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

September 1, 2017 Osvaldo Hartline

Huancayo (Spanish pronunciation: [waŋˈkaʝo]; in Wanka Quechua: Wankayuq [wɐŋˈkæjuː], '(place) with a (sacred) rock') is the capital of Junín Region, in the central highlands of Peru.
Things to do in Huancayo

1. Restaurante Cafe Detras de la Catedral

Jr Ancash Nr. 335, Huancayo Junin, Peru Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Peruvian, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night HK$24 - HK$94 +51 64 212969
Excellent
37%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 247 reviews

Restaurante Cafe Detras de la Catedral

Warm and inviting restaurant located in a colonial house, just behind the Cathedral. Excellent local dishes and international cuisine. Full bar. Recomended in local and international travel guides. Fair prices. Credit cards accepted. WiFi. Can host events and buffets in separate romos, Seating approximately 150 guests. Open daily for lunch, and Monday through Saturday for dinner until 11 p.m.

Reviewed By CANJGirl - new jersey

We were a group of 10 for lunch. Despite the size, service was efficient and we didn't encounter the same confusion in ordering we did at so many other places. I had tacu tacu, think Peruvian fried rice with beans, and a trout filet. The portions were big. I didn't finish the rice and beans. I enjoyed sampling the different sauces they put on the table. We also enjoyed nibbling on the dried corn/corn nuts put on the table. Restaurant fills authentic.

2. Coqui Cafe

Jr. Puno 296, Huancayo 12000, Peru Peruvian, South American Breakfast, Brunch +51 64 234707
Excellent
23%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 142 reviews

Coqui Cafe

Reviewed By Trovadores - Montreal, Canada

We visited this place as it was a door besides our hotel. We really appreciate the fresh fruit juice. Food was good, classic Peruvian meals and soups.
As this place is a bakery, we thought it would be a good place to try some cakes, as they seemed delicious, but we were EXTREMELY disappointed. Cakes are not good at all, the cheesecake was like a pudding, no cheese at all, the torta helada had the coconut flavor and the cake was dry, same ting for the chocolate cake, dry and tasteless, the lemon pie with no lemon flavor... anyways, don't go there for bakery.
My husband was starving for a ham and cheese Sandwich, and again very disappointed, the Sandwich was very very small, one slice on ham and a little cheese, no tomatoes, no lettuce, no anything for 14 soles!
I recommend this place for the juices and lunch menu which includes a complete meal at reasonable price, is clean and a safe place.

3. Restaurante Olimpico

Giraldez 199 | Plaza de la Constitución, Huancayo 12000, Peru Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Peruvian, International, Fusion Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +51 64 588705
Excellent
34%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 163 reviews

Restaurante Olimpico

Reviewed By Lucia C - Lima, Peru

When you arrive the restaurant doesnt look like a fancy restaurant or expensive one.
Its not.
They dont try to be fancy or elegant, they just want to give you good food with GREAT service.
The restaurant is very clean, but a little white for my taste.
food is awesome!... we had a Caldo de Pollo, and some Milanesas on the first day. LOVED them.
Then we had some breads and a couple of traditional dishes. Both of them... GOOD!...
totally worth going to this hotel!

4. La Lena

Jr. Ancash 391, Huancayo 12000, Peru Takeout Peruvian, South American Lunch, Dinner +51 64 227813
Excellent
22%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 111 reviews

La Lena

Reviewed By LimaNicodemo - Lima

Visited the locale near the Cathedral in Huancayo. It is dirty and ugly from the outside. The oven vent drips with grease. Better inside.
Very decent chicken, well cooked and moist. So-so french fries--not crispy at all, more like boiled rather than fried.
Not inexpensive for Huancayo, but better quality than other 'pollerias'.

5. El Padrino Restaurant

Av. Huancavelica 487, Huancayo 12000, Peru Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Soups, South American, Peruvian, Cajun & Creole Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$24 - HK$157 +51 64 234924
Excellent
27%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 40 reviews

El Padrino Restaurant

Reviewed By rumberayhija - newark

This restaurant was highly recommended. Huancainos eat here. Service was prompt. Food on lunch menu looked much more diverse. Our caldo de gallina was good. A good option.

6. El Meson

Av. Giraldez 189 | Huancayo, Huancayo 12000, Peru Television Peruvian, South American Dinner
Excellent
26%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 53 reviews

El Meson

Reviewed By LSO1973 - London, United Kingdom

This place is easy to find as it's the only one in the entire town that has a decent-ish view of the plaza. It has an upstairs section which is charmingly decked out with two massive TVs belting out at full volume (different channels), while kids scuttle about the place and families eat at full volume. The food is actually rather good, albeit somewhat hard on poor old chickens; there is a grill on the roof that rather looks as if the entire building has caught fire when they light it in the early evening. For my money try the garlic chicken at about 17 soles. The decor is modernish and mirror-ish and not too objectionable, but a romantic venue it definitely isn't! Bon appetit.

