Cuenca, which means “basin” in Spanish, is nestled on a plateau surrounded by majestic mountains. The city is renowned for its vibrant festivals, unique cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
Cuenca boasts a wide range of picturesque restaurants where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Ecuadorian dishes. The food in Cuenca is truly a delight to sample and indulge in. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cuenca that you won’t want to miss!
1. Tiesto’s
At Tiesto’s, Chef Juan Carlos Solano serves hearty, homely dishes that highlight Ecuadorian and Andean ingredients. The restaurant feels like stepping into a grand colonial house, complete with high ceilings and brightly colored tableware.
The name “Tiesto” comes from the clay pot (tiesto de barro) traditionally used in Andean culture to dry-roast coffee, corn, wheat, or barley. I was truly amazed by the dining area, which is adorned with hats and other quirky artifacts, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere that made our dining experience even more enjoyable!
I was genuinely impressed by the Ecuadorian food at Tiesto’s—all dishes are cooked right on-site, featuring fresh seafood and incredibly tender steaks, all beautifully presented. I always recommend trying my favorite shrimp soup, Locro de Camarón, along with any of their house desserts. Honestly, everything at Tiesto is impressive! It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Ecuadorian cuisine.
2. Mangiare Benne Restaurante
Mangiare Bene is situated on the ground floor of Hostal Posada del Ángel and has been delighting diners since it opened its doors in 2009. This charming restaurant was created as the perfect complement to the hostel, featuring a menu of Italian cuisine that pays homage to the grandparents of the owners.
The recipes are original and crafted by the owners themselves, ensuring a personal touch. Their pasta dishes are traditionally handmade with carefully selected ingredients, prioritizing taste and quality to offer customers the best Italian dining experience. It’s a wonderful spot for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors in Cuenca!
I absolutely loved the seating area at Mangiare Bene. The quaint interior courtyard is simply amazing, with tables perfectly positioned to soak in the natural sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling. I left feeling completely satisfied and full, thoroughly impressed by the quality of the pasta and the delicious sauce.
My dining experience was perfect, enhanced by a lovely glass of wine alongside an excellent and reasonably priced meal. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a delightful Italian dining experience in Cuenca!
3. Casa Alonso
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Casa Alonso offers an extraordinary dining experience filled with gourmet flavors, fresh ingredients, and exquisite recipes. The restaurant specializes in both international and Ecuadorian gastronomy, crafted to delight even the most discerning palates. I can confidently say that the delicious food left my stomach feeling full and satisfied. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a truly memorable culinary adventure!
I was truly impressed with Casa Alonso, as it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and large picture windows that create a serene atmosphere. Everywhere I looked, there were delicate art objects, pewter plaques, silver cutlery, artisanal glass plates, and crystal glassware. The hand-woven tapestry added a unique touch, making the dining environment feel both elegant and inviting. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate!
4. Restaurante El Jardin
Located on the lower level of the Victoria Hotel, El Jardín has been delighting guests for 35 years and is renowned as one of Cuenca’s best gourmet restaurants. I absolutely love their tasty food, but for me, the variety of salads they offer is the highlight.
With an extensive menu featuring national, international, and local gastronomy, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal indoors, surrounded by exceptional people. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a memorable dining experience!
5. La Esquina Calle Larga
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La Esquina Calle Larga is a charming colonial house that exudes a homely and warm atmosphere. We were welcomed with an exquisite meal and truly unique service at this elegant spot located in the historic center of Cuenca.
The combination of attentive service, inviting ambiance, and a fantastic food selection made our experience superb. We enjoyed unique dishes prepared using traditional Argentine methods, which added a delightful twist to our dining adventure. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend!
They also offered us an impressive variety of wines, and I was pleasantly surprised by their extensive wine list! It featured options for all tastes and palates. The staff provided us with excellent recommendations on which wines would pair best with our meals, enhancing our dining experience even further. It was a thoughtful touch that truly showcased their commitment to quality service and an enjoyable culinary adventure!
