Arequipa Restaurants
Arequipa’s restaurant scene is very different from Lima or Cusco. It’s more informal and relaxed and nobody in Arequipa dresses to impress like they do in the capital.
Overall, the food quality is better and more varied than Cusco because Arequipeñians go out to eat more than Cusqueñians. Most upscale restaurants in Cusco are for tourists, while in Arequipa they’re for locals, so they work harder to get loyal customers and regul.
Lunch at a picantería is essential to understanding Arequipeñian culture. Expect the meal to last 2-3 hours and include plenty of spicy food and local beer.