Virgilio Martinez, the mastermind behind Lima's #1st restaurant in the world Central, opened MIL in the Sacred Valley in February 2018. One of Aracari's specialist guides in Cusco, Lisy Kuon, went to test out this buzzworthy new gourmet opening for Aracari and shares her first-hand review. Review of MIL, the Best Restaurant in the Sacred Valley WRITTEN BY LISY KUON PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIL RESTAURANT Let me start by saying that a visit to MIL is almost a "religious experience." It is completely unique to anything else offered in the area, and one could easily say that it is the best restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Offering an innovative 8-course tasting menu at lunch, I would highly recommend any self-proclaimed foodies take time to dine there during a trip to Peru. My visit began with a 1.5 hour drive from Cusco to the archaeological site of Moray, but Aracari guests who choose to dine at MIL will do so amid their day tour of Moray and the nearby site of Maras. That being said, the remote location should not deter a visit as the lunch fits nicely into a day tour of the region. The Setting As a local of Cusco, upon arrival it was not the archaeological site that stunned me with its beauty (as it does for most travelers) rather the restaurant and the way it seamlessly fits into the landscape. The restaurant has a simple and clean architecture, and is built right above the circular Inca terraces of Moray. It is a spectacular setting, un-disrupted by the adobe building thanks to its natural design. The Food at the Best Restaurant in the Sacred Valley After walking over to take a peek at Moray, I checked in for my reservation and sat down to begin the meal. The dishes
Virgilio Martinez, the mastermind behind Lima’s #1st restaurant in the world Central, opened MIL in the Sacred Valley in February 2018. One of Aracari’s specialist guides in Cusco, Lisy Kuon, went to test out this buzzworthy new gourmet opening for Aracari and shares her first-hand review. Review of MIL, the Best…
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each region has its own specialties and while you can find them elsewhere in the country there’s nothing like trying a dish in the place that gave birth to it. At Aracari, we have explored the vast culinary offerings in Arequipa to compile this list of our favorite restaurants. The Best Restaurants Arequipa Zig Zag The upscale European - Peruvian fusion menu at Zig Zag is rightfully popular with the main courses, desserts, and wine lists combining to provide an unforgettable experience. When you visit, check out the restaurant's staircase designed by French architect, Gustave Alexandre Eiffel. Chicha It’s tough to go wrong with a menu inspired by Peru’s most noted chef, Gaston Acurio. Featuring traditional favorites as well as new takes on Peruvian cuisine using fresh local ingredients, Chicha is a sure bet for fine dining in Arequipa. La Trattoria del Monasterio Nestled within the architectural complex of Santa Catalina Monastery, La Trattoria del Monasterio serves delicious Italian with Arequipeño influences and Andean ingredients in a great location. La Nueva Palomino This is considered by many locals to be the best of Arequipa’s picanterías. Although a little touristy and a bit loud on the weekends, this is the place to go for local flavor in both food and ambiance. Crepisimo A good option for families, or travelers who are looking for something simple and international, Crepisimo is from the same restaurant family as Zig Zag and offers sandwiches, salads, and both sweet and savory crepes. Contact us for more information on a culinary tour Peru! "Must-Try" Dishes
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each…
Hearts Cafe Ollantaytambo UK and Peru registered NGO Living Heart is associated with social enterprise Hearts Café Ollantaytambo on the main square of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Quality Food at Hearts Cafe Ollantaytambo Meals at the café are not gourmet, rather they constitute great quality comfort food. All of the food is very delicious and made from good quality ingredients, most of which grown locally. There are a whole array of interesting options, some of which are not always available in Peru. Creating local employment All of the staff in the café are people who previously suffered from domestic abuse, and who are now offered work and shelter by the NGO. All of the profits go towards the projects that the NGO is involved with. As well as highly encouraging travellers to stop by the cafe, it is possible for our guests to arrange a visit with Sonia Newhouse to discuss the work of Living Heart in full. Please contact us for more details. Supporting Andean Communities The NGO Living Heart works with five highland communities in the Sacred Valley, offering a wide variety of vital support. The founder of the NGO is Sonia Newhouse, an English woman in her early 80s, who has dedicated the last decade of her life to helping local communities. Amongst other support, Living Heart provides educational supplies and learning materials to children; they organise volunteer art teachers and theatre classes for children; they provide nutritional diets to younger children and abandoned elderly people; they offer family planning advice and contraception; and they work with small scale water purification and elimination of risk from water borne parasites. Although Living Heart does not disclose which communities they work with in order that they can remain protected and undisturbed by outside visitors, travellers can visit Heart's Café
Hearts Cafe Ollantaytambo UK and Peru registered NGO Living Heart is associated with social enterprise Hearts Café Ollantaytambo on the main square of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Quality Food at Hearts Cafe Ollantaytambo Meals at the café are not gourmet, rather they constitute great quality comfort food. All of the…
