Where to Eat in Ollantaytambo: The Best Restaurants & Cafes

Most travelers treat Ollantaytambo as a stop over, a quick train ride away from the bucket-list destination we all came to see, Machu Picchu. But I ended up staying in Ollantaytambo for three nights, and I am so glad I did. The town has an ancient, magical rhythm, and as I discovered, an incredible culinary scene too. 

I met another traveler while shopping one evening in town and we decided to eat a few meals together. From sizzling trout to ancestral Andean fine dining, here is my guide on where to eat in Ollantaytambo. 

Where to Eat Dinner in Ollantaytambo

La Serranita Restaurant for people watching on the sidewalk

If you are looking for a casual dinner right in the heartbeat of the town, head to the Plaza de Armas. You can grab a table on the sidewalk to people-watch or sit up on the balcony for a view. The woman working here had the sweetest heart, and the food was incredibly fresh.

I ordered the local trout, and it arrived sizzling on an enormous hot plate. Also, a fair warning (or recommendation), the Pisco Sours here were the size of my head.

Chuncho for upscale dining

For a more upscale experience, I highly recommend Chuncho. I dined here alone, and I found the ambience to be totally lovely and the service impeccable. This is the place to go for a true introduction to Andean ancestral flavors and products.

They offer a bold dish that combines both alpaca and cuy (guinea pig). Since it was my last night in the Sacred Valley, I chose to be adventurous. While I can safely assume that will be my first and last time eating cuy, the rest of the meal was truly exceptional. Cuy just wasn’t for me. The rest of the meal however, was incredible. They also serve a complementary appetizer and a digestif called Matacuy (which translates to “kill the guinea pig”), a cheeky finish to a memorable meal.

Chullpi for off the beaten path

Located a bit off the main street, Chullpi feels like a hidden gem. The atmosphere is cozy, and the service is friendly and welcoming. Everything here is local and made to order. I tried the Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian classic, and it hit the spot perfectly. The service was again lovely, and I even got a little souvenir to take home. 

Coffee, Lunch, and Digital Nomad Spots in Ollantaytambo

Latente Specialty Coffee for western coffee

 If you are craving a Western-style coffee or a lighter lunch, this is your spot. It is a refreshing respite if you have been eating heavy Andean meals, offering dishes like Caprese or Kimchi sandwiches, lattes and Americanos in a modern setting.

Emiliano’s Cafe for convenience and WiFi

I stopped in here specifically for a matcha. To be honest, I would not recommend ordering that, it was pretty awful. However, do not let that deter you from visiting! Go for the coffee, fresh pastries, or juice before or after visiting the archaeological sites. The staff are friendly, and they have great WiFi, making it a very laptop-friendly spot if you need to get some work done.

Recommended by Locals in Ollantaytambo (For Next Time)

There were two places I did not manage to eat at in Ollantaytambo, but came highly recommended by locals. They are definitely on my list for next trip:

• ALQA Museo: A fascinating combination of a museum, art store, restaurant and bar featuring a beautiful garden. It is an upscale dining experience where reservations are required, though you can also pop in just for a drink or to shop.
• El Albergue Farm: Located right inside the train station, this is a unique homestay, farm and restaurant all in one. I sadly received this recommendation too late to try it, but the farm-to-table concept sounds amazing.

For more on what to see and do in Ollantaytambo, read my full guide to Ollantaytambo.