Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Arequipa

Besides its friendly atmosphere, warm people, striking white buildings made from the local volcanic ashes known as sillar stone, and its impressive surroundings with the gigantic Colca Canyon, Arequipa boasts an excellent restaurant scene which is one of the best in Peru. If you are interested in trying the exquisite Peruvian cuisine or delicious international dishes, here is a selection of Arequipa’s best restaurants.

Stray away from the crowds and busy streets of Arequipa to find the charming La Canasta. Secluded in the courtyard of a massive colonial mansion, this excellent bakery is also a perfect breakfast and lunchnook. There are only a couple tables in the bakery’s patio, where you can relax and enjoy some of the best breakfasts you are likely to have in Peru, as well as pizzas, empanadas (stuffed pastries), sandwiches, and hamburgers.

Stop for lunch to taste a truly typical Peruvian meal. Ary Quepay welcomes you in its lovely garden-like dining room where you can enjoy amazing sky views under the open bamboo roof. A long-time favorite among locals and travelers alike, this family-owned restaurant offers delicious authentic and traditional Peruvian dishes. Make sure to try choclo con queso (corn and cheese) and sopa a la criolla (soup with beef, noodles and eggs). The menu also features great typical Peruvian dishes such as adobo (pork stew with aji) and rocoto relleno (stuffed ricy red peppers) for those who are not afraid of a little spice!

If you are looking for a quiet atmosphere, La Trattoria del Monasterio awaits you, cleaved in one of the outer walls of the splendid Santa Catalina Monastery. This chic Italian restaurant is one of the latest additions to Arequipa’s dining scene, and an excellent spot for lingering after a long day of sightseeing. Only one block from bustling San Francisco Plaza, sit in one of the three elegant and white-washed dining rooms of La Trattoria to savor a dished prepared by one of the hottest chefs in Peru, Gaston Acurio.

Strolling the streets of Arequipa, you will be amazed by the number of pecanterias, standing on almost every corner of the city. Perfect for a small snack if you want to try something new and authentic on your Arequipa travel adventure.

This guide to eating in Arequipa was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting and adventurous Peru vacations.