El Cuate

Description:

• I'm usually wary about trying out Mexican restaurants while traveling in countries other than Mexico because they almost always serve a crummy imitation of Tex-Mex under a cheesy sombrero on the wall. But this animated hole in the wall on "Gringo Alley" dishes out good-value, pretty authentic Mexican food for scores of backpacker types. El Cuate was Cusco's first Mexican restaurant, and its success has spawned several imitators who've felt compelled to add Mexican dishes to their Peruvian and Italian menus. But if you're sure you want Mexican, this is still the place to come. It has a number of bargain menús offering six courses for S/25 ($8.30/£4.25) or S/15 ($5/£2.55), at lunch and dinner; and dishes such as enchiladas suizas (cheese enchiladas), Mexican soup, tacos, and burritos. With long bench tables, often shared, it's a jovial place.

• © Frommer's 2013