Cicciolina
Write A Review
"Overpriced and Disappointing Dining Experience"
This was, unfortunately, a very disappointing meal. The food was terrible—what was supposed to be ravioli with pesto filling turned out to be five oddly sweet, poorly cooked pieces with an unappealing mix of mushroom and pecan flavor. The texture was off—crunchy in a way that made them feel either over or undercooked. The other dish was just random pieces of tomato with muddled seasoning. On top of that, the ambiance was made worse by unpleasant music covers playing in the background. The only redeeming aspect was the polite and professional service. But overall, the quality of the food does not justify the high prices. I would not return.
"Overrated for the Price – Great Service, Underwhelming Flavors"
I found this place to be quite overrated for what it actually offers. The dishes are beautifully presented and visually appealing, but the flavors simply didn’t deliver. The food lacked the brightness and depth needed to make the experience truly special, and I noticed several issues with the dishes I tried. Considering the high prices, I expected much more in terms of taste—especially when compared to other restaurants in the area that offer better culinary quality for less. That said, the service was excellent, and the staff were attentive and professional. The atmosphere, though small, was pleasant and met expectations. In short: great service and ambiance, but the flavor of the food needs serious improvement to match the hype and cost. I hope to have a better experience next time.
"Exceptional Dining with Warm Hospitality and a Private View"
We visited on a busy evening and, despite the restaurant usually operating by reservation only, they kindly made room for us on a lovely private balcony for two—an unexpected and charming touch. The staff were fantastic: attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious, living up to the restaurant’s stellar reputation. It’s easy to see why this is considered one of Cusco’s best dining spots. Highly recommended!
"Five Stars – Incredible Gnocchi, But Menu Needs Updating"
Absolutely five stars! The food was exceptional—especially the gnocchi, which was hands down the best I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. That said, it would be helpful if the restaurant kept their online menu prices up to date, as they’re currently not accurate. Still, even with the higher cost, the quality makes it worth every sol. Highly recommended!
"Overpriced and Underwhelming Dining Experience"
We left disappointed, especially after arriving with the expectation of dining at one of the top restaurants in town. Unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the hype or the high prices. The duck breast was tough, and the salmon was undercooked. On top of that, the portions were so small that we ended up going to another restaurant afterward just to feel satisfied. Given the pricing, we expected a much higher level of quality—both in execution and value. Sadly, it did not deliver.
"Beautiful Setting, But Not Worth the Price"
While the restaurant is undeniably beautiful, the overall experience didn’t justify the high prices. The portions were very small and lacked the gourmet quality one would expect at this price point. Service was decent but nothing remarkable. What was particularly disappointing was being charged extra for basic table bread (7 soles per person), despite already paying premium prices. There are certainly better options in Cusco offering more satisfying food and better value for money.
"Delicious Local Cuisine in a Well-Run, Iconic Spot"
Perfectly located, this restaurant is impressively well-organized, with a chef who clearly knows what he's doing. The focus on local cuisine is a big plus, and the execution delivers. I had the alpaca, which naturally has a strong flavor, but it was expertly seasoned to mellow the intensity and make it easy to enjoy. I appreciated how they made it approachable while still celebrating the local ingredient. A great dining experience in an emblematic location—definitely worth a visit!
"Beautiful Presentation, Great Service – But Flavors Fell Short"
It made me sad, as we arrived with genuinely high expectations. Visually, the dishes are stunning, and it’s clear that high-quality ingredients are being used. The issue, however, lies in the execution. For example, the causa had a doughy texture—likely due to the use of sandy potatoes—and the trout ceviche lacked the fresh, vibrant quality one would expect, especially from a restaurant of this caliber. Other dishes looked incredibly appetizing (as seen in the photos), but the flavors didn’t come together in a way that created a memorable or surprising experience. They were perfectly edible, but far from the standout dishes we had hoped for. On a positive note, the service was excellent—attentive, polite, and responsive to every request. The staff made sure we were well taken care of, which we truly appreciated. In the end, the restaurant has the right ingredients and vision, but the flavor execution needs refinement to live up to its potential.
"Inventive Italian-Peruvian Fusion with Room to Refine"
We visited this Italian restaurant with a Peruvian twist after reading a blog that praised it as one of the best in Cusco. Overall, the experience was impressive, with creative dishes and a clear passion for bold, unique flavors—though there were a few inconsistencies. The meal started strong with three different tapas, each one inventive, flavorful, and memorable. They truly set the tone and were a highlight of the evening. For the main course, the squid ink pasta in a coconut milk, lime, and cilantro sauce was a standout—beautifully balanced and unlike anything we’ve tried before. However, the ossobuco with caramelized onions and pumpkin-stuffed ravioli didn’t work as well. The sweetness of the sauce was overpowering, and while the pecans inside the ravioli were a creative touch, they added a crunch that felt out of place and distracting. Dessert featured fresh strawberries in a hot, spiced port syrup with pisco ice cream. It was a lovely idea in theory, but the strawberries were out of season and lacked flavor. The syrup also contained whole spices like cloves, which should’ve been strained out for a smoother finish. Despite the missteps, this is a restaurant with real promise. We’re already looking forward to going back—especially to dive deeper into their imaginative tapas menu.
"Memorable Dining with Local Flavors and Stunning Views"
As a party of two, we were lucky to be seated in a cozy window alcove overlooking a charming Cusco street. One seat offered a view of the majestic mountains, while the other gave a fascinating look into the open kitchen—separated by a stylish glass-and-wood partition that complemented the warm ambiance. The lighting throughout the restaurant was soft and well-designed, enhancing the overall experience. The space itself is lovely, located on the second floor of a building near the Plaza de Armas, with multiple inviting dining rooms. Our waiter was exceptional—knowledgeable and attentive. He helped me choose between two entrees and recommended the gnocchi, made with local Peruvian potatoes. He was absolutely right—it had a sublime taste, paired with a rich sauce and bright slices of tangy carrots. We also tried the mushroom and queso starter, which was equally flavorful. The waiter genuinely cared about our satisfaction, checking in to see if we enjoyed his suggestions. My son had the chicken with polenta, which was deeply flavorful and beautifully presented. A truly delightful dining experience that blends thoughtful service, regional ingredients, and a uniquely atmospheric setting. Highly recommended!
Cicciolina
A sophisticated fusion restaurant offering Mediterranean-Peruvian cuisine with an excellent wine bar.
Address
C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, Peru
Website
http://www.cicciolinacuzco.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+5184255763