Arequipa Restaurants
One thing is for sure: no one’s going hungry in Arequipa. A combination of a rich local culinary tradition and a thriving tourism industry makes Arequipa dining sophisticated beyond the city’s size. From white linen along the Plaza de Armas to no-frills cafeterias in the Historic District, dining is delectable in the White City.
Arequipa is a great destination to enjoy traditional Southern Peruvian cuisine. Like much Latin American cuisine, arequipeño food, la comida criolla, is meat-centered. Local specialties include grilled and barbequed guinea pig, and cebiche, a marinated seafood dish. Mazamorra, a traditional pudding dessert, makes for a perfect end to a Peruvian meal, and shouldn't be missed.
For a truly authentic restaurant experience, head to the local mainstays. Sol de Mayo has been serving traditional Southern Peruvian fare for over a century; its superb setting of gardens and vaulted ceilings retain a historical ambiance. Las Quenas offers more than exceptional food; an evening here comes complete with cultural and music performances. For delicacies from the sea, head to Trujillo, the city’s most popular seafood restaurant.
The presence of the Chinese in Peru has left its mark on Arequipa cuisine as well; several Peruvian Chinese restaurants, los chifas, serve up the fascinating fusion. Ka Hing is regarded as Arequipa’s best chifa, specializing in tacu-tacu, lomo saltado, and arroz chaufa. El Viñedo, Argentino Grill offers another kind of Latin American cuisine; meats are grilled to Argentinean perfection and presented in an elegant dining room.
When you’re tired of the meat and potatoes that dominate Peruvian cuisine, there’s plenty of other Arequipa restaurants ready to sate you. The prevalence of international travelers has increased the number of vegetarian restaurants in Arequipa, making for plentiful healthful options. Govinda and Lakshmivan are some of the more popular choices for vegetarians and vegans. For another cuisine that appeal to travelers (especially those on a budget), hefty slices of pizza can be had to Presto Pizza.
Arequipa is a great destination to enjoy traditional Southern Peruvian cuisine. Like much Latin American cuisine, arequipeño food, la comida criolla, is meat-centered. Local specialties include grilled and barbequed guinea pig, and cebiche, a marinated seafood dish. Mazamorra, a traditional pudding dessert, makes for a perfect end to a Peruvian meal, and shouldn't be missed.
For a truly authentic restaurant experience, head to the local mainstays. Sol de Mayo has been serving traditional Southern Peruvian fare for over a century; its superb setting of gardens and vaulted ceilings retain a historical ambiance. Las Quenas offers more than exceptional food; an evening here comes complete with cultural and music performances. For delicacies from the sea, head to Trujillo, the city’s most popular seafood restaurant.
The presence of the Chinese in Peru has left its mark on Arequipa cuisine as well; several Peruvian Chinese restaurants, los chifas, serve up the fascinating fusion. Ka Hing is regarded as Arequipa’s best chifa, specializing in tacu-tacu, lomo saltado, and arroz chaufa. El Viñedo, Argentino Grill offers another kind of Latin American cuisine; meats are grilled to Argentinean perfection and presented in an elegant dining room.
When you’re tired of the meat and potatoes that dominate Peruvian cuisine, there’s plenty of other Arequipa restaurants ready to sate you. The prevalence of international travelers has increased the number of vegetarian restaurants in Arequipa, making for plentiful healthful options. Govinda and Lakshmivan are some of the more popular choices for vegetarians and vegans. For another cuisine that appeal to travelers (especially those on a budget), hefty slices of pizza can be had to Presto Pizza.
