10 Best Restaurants in Cuenca, Ecuador
Quick Facts About Restaurants In Cuenca
| Checked as open | Tiesto's, Mangiare Benne, El Jardín, La Esquina, San Sebas Café, Moliendo Café and Fabbiano's |
|---|---|
| Renamed | Casa Alonso now trades as Cocotte, at the Mansión Alcázar boutique hotel |
| Closed | Tutto Matto Pizzeria has closed for good, so skip it |
| Café de Nucallacta | Open at Hermano Miguel 562 and Honorato Vásquez |
| Local dishes on this page | Cuy, hornado, llapingachos, empanadas and locro de camarón |
Our Take On Restaurants In Cuenca
I spent over 7 days in Cuenca. To my surprise, this small and charming Ecuadorian city gave me one of the most unique gastronomic experiences. I tried street food with a local guide and visited restaurants on my own.
I’ve spent over 7 days in Cuenca, and to my surprise, this small and charming Ecuadorian city provided me with one of the most unique gastronomic experiences. I took both specific gastro tours—some included culinary classes—as well as tried street food with a local guide and visited restaurants on my own. All of these are shared below. Before I proceed to my favorite restaurants in Cuenca and what I tried, let me share the tours I took and loved.
1. I was mostly interested in Cuenca’s street food (at first), of course, and one of the major attractions is cuy (grilled guinea pig). However, I wasn’t sure about the best street vendors, how to eat it, or what other Cuencan street food specialties to try. I was walking through booths like this and honestly, I was scared to get it, lol.
But my Airbnb host recommended this Street Food Tour in Cuenca, Ecuador, and I can’t explain how much it helped me get the experience I wanted, because I not only understood what is what and how to eat it, but also didn’t speak Spanish. This tour has such a nice guide, and I’ve met other food-lover travelers, so later we explored food gems together. We tried many authentic foods and drinks, and the tour itself is so cheap (check the price here), but food and drinks are not included—though they are dirt cheap in Cuenca, e.g., empanadas for only $3.
2. During this street tour, one of the food lover fellas raved about a unique Cuenca food tasting experience with a local chef, where he tried 32 unique tastes that showcase Ecuador’s rich biodiversity. He named it “a fusion of Andean roots”.
You’re basically trying out Ecuador in one sitting. The experience was hosted by a local Cuencan chef who perfectly cooked everything. It was extremely delicious and not just about the food itself, but the chef also explained how to eat it and paired everything with the country’s traditional drinks I’ve never tried before, like chicha and canelazo. I’ve tried one of the most tender hornado (slow-roasted whole pig), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), and many, many more local desserts. If you are into food, this tour was a MUST TRY.
3. Okay, and finally, it’s optional, but after discovering such culinary secrets of Cuenca and realizing it’s probably the best Ecuadorian gastro city, I took this Food Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems in Cuenca, and some places were so delicious and unique. I’d definitely never have stepped foot in these places on my own. Not to mention, it’s always good to support local spots!
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. Finally, here are some of the best restaurants in Cuenca that you won’t want to miss I tried on my own!
Is Tiesto's A Good Restaurant In Cuenca For Ecuadorian Food?
Tiesto's serves Ecuadorian and Andean dishes by Chef Juan Carlos Solano, and it remains open. The dining room feels like a grand colonial house with high ceilings, colorful tableware and hats on the walls. Dishes are cooked on-site with fresh seafood and tender steaks. Locro de Camarón, a shrimp soup, is a favorite choice.
| Restaurant | Style of food | Detail from this page |
|---|---|---|
| Tiesto's | Ecuadorian and Andean | Hearty homely dishes served like a grand colonial house |
| Mangiare Benne | Italian | Handmade pasta since 2009, courtyard with glass ceiling |
| Casa Alonso (now Cocotte) | International and Ecuadorian | Gourmet dining at Mansión Alcázar with gardens and fine details |
| El Jardín | National, international and local gourmet | 35 years in the Victoria Hotel, great salad variety |
| La Esquina Calle Larga | Argentine | Colonial house in the historic center with extensive wine list |
| San Sebas Café | North American comfort food | Generous portions, known for breakfast and brunch |
| Moliendo Café | Ecuadorian Colombian | Affordable lunch, fresh juices and imported Colombian drinks |
| Fabbiano's | Italian, pizza | Beloved since 2011, fresh ingredients, great crust, delivery |
| Café de Nucallacta | Specialty coffee and breakfast | Sourced and roasted premium Ecuadorian coffee, home delivery |
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.
