Don Esteban & Don Pancho

Description:

• A chic new addition to the Cusco dining scene is this sleek-looking, modern little restaurant and "pisco bar" -- a nice change from the typical Andean rustic spots around town. It has cool river-rock and stone floors, brown-and-white booths, and stylish straw chairs, making it one of the most attractive restaurants in Cusco, at least to those with a modern sensibility. The menu focuses on classic Peruvian dishes, from both the highlands and coast, with just a hint of updating. Nice appetizers include creamy soups, fish dishes (chupes and tiraditos) and ceviches, while main courses remain pretty traditional, such as tacu-tacu (rice and black beans topped by salted beef and prawns), ají de gallina (spicy, creamy chicken), and carapulcra tradicional (a pot-based stew). The owners also run other establishments by the same name, including a bakery (on Santa Monica A-16) and a casual gourmet cafe (Av. El Sol 765).

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010