If you’re craving a break from Peruvian food while exploring Cusco, Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana is a solid go-to for comforting, well-done Italian classics right in the historic centre. Tucked away on a quiet street near the Plaza de Armas, THIS HAD SOME OF THE BEST PASTA OF OUR LIVES and the tiramisus was pretty awesome as well! (it was actually so good we went twice!)

The standout dishes here are the fresh pasta options — especially the homemade ragu and creamy carbonara — along with their wood-fired pizzas that hit the spot if you’re missing familiar flavours. Everything feels hearty and satisfying without being too heavy, which is perfect at altitude. They also do solid wine and cocktail options, making it a nice spot to unwind in the evening.

We loved the warm, intimate atmosphere — candlelit tables, rustic decor, and friendly staff. It’s a great dinner stop after exploring long days of hiking, and you’ll often see both travellers and locals filling the place up.

Prices are reasonable for the quality, with mains usually around 35–60 PEN (roughly 9–16 USD), and dinner typically takes about 1–1.5 hours if you’re sitting down properly. It does get busy at night, so booking ahead or arriving a little earlier is a good idea.

If you’re in Cusco and want a reliable, comforting Italian meal with a relaxed atmosphere, Carpe Diem is 10000% definitely worth adding to your list 🍝