Zig Zag

Located in the heart of the historic center of Arequipa, this gastronomic corner offers guests more than just a dinner—it's a true journey between two mountain systems. Zig Zag is a famous restaurant in Peru, renowned for its unique "Alpandina" culinary concept, which harmoniously blends the traditions of the Alps and the Andes.

The establishment occupies an ancient building directly across from the picturesque Plaza San Francisco. One of the main architectural gems of the interior is the elegant cast-iron spiral staircase, designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel. This combination of historic charm and fine culinary art makes the restaurant a must-visit for all connoisseurs of aesthetics.

The menu here is built on the use of the freshest local products from all corners of the country, reimagined through the prism of modern and ancient techniques. Thanks to its cozy atmosphere and original approach to cooking, Zig Zag is rightfully considered one of the city's best gastronomic venues, where every guest can touch living history.

For your convenience, we have gathered the latest contact information for the Zig Zag restaurant so you can book a table in advance or clarify any details for your visit.

The highlight of your visit to Zig Zag will be discovering the unique method of serving dishes on volcanic stone. A sizzling stone platter will be brought right to your table, featuring an assortment of meats (beef, tender alpaca, or pork) or fresh fish. Guests can control the cooking level of each piece themselves, turning an ordinary dinner into an engaging interactive process.

In addition to tasting the hot stone dishes, be sure to check out:

• Exotic salads made with unique Peruvian ingredients;
• Traditional Alpine rösti, served here in an original style;
• An extensive wine list featuring the best varieties from local and world cellars.

Don't forget to take some time to explore the building itself—the restaurant's interior is worth studying. Climb (or at least photograph) the famous Eiffel staircase and examine the details of the ancient masonry walls. Attentive service and a cozy, slightly dimmed atmosphere create the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a warm gathering with friends.

Finding Zig Zag is easy, as the restaurant is located in the heart of the historic center, right across from the charming Plaza San Francisco. If you are staying in one of the old town's hotels, a stroll to the venue will be a pleasant addition to your evening—most central streets here are pedestrian-friendly or have very convenient sidewalks.

For those traveling from further districts or the airport, a taxi is the best choice. A trip from Arequipa International Airport to the center takes approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transport also runs near the square, but for tourists, a taxi remains the most comfortable and fastest way to get around.

If you are traveling by private or rental car, keep in mind that parking directly at the restaurant's doors can be difficult due to the narrow historic streets. However, there are several paid guarded parking lots within a few blocks of Plaza San Francisco where you can safely leave your vehicle during dinner.

This iconic spot owes its creation to the creative partnership of Chef Michel Hediger from Switzerland and his wife Carola Behrendt from Germany. Together, they built a unique gastronomic bridge between Europe and South America, developing the "Alpandina" philosophy that has made the restaurant famous far beyond the city limits.

The building itself holds a special place in the history of the establishment. Inside, you'll find a true architectural rarity—a magnificent cast-iron spiral staircase. It was designed in the workshop of the famous Gustave Eiffel, creator of the legendary tower in Paris. Such an element infuses the interior with the spirit of late 19th-century industrial romance, making the dining hall feel like a museum.

Over decades of impeccable service, Zig Zag has earned numerous prestigious awards. The restaurant regularly appears on lists of the region's best establishments by various gastronomic guides and is a multi-year recipient of the Travellers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, confirming its high status among travelers worldwide.

A visit to Zig Zag is not something you should rush. To fully enjoy the conceptual cuisine and historic interior, we recommend planning 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit. This will give you enough time to leisurely browse the menu, taste signature delicacies, and appreciate the details of the famous Eiffel staircase.

If you plan to order the meat or fish assortment on the volcanic stone, remember that the cooking and tasting process turns into a bit of a show. Evening visits usually last longer due to the more relaxed atmosphere, so if you are looking for a quick bite, it is better to stop by during lunchtime.

Zig Zag restaurant maintains a consistent schedule and is open to visitors daily. You can stop by for a late lunch or a celebratory dinner throughout the week:

• Monday — Sunday: from 12:00 to 22:00.

Despite being open daily, the schedule may change slightly on public holidays, so it is recommended to check the current opening hours by phone or on the official website before visiting on such dates.

The restaurant's location in the city's historic core makes it easy to combine an exquisite dinner with walks to interesting sites. Exploring the surroundings after visiting Zig Zag will help you feel the city's atmosphere more deeply and see local life beyond the main tourist routes.

Below is a list of sites located relatively nearby that may be of interest to visit: