Top Rated Pizza Joints in Ollantaytambo That Locals Swear By
Words by
Diego Quispe
I have lived in Ollantaytambo for over a decade, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that the top rated pizza joints in Ollantaytambo are not the ones with the fanciest signs or the most Instagram followers. They are the ones where the owner still stretches the dough by hand at 6 a.m., where the wood-fired oven has been burning since the 1990s, and where the locals line up on a Friday night without needing a menu. This guide is drawn from years of eating my way through every pizzeria in this town, from the main plaza to the quiet side streets near the train station.
The Heart of Town: Pizza Along the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is where most visitors start, and it is also where you will find some of the best casual pizza Ollantaytambo has to offer. The plaza itself sits on top of what was once an Inca ceremonial space, and the colonial arcades that line it now house a handful of pizzerias that have been feeding travelers and locals for generations.
1. Pizzeria El Horno de la Plaza
Located on the eastern arcade of the Plaza de Armas, this place has been here since the early 2000s. The owner, Don Roberto, still uses a brick oven he built himself, and the crust has a smoky char that you will not find anywhere else in town.
What to Order: The pizza cuatro quesos with huacatay pesto. The huacatay is grown in the garden behind the restaurant, and it changes the entire flavor profile.
Best Time: Weekday evenings around 7 p.m., before the dinner rush fills every table.
The Vibe: Family-run, loud, and unpretentious. The tables are close together, and you will likely share a wall with a group of backpackers comparing trekking notes. The Wi-Fi is unreliable near the back corner by the kitchen, so do not plan on working from there.
Local Tip: If you ask Don Roberto nicely on a slow Tuesday, he will let you try his chicha de jora, a fermented corn drink that he makes in small batches. It is not on the menu, and it pairs surprisingly well with the margherita.
2. Inka Grill Pizzeria
Just one block south of the plaza on Calle Convención, Inka Grill has been a staple for both tourists heading to Machu Picchu and locals celebrating birthdays. The interior is decorated with reproductions of Inca motifs, and the pizza is solid if not spectacular.
What to Order: The pizza with lomo saltado toppings. It is a fusion that sounds strange but works because the beef is marinated for 12 hours.
Best Time: Lunch around 1 p.m., when the light comes through the front window and the place is half-empty.
The Vibe: Tourist-friendly with English menus and a quieter atmosphere in the early afternoon. The outdoor seating on the sidewalk gets very warm during peak summer (December to February), so grab a table inside if you want shade.
Local Tip: The owner's mother makes the ají sauce in-house, and if you ask for extra, she will bring it out with a smile. This place is where many local guides eat after a long day at the ruins.
Beyond the Plaza: Local Pizza Spots Ollantaytambo Locals Actually Favor
Once you step away from the tourist arcades, the character of the town changes. The streets narrow, the prices drop, and the pizza gets more interesting. These are the local pizza spots Ollantaytambo residents talk about when they are not thinking about feeding visitors.
3. Chez Magda
Tucked on Calle del Horno, just two blocks from the main plaza, Chez Magda is run by a French-Peruvian couple who have been making pizza here for over 15 years. The dough is thin, almost cracker-like, and the toppings lean heavily on local ingredients.
What to Order: The pizza with rocoto relleno and fresh mozzarella. The rocoto is roasted whole and sliced thin, giving it a smoky sweetness.
Best Time: Thursday or Friday nights, when the couple prepares a special double-fermented dough that takes 48 hours.
The Vibe: Intimate, with only six tables. You will hear French, Quechua, and Spanish all in one evening. Parking on the street is nearly impossible on weekend nights, so walk if you can.
Local Tip: The couple sources their cheese from a farm in the Sacred Valley, and if you visit on a Wednesday morning, you might see the delivery arrive. Ask about the farm; they are proud of the connection.
4. La Esquina del Sabor
On the corner of Calle del Medio and the road toward the train station, this no-frills spot is where construction workers and market vendors grab a quick lunch. The pizza is cheap pizza Ollantaytambo style: thick, cheesy, and served fast.
What to Order: The pizza with chorizo and ají amarillo. The ají amarillo paste is spread under the cheese, so every bite has a gentle heat.
Best Time: Noon to 2 p.m., right after the morning market rush.
The Vibe: Functional and loud, with plastic chairs and a television playing Peruvian football. The service slows down badly during the lunch rush, so order quickly.
Local Tip: The owner, Señora Carmen, has been here for 20 years, and she knows every regular by name. If you come back twice, she will remember your order.
The Train Station Stretch: Pizza for the Weary Traveler
The area around the Ollantaytambo train station is a transit hub, and the pizzerias here cater to people waiting for the next train to Aguas Calientes. But do not dismiss them as tourist traps. Some of the top rated pizza joints in Ollantaytambo are found right here, hidden between souvenir shops and currency exchanges.
5. Pizzeria El Tren
Right across from the train station on the road to Urubamba, this place has a loyal following among travelers who have discovered that the pizza here rivals anything in Cusco. The oven is gas-fired, not wood, but the technique is precise.
What to Order: The pizza with truffle oil and mushrooms. The truffle oil is imported from Italy, and the mushrooms are foraged locally.
Best Time: Late afternoon, around 5 p.m., when the train crowds thin out.
The Vibe: Efficient and clean, with a modern interior. The staff speaks multiple languages, and the prices are slightly higher than the plaza options, but the quality justifies it.
Local Tip: If you mention you are staying in town for a few days, the owner will give you a card for a 10% discount on your next visit. It is a small gesture, but it shows how they value return customers.
