Best Restaurant near Machu Picchu: Review of the Indio Feliz Restaurant
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Indio Feliz Restaurant of Aguas Calientes, Peru
“We’ve stumbled onto the set of Pirates of the Caribbean,” I thought as we came upon the Indio Feliz restaurant, its colorful décor brightening the darkening alley like a pumpkin patch at twilight. Built to look like a two-story ship with elaborate woodwork that took six years to complete, the quirky restaurant with European flair is an oasis amidst the drab, cloned restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
Patrick Vogin, the owner/chef of the award-winning restaurant bustled over. “No reservation?” he asked. As we observed the tables full of contented diners, we realized we’d made a mistake. It seemed every tourist in town had turned out for dinner. “Thirty minutes,” he said, forehead wrinkled, hands raised apologetically, as if our lack of preparation was his error instead of ours.
Twenty minutes later we plunked down in front of a freshly cleared table, legs weary from a day at Machu Picchu's ruins. Although cramped and a bit noisy, the restaurant’s cozy, high-energy verve embraced us.
We browsed the menu of Franco-Peruvian cuisine, with several vegetarian offerings, and quickly decided on the three-course meal which includes appetizer, main dish and dessert for S/. 54.50 Nuevos Soles, a bargain.
What to Order?
All dishes are homemade under the watchful eye of French-trained chef and owner Patrick Vogin, who crafts his specialties from fresh local ingredients delivered daily by the local train. Portions are good-sized, service is friendly.
For starters, the Quiche Lorraine is highly recommended. French onion soup and Fresh tomato soup are savory and flavorful; Avocado with Papaya is mild and refreshing.
For the main dish, Tagliatelle Indio Feliz or homemade pasta served with sides of pesto, roasted tomatoes and garlic, mushrooms, peppers, basil and olive oil tastes earthy, tangy and slightly spicy. Pineapple chicken, served in a hollowed-out pineapple and scented with vanilla and orange, is delicious but very sweet. Salmon Trout in a Spicy Sauce comes in a sauce of tomatoes, carmelized onions, hot peppers and Chilean white wine. The trout was cooked to perfection with not a bone in sight.
Several desserts are offered including chocolate mousse, homemade apple or orange pie with custard and vanilla ice cream or my favorite, creme caramel.
Some nice touches include homemade potato chips sprinkled with parsley and garlic and hot, soft rolls made in house and served with a crock of butter. Try an imported draft beer or a bottle of Chilean wine with dinner.
Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. You might even recognize a celebrity or two on their way back from Machu Picchu.
Overview
ATMOSPHERE: Quirky, Caribbean, colorful, eclectic
CUISINE: French Andean
SOUND LEVEL: Loud but not intrusively so.
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Quiche Lorraine, Tagliatelle pasta and creme caramel. The soups, trout, ginger chicken and pies are also delicious.
BEVERAGES: Wine and imported draft beers available, besides usual Peruvian offerings.
PRICE RANGE: A la carte options available for 20-40 Nuevos Soles; 3-course meal highly recommended at only S/. 54.50 Nuevos Soles
HOURS: Open for lunch and dinner
RESERVATIONS: Highly recommended
CREDIT CARDS: Yes
For Reservations call 51 (84) 211090
Restaurant Views
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeHow to Get There
Calle Lloque Yupanqui 4-12
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Conclusion
After a long day at Machu Picchu nothing will satisfy your hunger like Indio Feliz restaurant, a bright spot in the drab little town of Aguas Calientes. Don't miss it!
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Comments
Isn't it amazing that you can find such culinary treasures in the strangest places! This one sounds like a true gem. Have only spent the night in Peru on a layover, but maybe one day we'll return to visit Machu Picchu (and now Indio Feliz) -- it's on the bucket list! :)
A well-written review! By the way of your well-shot photos, the restaurant décor looked vibrant and the food looked delicious. I always enjoy learning about different cultures and is willing to try new exotic dishes. Well-done! All the best for your participation in this contest.
Thanks for SHARING. Useful & Interesting. Voted up & shared
I have cousins that have visited Machu Picchu in Peru. It would be the trip of a lifetime for many people, I am sure. Don't know if I will make it there but nice knowing about this colorful restaurant with good food in case I do. Great photos you took of the Indio Feliz Restaurant. Looks very inviting! Up, useful and interesting votes.
This looks like a fun and delicious restaurant! Your photos of the food are fantastic! Lovely review hub, good luck in the contest ^_^ voting and sharing!
thank you for sharing!
That looks like an awesome resturaunt. I love food from different cultures. Excellent hub!
I am visiting Machu Picchu, perhaps as early as next year and will look up this restaurant. Sounds like a wonderful discovery. Voting this Up and Useful.
Great review and photos of this colorful and unique restaurant, plus you've given lots of good tips about what to order if the reader is lucky enough to eat there.
Voted up across the board except for funny.
Hi Vespa,
Wow, what a funky looking place full of character! Loved the entrance, looks off the beaten track which is often where the best restaurants seem to be! The menu you picked sounds yummy!! First time I have said "yep, I'd eat that" to everything listed - chicken in pineapple and chocolate mousse (don't you know the choco fix would have to be mentioned!) sound dreamy!
Great review and pics to give us a taster of this great place in Peru and a must when in the area!
VU +++++++ and shared! :-)
Excellent review. Voted up and awesome.
Mango chicken, yum! This sounds like such a unique place. Thanks for the great review.
Wow! I want to go back and try this place. I don't remember where we ate the day we spent in Aguas Calientes. This looks fabulous! Thanks for the review and the recommendation.
Did you try out the actual aguas calientes? I wonder how that experience is. Take care!
Good review. Thank you. You make it sound fun.
Thanks vespawoolf for the great review. Its always so helpful when you are travelling to have a tried and tested restaurant lined up for the evening. We will be sure to try the fixed menu when we next visit aguas calientes.
Very cool. My dream is to make it to Machu Picchu by the time I am 50 (2 1/2 more years to go). Hopefully this place will still be there!
Thanks for sharing this article on this beautiful award-winning restaurant.
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