For the best coffee in Arequipa, start with Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría, Ristretto, and Oso Café Arequipa. These cafes serve high-quality coffee and are conveniently located near the historic center. If you’re looking for something sweet to go with your coffee, visit Masamama, Sweet Memories, or Aleiana Brunch & Cake. Meanwhile, Mi Kcao offers the best rooftop coffee experience in the city.
After being spoiled by all the great coffee shops in Cusco, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I moved on to Arequipa and ended up being pleasantly surprised by all of the city’s specialty roasters and stylish cafes. Since I visited Arequipa, many more places have opened up to offer even more variety.
This guide pulls together the very best places to drink coffee in Arequipa so you can skip the guesswork and go straight to the good stuff. All the cafes are also pinned on the map below.
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Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría
There’s no clearer sign that you’re a top coffee shop in Arequipa than being on the list of the world’s 100 best coffee shops. In 2026, Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría was ranked 17th. It claims the top spot among coffee shops in Peru, and I can see why. Kafi Wasi roasts its own coffee beans, which are available for sale in the cafe. It has an extensive coffee menu, as well as a slow bar experience where you can select your bean for drip coffee.
Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría is the perfect place for either a coffee or a full meal. I had the Americano for breakfast, which includes eggs, toast, sausage, and a side salad.
There’s indoor seating and outdoor seating in their lovely courtyard.
Oso Café Arequipa
Nestled inside a sunny white stone courtyard, Oso Café Arequipa is one of my favorite cafes in Arequipa and where I chose to have my last meal before I went to the airport. Aside from the beautiful setting, Oso Café Arequipa has a large menu that includes espresso-based cocktails. I appreciated their selection of savory breakfasts that weren’t just avocado toast, and every flat white I had there was excellent.
Ristretto – Arequipa
It can be easy to miss Ristretto, as it’s located on the edge of Arequipa’s historical center. But beyond its unassuming exterior, you’ll find some of the best coffee and waffles in Arequipa. In fact, I think their waffles outshine their coffee. The waffles are huge and fluffy, and they’re generous with the toppings.
The small cafe has limited seating outside and on its first floor, but there’s a second floor with a couch and more tables and chairs. Ristretto has wifi and there are a few outlets on the second floor, making it a great place to work too.
Masamama – Bakery & Mill
Masamama – Bakery & Mill is not only a great place to grab coffee, but it’s also one of the best bakeries in Arequipa. They source their coffee from Three Monkeys, a specialty coffee shop in Cusco that’s consistently ranked among the 100 best coffee shops in the world.
What I love about Masamama is its variety of freshly baked goods that range from loaves of bread to croissants and scones. I had the pain au chocolat, which had a crunchy shell that flaked away to reveal a buttery, soft interior.
Isidro Comedor
Isidro Comedor is one of the most delightful cafes that I visited in Arequipa. I was only able to dine there once, but I wish I had gone there more often, since the place is run by a friendly couple and everything is made from scratch. From the coffee to the food, everything they serve is high quality.
There are a few tables and counter seating when you enter Isidro Comedor, but I recommend sitting in their covered courtyard if the weather’s nice. The courtyard has larger tables, plants, and even the smoker that they use to smoke their own meats.
Kulto Café
Kulto Café opened toward the end of 2025, but it has quickly established itself as one of the best coffee shops in Arequipa. Whether you’re a coffee purist or a fan of flavored lattes, Kulto has a little bit of something for everyone. It has your standard espresso drinks, along with fun coffee drinks like an orange cold brew and flavored lattes.
Sweet Memories – Pastry, Bakery & Coffee
Sweet Memories is the place to go for coffee and beautiful croissants. The display of colorfully striped croissants are the first thing you’ll notice when walking in. There are the standard croissant flavors, like pistachio and chocolate. But there are also more unique options, such as cherimoya, mango and passionfruit, and lemon and blueberry.
Although I prefer the croissants at Masamama, I recommend giving Sweet Memories a try too. For the best selection of pastries, you may want to go later in the day. I visited 1.5 hours after they opened and there were only a few types of croissants available in their pastry case.
Mi Kcao Chocolates y Cafe Rooftop
Mi Kcao Chocolates y Cafe Rooftop has the best view of all the coffee shops on this list. It’s a bit hidden, since there’s only a small sign outside indicating that you need to ring the doorbell to be let in. Once you’ve been buzzed in, take two flights of stairs up to the rooftop where the cafe is located.
Although this is a lovely place to sit and sip on a coffee at any time of the day, I think the best time to enjoy the views is during sunset. Even though I went on a rainy evening, I still managed to catch some colors light up the sky.
Aleiana Brunch & Cake
Aleiana Brunch & Cake is located in the same courtyard as Oso Café Arequipa, and it’s the best option if you’re in the mood for an afternoon coffee with cake. Aleiana is also a good choice for breakfast or brunch, as there’s a small selection of toasts and sandwiches.
FAQs
What is the best coffee shop in Arequipa?
If you’re looking for specialty coffee, Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría is one of the best coffee shops in Arequipa. It focuses on high-quality Peruvian beans and expert brewing methods. Ristretto, Oso Café Arequipa, and Kulto Café are also excellent options.
Is Arequipa good for coffee?
Yes, Arequipa is one of the best cities in Peru for coffee. Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría is ranked among the top 20 coffee shops in the world, and the city has a growing specialty coffee scene. Most of the best coffee shops are clustered around the historic center, making it easy to cafe hop or try a different place every day of your trip.
Does Arequipa have specialty coffee?
Yes. Arequipa has a growing specialty coffee culture. Cafes like Kafi Wasi and Ristretto source high-quality Peruvian coffee beans and offer carefully prepared espresso drinks, pour-overs, and other brewing methods.
Where can I buy coffee beans in Arequipa?
Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría is one of the best places to buy coffee beans in Arequipa. The cafe roasts its own beans, making it the perfect place to try different beans and buy a bag of your favorite ones to bring home.
More resources for traveling Peru
- 19 Best Restaurants in Arequipa: Where to Eat and Drink
- How Many Days in Arequipa: All the Info You Need to Decide
- Is Colca Canyon Worth It? Pros and Cons to Help You Decide
- Ruta del Sillar Tour Review & Recap: Is It Worth It?
- 10 Best Cafes in Cusco, Peru for Amazing Coffee