6. Mama Pizza Ollantaytambo
A small, family-run spot on the alley behind the train station, Mama Pizza is where the dough is made with a touch of local chicha beer, giving it a subtle sweetness that is unique to this area.
What to Order: The pizza with chicha beer dough and topped with local ham and cheese. The chicha beer dough is a family recipe.
Best Time: Early evening, around 6:30 p.m., when the family gathers in the kitchen.
The Vibe: Homey and slow-paced. The owner's children often help with the tables, and the whole place feels like eating at a friend's house. The outdoor seating gets cold after sunset, so bring a light jacket.
Local Tip: The chicha beer used in the dough is from a nearby village, and if you ask, the owner will tell you which one. It is a small detail, but it connects the pizza to the broader agricultural traditions of the Sacred Valley.
The Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go After Dark
When the tourists have left and the plaza is quiet, the locals head to places that do not appear in guidebooks. These are the local pizza spots Ollantaytambo residents keep to themselves, and they are worth seeking out if you want to experience the town's nightlife.
7. Pizzeria La Noche
On Calle del Ceviche, a few blocks from the plaza, this place opens at 8 p.m. and stays open until the last customer leaves. The pizza is thick-crusted and loaded with toppings, and the atmosphere is lively.
What to Order: The pizza with anticuchos and ají panca. The ají panca is a slow-roasted pepper that adds depth.
Best Time: After 9 p.m., when the music starts and the place fills with locals.
The Vibe: Noisy, with live music on weekends. The tables are packed, and you will likely end up sharing with strangers. The sound levels can get very loud, so do not come here for a quiet dinner.
Local Tip: The owner, Don Luis, is a former musician, and on Saturdays he sometimes plays guitar. If you are lucky, you will hear a huayno between pizzas.
8. El Rincón del Sabor
On the road toward the Pinkuylluna ruins, this spot is off the main tourist trail. The pizza here is simple, and the view of the Inca granaries on the hillside is the real draw.
What to Order: The pizza with local herbs and cheese. The herbs are picked from the garden that morning.
Best Time: Late afternoon, around 4 p.m., when the light hits the ruins.
The Vibe: Peaceful, with a view that makes you forget you are eating pizza. The walk up the hill is steep, so wear good shoes.
Local Tip: The owner's dog, a mutt named Inti, greets every customer. If you are a dog lover, this is a bonus.
When to Go and What to Know
Ollantaytambo is a small town, and the pizza scene reflects that. Most places open for lunch around noon and close by 10 p.m., though some stay open later on weekends. The best casual pizza Ollantaytambo is found in the evening, when the ovens are at their hottest and the dough has had time to ferment. If you are visiting during the rainy season (November to March), some outdoor seating becomes unusable, so call ahead. The cheap pizza Ollantaytambo spots are perfect for budget travelers, but do not expect luxury. And remember, the local pizza spots Ollantaytambo are often cash-only, so always carry soles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Ollantaytambo?
Most pizza places in Ollantaytambo have no dress code, and casual clothing is perfectly acceptable. However, if you are dining at a more upscale spot like Chez Magda, smart casual is appreciated. Locals generally dress simply, and you will fit in with jeans and a clean shirt. When eating at family-run places, it is polite to greet the owner by name if you have been there before, and to say "buen provecho" to other diners. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is a kind gesture that is noticed.
Is the tap water in Ollantaytambo safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?
Tap water in Ollantaytambo is not safe to drink directly from the tap, as it comes from glacial sources and may contain bacteria. Most restaurants and pizzerias use filtered or boiled water for cooking and serving, and you can always ask for "agua hervida" (boiled water) or buy bottled water from any shop. Many locals fill reusable bottles from filtered water stations around the plaza, and you will see these stations marked with signs. For pizza places that serve chicha or beer, the drinks are generally safe, but always confirm the source if you have a sensitive stomach.
How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Ollantaytambo?
Vegetarian options are widely available at most pizza places, with many offering cheese-only or vegetable-topped pizzas. For vegan options, the chicha beer dough at Mama Pizza is naturally vegan if you skip the cheese, and some places like Chez Magda offer a vegan margherita with plant-based cheese. The best casual pizza Ollantaytambo spots are happy to accommodate dietary requests if you ask, and the local pizza spots Ollantaytambo are used to serving travelers with restrictions. Just confirm that no lard is used in the dough, as some traditional recipes include it.
Is Ollantaytambo expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers?
A mid-tier daily budget for Ollantaytambo is around 150 to 250 soles (approximately 40 to 65 USD). This includes a mid-range hotel or hostel (60 to 100 soles), three meals at local spots like the ones listed here (40 to 60 soles for pizza and drinks), and transportation within town (5 to 10 soles for occasional taxis). Entry to the Ollantaytambo ruins costs 70 soles for a partial ticket or 140 soles for the full Boleto Turístico, which covers multiple sites. The cheap pizza Ollantaytambo options can keep food costs under 30 soles per day if you eat at places like La Esquina del Sabor. Budget an extra 20 to 30 soles for snacks, water, and tips.
What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Ollantaytambo is famous for?
The must-try local specialty is chicha de jora, a fermented corn beer that has been made in the Andes for centuries. In Ollantaytambo, you will see red flags or flowers hanging outside doorways signaling that chicha is served fresh that day. It is tangy, slightly sour, and has a low alcohol content, usually around 2 to 3 percent. Many pizzerias pair their pizza with chicha, and some, like Mama Pizza, even use it in their dough. If you visit during the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in July, you will find chicha flowing freely in the plaza, and it is the best time to experience this drink in its cultural context.
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