Inka Grill

Under the arches in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, you’ll find the entry to Inka Grill. Yes, the large two-story dining room teems with well-heeled tourists, not locals, but for those who want to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Andes and feel as comfortable as they might at a good restaurant in L.A. or D.C., Inka Grill does it well. The ancient space has been outfitted with all the modern amenities and warmed up with Inca pottery and Andean textiles and artwork. There’s even a table piled with baskets of vegetables that evokes local markets. Start with one of the samplers (Creole, Thai or nouveau Andean) or delicious soups (Andean chicken soup with quinoa or chicken or Thai coconut-milk soup). The main courses include many Peruvian classics as well as pizzas, pastas, steak and sandwiches, making it a safe bet for a varied group. The best tables are those by the window, which look out onto the square.