipa, Peru Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Visa Gastropub, American, Brew Pub Dinner HK$78 - HK$118 +51 51 232778
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 389 reviews

Chelawasi Public House

Great Peruvian craft beers, Peruvian inspired "comfort" food, and very friendly service to our guests are our goals at Chelawasi. Pair that with good music, international sports, and great culture and you may miss your transportation back to where you came from.

Reviewed By LauraJeanSmith - Terrace, Canada

Excellent burgers we all had a different one and each was delicious, moist veggie patty and 6 different homemade sauces! Homecut fries were some of the best I’ve ever had. Excellent craft beer and the owner was super friendly! Would definitely recommend.

6. El Buda Profano

Calle Bolivar 425, Arequipa, Peru Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$55 - HK$94 +51 977 228 590
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

El Buda Profano

Unique and innovative. Welcome to Arequipa's 100% vegan sushi bar. Enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians and carnivores alike, our menu has been designed by Peruvian Master Chef Jim Daniel Echevarría to surprise and delight the senses. While best accompanied by sake, you can also enjoy our homemade juices and teas, a glass of beer or a decent wine. See you soon!

Reviewed By Rosie0109 - Arequipa, Peru

My husband and I had dinner here with friends after Reading several positive reviews and were amazed by the flavors. We are not vegan or vegetarian, but left feeling as if we had eaten a gourmet meal. Presentation was beautiful and the price is excellent. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is the lack of “sashimi” styled dishes - plenty of sushi rolls, but the rice messes with my blood sugar so I generally order 80% sashimi/20% sushi but this wasn’t really an option here. As other have mentioned, you need to pay in cash, so plan accordingly. There is also limited Seating so you may have to wait during peak season. We live in AQP and will 100% return.

7. Ratatouille

Puente Bolognesi 214, Arequipa 00001, Peru Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Visa French, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$78 +51 958 794 192
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 414 reviews

Ratatouille

Reviewed By Woutervdl

We went here twice during our stay in Arequipa. The first night we were both literally sick and tired (my friend was on his period too), but the owner (Anwar) managed to make a bit of a conversation regardless. The food was really good and had the right herbs and spices added, which is why we came back a second time. Would definitely recommend visiting!

8. Il Fornellino - Caffe Trattoria Italiana

Calle Melgar 108 | Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru Highchairs Available, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer Italian, Pizza, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner HK$24 - HK$63 +51 975 666 669
Excellent
79%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 232 reviews

Il Fornellino - Caffe Trattoria Italiana

We want to share with our clients and friends a small and warm place in colonial style where you can enjoy the most exquisite handmade pasta in the best Italian style, we serve the best coffee of the region. We work with first quality products in a family atmosphere, we offer a variety of homemade desserts. We have a varied menu according with the season.

Reviewed By Matthew H

If (like us) you have been constantly disappointed by South America’s attempts at pizza (soggy bread base, too much ‘cheese’, lacklustre ingredients...) then Il Fornellino is the remedy you seek! A crispy base, quality ingredients and the correct ratios of all components adds up to a decent pizza that wouldn’t be out of place in any Italian you may be used to in Europe. The owner is half Italian which may explain his ability to produce such a quality pizza. The size of the pizza for it’s price is very reasonable (32 soles for a ~ 12” pizza). The wife had a LARGE pasta dish - also very tasty, reasonably priced and required my assistance in finishing! Best pizza I’ve had in over 4 months of travelling Colombia / Ecuador / Peru so far...

9. Casta Fior

Avenida Francisco Bolognesi 106 | Close to la clinica Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards French, Peruvian, International, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$39 - HK$141 +51 54 251868
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 116 reviews

Casta Fior

Reviewed By David M - Arequipa, Peru

We have been living in Arequipa for almost 6 months and have met several expatriate Americans that also live in the city. This is there favorite restaurant. Especially for breakfast. They say to get there before 9:00 for the fresh croissants. We ate lunch the day we went and the food was really good. It is expensive so expect to pay prices equivalent or close to what you would pay in the states.

10. Dimas

Calle Santa Catalina 302 | Two block from Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Peruvian, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$157 +51 54 751383
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 324 reviews

Dimas

Restaurant is a lot of effort, passion for food, dinde offer, sensacionesa through food

Reviewed By aranhelena - Ireland

Had the Alpacca steak with Quinoa... Food was really good. Nice sized portion (not a mountain of food that puts you off your food). Steak lovely. And the sides made the plate! Quinoa really good (speaking as someone who normally loves her spuds!). I never...MoreDear Aranhelena We are proud of having arrived to your expectative and we are going to keep on working to exceed your expectations again when you come back. We hope to see you soon in Dimas. Kind regards Cecilia

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