Picanteria Tradicional La Cau Cau

I have visited this picanteria several times and it is always busy what is good because food is constantly renewed. You must be patient with service because there are few waiters. But in the end it is worthy because food is really delicious, the same... Style like old pirates in town. Parking is large and well guarded.

We were taken here by our taxi drivers, after another restaurant, recommended by our guide in an seemingly not updated edition, definitely closed. The food was delicious, as well as abundant. We were five, and we chose the following dishes: a picanta pig, tripe, fried brain and beef, with rice and potatoes); two doble rocoto relleno y chicharron de chancho with cotenna); two chickens Wienerschnitzel with vegetables. All this and drinks, for the moderate number of 150 soles. Until now, all right. But all afternoon I had stomach problems, obviously tied to the doble I ate at noon. The problem is all the more important because everything we ate was cooked: we did not eat raw vegetables or fruit. Obviously there are some hygiene problems in the kitchen or among the waiters. The complete lack of soap in the sinks is actually, simple open-air sink, although picturesque) also significant.

Good food, big portions, but nothing special. It's nice that we tried when we left him and had live music, but probably not going again, as the food is only average and there are many other pirates in Arequipa that I prefer.

After passing this picanteria many times, and always seeing it filled with locals, we gave it a try and had no regrets! The ambiance is lovely; big open dining space with Spanish arches, a view of the garden, and open kitchen. The aroma alone issues...an invitation and makes your mouth water. It's like eating at your Peruvian friends house. We ordered the Champa (Roasted pig) and the soltero de quest salad that was amazing? Portions are big so beware-we shared both dishes and it was more than enough. Afterwards, we just hung out and enjoyed the fresh breeze and luscious aromas while sipping the COLDEST beer we've had in Peru thus far!

There is a second Cau Cau in Yanahuara and that is where we have had several lunches. It is an authentic Picanteria with excellent, traditional Peruvian food. You can either share a table in the main dining area, or sit in the lower garden, which...is very pleasant. There are not many tourists here and Spanish is helpful. Great place for lunch in Yanahuara.