La Valeriana
La Valeriana has the best cakes, cupcakes and pastries in Cusco.
It also has good coffee and tea selections, though not a wide selection of coffee brewing methods. Besides sweets, there are also savory pastries, empanadas and sandwiches. They also have fruit juices, soft drinks and a few alcoholic options. Everything I have tried has been excellent.
2019 was the last time I could have a big birthday party (without worrying that people would spread Covid to each other) and I bought myself a Valeriana chocolate cake for the occasion. It was perfectly moist and thick, with dark chocolate frosting and a variety of small chocolates covering the top. All of the cakes are available by the slice also and sometimes I treat myself to a slice of the chocolate cake. The brownies are good, but if you want something chocolaty I recommend the cake over the brownie.
The service can be ridiculously slow, even when I’m the only person there. I honestly do not understand it.
One thing I do love about La Valeriana is the presentation. They certainly know how to make everything look delicious.
La Valeriana Espinar Portal N° 184 (Facing the La Merced church)
Of the two locations, this one is my favorite. It has a wide variety of seating options, from long tables perfect for groups to cozy little tables tucked in a corner for just two people. The building itself is the historic first hotel in Cusco, which unfortunately has been partly abandoned.
La Valeriana Avenida del Sol (Across from the Qorikancha)
This second La Valeriana location is easy to spot on the Avenida del Sol by the white bicycle that’s always stationed outside.
La Valeriana Avenue El Sol N° 576 (Across from the Qoricancha Temple)
This shop is a bit farther from the Plaza de Armas, but also lovely. The outdoor tables are in full sun in the morning, which can be too intense for me. Inside the space tends to be loud and seems more crowded to me than the other location. However, it is perfectly located across from the Santo Domingo church and Qoricancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun.