6. San Sebas Cafe
In a welcoming and informal setting, San Sebas Cafe serves up contemporary comfort food from North America that is sure to please your palate. I was impressed by the generous portion sizes of every dish, all at a fair price. With such a large selection of food, I found myself wanting to order almost everything on the menu! The meal left me with a significant portion, and I walked away with a happy tummy!
San Sebas Cafe is known as “Cuenca’s Home for Breakfast for over 10 Years,” and it’s easy to see why people love visiting. Their delicious breakfast and brunch options make it a popular spot. I will definitely be sure to come back here!
7. Moliendo Cafe
Moliendo Cafe is a must-visit for lunch in Cuenca. This Ecuadorian-Colombian eatery serves delicious food at an affordable price, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal.
Our taste buds were delighted by the fresh juices they offered. The Colombian owners of Moliendo Cafe also import Postobon soda and Aguila and Poker beer from Colombia, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a flavorful meal and feel the warmth of the local culture!
8. Fabbianos Pizzeria
Fabiano’s Pizzeria has been delighting diners since 2011 and is quickly becoming a favorite in Cuenca. If you enjoy pizza as much as I do and are looking for a delicious slice to complement an elegant Italian meal for lunch or dinner, then Fabiano’s Pizzeria is the place to be.
They offer a wide range of Italian cuisine, and their mouthwatering pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and have a great crust that we just can’t resist. It’s no wonder Fabiano’s Pizzeria is one of the most beloved restaurants in Cuenca, especially among tourists!
They also provide excellent delivery through their website, just in case you don’t feel like going out. We never missed an opportunity to visit Fabiano’s Pizzeria during our time in Cuenca. Whether dining in or enjoying a cozy meal at home, their delicious pizzas always hit the spot!
9. Cafe De Nucallacta
Cafe De Nucallacta started as a specialty coffee exporter and has been involved in every link of the coffee supply chain. They source and roast some of the finest premium Ecuadorian coffee, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers.
In addition to their exceptional coffee, Cafe De Nucallacta offers a delightful selection of breakfast items, pastries, and fast foods, along with a wide variety of coffee beverages to choose from. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal or a delicious cup of coffee!
As a coffee lover, I jumped at the opportunity to visit Cafe De Nucallacta. The rich aroma of their coffee truly made my day! If you’re a fellow coffee enthusiast like me, I highly recommend checking out their place to try their coffee specialties. And if you prefer to stay in, they also offer home delivery in Cuenca, making it easy to enjoy their delicious brews from the comfort of your own home!
10. Tutto Matto Pizzeria
Tutto Matto Pizzeria is rated as the number one pizzeria and the second-best overall restaurant in Cuenca by TripAdvisor, making it an investor’s dream. The heart of this restaurant lies in its Italian fare, and the ambiance and flavors remind me of New York City’s best pizzas and pasta.
They offer a wide range of mouthwatering pizza specialties, and we truly enjoyed every slice of our pizza. The combination of quality ingredients and authentic recipes made our dining experience unforgettable!
Tutto Matto Pizzeria also serves beer and wine, which is perfect if you want to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant. Since we enjoyed the ambiance so much and wanted to stay a little longer, we decided to order some wine to complement our meal. I can confidently say that Tutto Matto Pizzeria is indeed a recommendable place for anyone looking to indulge in delicious food while enjoying a great vibe!
Bottom Line
The food in Cuenca, Ecuador, is a true delight to sample and indulge in. The restaurants and their culinary scene offer a wonderful blend of traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
It’s clear that nearly all eateries in Cuenca prioritize fresh market ingredients and rely on traditional cooking methods. When it comes to Cuenca’s food scene, there is no shortage of delicious restaurants serving up authentic cuisine.
From the charming atmosphere of the places to the delectable food and the friendly people we met, our experience was truly unforgettable. I will definitely return and recommend Cuenca to my friends. Don’t miss the chance to savor the serenity and culinary delights of each restaurant when you visit Cuenca, Ecuador!
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