Two people sit on a blue balcony with red flowers, attached to a white building labeled “L’atelier Cafe Concept,” overlooking a narrow street with hanging signs and rustic architecture.

Roam. Rest. Repeat.

Peru

The Best Café in Cusco

L’atelier Cafe Concept – Small, cozy and perfectly Cusco

Every once in a while there’s a cafe that stands out among the rest. A cafe that perfectly embodies the people and area around it. I found that cafe in Cusco. It’s called L’atelier Cafe Concept.

My Favorite Cafe in Cusco

Cusco is home to several cafes so coffee enthusiasts will have no problem finding a great brew in town. But I want to highlight a specific cafe that seemed to set itself apart from the rest. A cafe that seemed so perfectly ‘Cusco’ I found myself going back there almost every day. It checked all the boxes: great location, great ambiance and of course, great coffee! Let’s talk about what makes L’atelier Cafe Concept the best cafe in Cusco.

Location

One of the best aspects of L’atelier is its location. It’s tucked away in a small side street, far from the chaos of the main square. You can find it by heading to the San Blas neighborhood. This makes for a very nice walk through smaller and less crowded streets. All part of the tranquil experience of L’atelier.

Ambiance

Because of its location, L’atelier is more peaceful compared to the more accessible cafes near the main square. The place itself is small, simple and cozy. Perfect for a morning coffee and a good book. It just feels so familiar, like you’re in someone’s home rather than a place of business. Even the decor is perfectly…simple. It all inspires a bit of calm and peace which is exactly what I want from a cafe in a town like this.

A cup of cappuccino with cinnamon, a slice of banana bread on a blue plate, and an open book on a turquoise table. The best café in Cusco.

Coffee + pastries

A cafe is nothing without good coffee. Luckily, L’atelier has some of the best in Cusco. They use locally sourced Peruvian beans which are absolutely incredible. Plus they have a great selection of pastries and food to pair with your brew of choice.

The window

Two people sit on stools facing an open window, looking out at rooftops in a rustic setting. Coats hang nearby and framed photos decorate the cozy, warmly lit interior.

A narrow cobblestone street lined with white buildings and terracotta roofs on a sunny day. People walk along the street, and red flowers are in the foreground. Mountains are visible in the background under a blue sky.

The best part about L’atelier is the window. There are two seats with a very small table situated at a large window (I guess it’s more of a door). These are the most coveted seats in the house. So if you see them available, snag them! You’ll be rewarded with a lovely view of red tiled rooftops lining the small alley below. The absolute perfect spot for people-watching, reading, eating, chatting or simply appreciating your place in the universe.

L’atelier Cafe Concept is one of my favorite places in Peru. A small, simply appointed cafe with a wonderful atmosphere and delicious coffee. What more do you need? You can find and follow them on Instagram for more details!

Instagram

September 15, 2025