La Shola Ristro & Lounge

We came here based on a recommendation from the hotel. The service was slow but they were swamped with 3 groups (between 8-12 people each) from the same travel company in front of us. We are a couple with a 15-month old and they didn't give us any priority over the larger groups. However the alpaca meat dish was superb- would eat that over and over again. Pasta was nothing special.

My husband and I ate here based solely on great recommendations we found on Tripadvisor. What a disappointment! The place is not welcoming at all (picture a mix of a family living room mixed with a banquet hall with balloons included), with uncomfortable chairs. We arrived and the place was empty with the exception of the family that apparently lives there and also runs the place, who were watching a TV show with their baby. The TV was very loud and there was loud pop music at the same time coming from other speakers. They did not seem prepared to welcome guests. When we ordered a pisco and an Inka Cola the parents had to send their son to the local grocery store to buy the drinks. The food was just OK, but definitely nowhere near the quality expected from the reviews we had read. I would not have gone.

La Shola is probably the best restaurant you can find in Ollantaytambo! Located very near the plaza, but totally different from what you can find around. The menu is really complete with both peruvian and fusion cuisine. The food is really excellent, the presentation and quantity are perfect, and all that for a very reasonable price! Don't hesitate to have a try!

I'll agree with other reviewers - it's not a fancy restaurant. However, it was really the kind of family-owned restaurant I expected to find in Ollantaytambo. The seating was comfortable and the food was good. No one in our group of four was disappointed. The only reason I wouldn't go back is there are other restaurants I would like to try if I'm lucky enough to return to Ollantaytambo - otherwise, I would certainly recommend that you give this place a try.

The main meals we had were very good, probably the best we had in ollantaytambo- well presented and very flavoursome. However, a couple of things to consider - the blender to make pisco sours was in the bar area within the restaurant (it was used 5 times just in our meal!), the seats are sofa like so a little uncomfortable to eat at a table, there is a large TV and both doors were open which made it cold and a view of the bathroom. Our starter never arrived and the waitress seemed put out that we cancelled it when our main meals arrived. But the food is very good...