7. Leopardo Restaurant

Libertad y Huanuco, Huancayo 12000, Peru Peruvian, South American Lunch +51 64 235488
Excellent
33%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 36 reviews

Leopardo Restaurant

Reviewed By LimaNicodemo - Lima

Heard so much about their fantastic soups (caldos) and when we got there by 1:00 pm they were all gone. It seems people line up very early, lets say breakfast. I guess this is a good omen and will try again.
However, we did have lunch and it was below par. The carnero al palo was not roasted on an open pit. It was done in a cacerole ('a la olla') with spices. Otherwise, the meat would be crusty on the outside. The roast pork ('chancho al cilindro') was too greasy. Partly due to the cut itself, but the accompanying gravy was extremely greasy and covered the plate. My beef's tongue ('lengua') was very nice, as was the meat-filled rocoto '(rocoto relleno').
The service was terrible. Waiters pass-by without looking. They brought the main dish in advance of the soup for one of us--which was expressly requested otherwise. The cutlery is feeble, the table not so clean.
Dish presentation was ugly. All piled up, making a mountain on the plate. Some people might think this is a full plate ('tai pa'...as they say in Peru), but to me it is low class.
Prices are expensive. Some dishes more than others. We paid from S/.20-30 per dish.
However, people flock to this restaurant. I guess that in Huancayo I am the crazy stranger that demands a clean environment, good service, decent cutlery, proper plate presentation, etc.

8. Zalema Social Coffee - Bar

Jiron Amazonas 461 | Entre el jirón puno y Amazonas, Huancayo 12000, Peru Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Fusion, Peruvian, Cafe, South American Drinks, Lunch, Dinner HK$16 - HK$16 +51 964 313 621
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Zalema Social Coffee - Bar

Zalema is a cozy bar-cafe, Restaurant, where you can enjoy a relaxed intimate atmosphere in the company of good music, tasty food and fun drinks. Monday to Saturday we serve tipical Peruvian lunch with a modern twist and in the evening snacks, finger food, coffees, pastries, coctails and beers.

Reviewed By LimaNicodemo - Lima

The setting is lovely (this property used to house Challwaq). About twelve tables, some sofás, and a small bar.
Went twice in the last two weeks. The tables half-empty at lunch-time. Two attendants who gave good service.
Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality. Liked very much the 'sopa de ollucos'. It was more like a fusion dish, not the typical Andean soup. The 'barbecued' pork was sweet, not smoky, more of a sugar glaze. The rice terrible and the french-fried native potatoes had been previously cooked--perhaps oven baked. They were too crisp. The Apple crepe for dessert was also good.
The a-la-carte menú extremely limited. Only four choices.
Feels more like a daily-menu-cafe than a restaurant that prepares different dishes.
However, after Reading all the extremely positive comments, I wonder why all the brouhaha? Perhaps hostel guests like the attention.

9. Huancahuasi Huancayo

Av Mariscal Castilla 2222 | El Tambo Huancayo, Frente Al Estadio Castilla, Huancayo 12000, Peru Takeout, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible Peruvian, South American Lunch +51 64 244826
Excellent
40%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Huancahuasi Huancayo

Reviewed By LimaNicodemo - Lima

Have been several times to Huancahuasi. Love the setting, has parking, and sometimes live music (could be loud inside--opt for the outside tables). The waiters/waitresses are dressed in Andean-style clothing--and offer professional service. Great ambiance.
Dishes could take a while. If it is pachamanca, it is ready to serve. However, a steak has to be prepared and could take long. It seats 150 pps. easy.
It offers stylish food, novo-Andino, with great combos. Try the piqueos--a mix of trout cebiche, huancaina, and other small dishes. These are nice for the table.
The food is decent, but not superlative. Only one time I have experienced true delight: carnero al palo sin hueso. This is a great option because the piece is pure meat. Costs a little bit more, but it is worth it. Have had it more than once...and the other time it was just good.

10. Caramba Restaurant

Jr. Guido 459 | San Carlos, Huancayo San Carlos, Peru Delivery, Reservations, Private Dining, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Peruvian, International, South American Late Night, Drinks, Lunch, Dinner HK$47 - HK$204 +51 64 231203
Excellent
47%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Caramba Restaurant

Restaurant internacional ,donde se sirven carnes nacionales e internacionales en diversas formas y cocciones,,asi mismo contamos con cocteles nacionales e internacionales. Un Lugar para degustar comida,tragos,vino y cafe en su mas variadas preparaciones. Agradable Ambiente acogedor con la mas selecta musica y una atmosfera que le encantara. Si visita Huancayo o vive en Huancayo,vistenos y compruebe la tradicion gastronomica y calidad con la cual servimos por mas de treinta años. Garantia y satisfaccion total. Atte La gerencia del Restaurant Caramba.

Reviewed By LimaNicodemo - Lima

Great setting, nice parking, away from downtown. It feels like a 'people-watching' restaurant--to see and be seen. It is expensive and sort of stylish.
They offer domestic and imported cuts of meat. Great selection and expensive choices. However, if you want it you can get it. Wine list extensive and expensive. We had beers.
Opted for the filet of trout--which was a beauty and properly cooked. The sauce (Mexican style) was so-so.
This was my second time dining there, and even though it is a nice restaurant, there are other that offer a better value for similar food.

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