Where Can You Eat Italian Food At Mangiare Benne In Cuenca?
Mangiare Benne sits on the ground floor of Hostal Posada del Ángel and is checked as open. The menu is Italian, with handmade pasta based on recipes created by the owners. The interior courtyard has tables under a glass ceiling with natural sunlight. A glass of wine pairs well with the reasonably priced meal.
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!
What Happened To Casa Alonso Restaurant In Cuenca?
Now operates as Cocotte at the same address.
Casa Alonso (now Cocotte) operates at the Mansión Alcázar boutique hotel. The restaurant serves international and Ecuadorian gastronomy with fresh ingredients. It sits among beautiful gardens with large picture windows, and the room holds art objects, pewter plaques, silver cutlery, artisanal glass plates and crystal glassware, so the setting is elegant and inviting.
Casa Alonso offers an extraordinary dining experience filled with gourmet flavors, fresh ingredients, and exquisite recipes. The restaurant has since been renamed Cocotte and now operates at the Mansión Alcázar boutique hotel. 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!
Is Restaurante El Jardin In Cuenca Still Open?
El Jardín is on the lower level of the Victoria Hotel and is checked as open. The menu covers national, international and local gastronomy, with an extensive salad selection as a highlight. Dining can be indoors, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is known as one of Cuenca's gourmet spots.
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!
What Is La Esquina Calle Larga In Cuenca Like?
La Esquina Calle Larga is a colonial house in the historic center of Cuenca, checked as open. Dishes are prepared using traditional Argentine methods, and the service is attentive. The wine list is extensive, with options for different tastes, and staff give recommendations on which wines pair best with each meal.
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!
Is San Sebas Cafe In Cuenca Good For Breakfast?
San Sebas Cafe serves contemporary comfort food from North America and is checked as open. Portions are generous at a fair price, and the menu covers a large selection of dishes. It is known as Cuenca's home for breakfast for over 10 years, with breakfast and brunch options among the draws.
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!
What Kind Of Food Does Moliendo Cafe In Cuenca Serve?
Moliendo Cafe is an Ecuadorian-Colombian eatery, checked as open, and a good pick for lunch in Cuenca. Food is affordable, and fresh juices are on offer. The Colombian owners import Postobon soda and Aguila and Poker beer from Colombia, which adds a touch of authenticity to the meal.
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!
Does Fabbianos Pizzeria In Cuenca Deliver?
Fabbiano's Pizzeria serves Italian cuisine with pizzas made from fresh ingredients and a great crust, and it is checked as open. The pizzeria is popular among tourists and offers delivery through its website. It works for both lunch and dinner, whether dining in or eating at home.
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!
Where Is Cafe De Nucallacta In Cuenca?
Cafe De Nucallacta began as a specialty coffee exporter and works in every link of the coffee supply chain. It sources and roasts premium Ecuadorian coffee, and the menu includes breakfast items, pastries, fast foods and many coffee beverages. Locations include Hermano Miguel 562 and Honorato Vásquez, and home delivery is available in Cuenca.
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!
Is Tutto Matto Pizzeria In Cuenca Still Open?
Closed permanently.
Tutto Matto Pizzeria has closed for good, so it is no longer a place to book in Cuenca. It used to serve Italian fare, pizza, beer and wine in a lively setting, but the doors are now shut. For pizza in Cuenca, Fabbiano's Pizzeria is checked as open instead.
Tutto Matto Pizzeria is now permanently closed, so it is no longer a place to book in Cuenca. 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. Our meal there was a good one, but the pizzeria is now permanently closed.
What Food Is Cuenca In Ecuador Known For?
Cuenca's restaurants blend traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, and nearly all eateries prioritize fresh market ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Street food specials include cuy, hornado, llapingachos, empanadas and locro de camarón. The mix of atmosphere, food and friendly people made the trip one to repeat and recommend.
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!
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I spent 15 days traveling from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, 11 of them in a rental car, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
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Questions About Restaurants In Cuenca
What food is Cuenca known for?
Cuenca is known for cuy (grilled guinea pig), hornado (slow-roasted whole pig), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), empanadas, local desserts, and the drinks chicha and canelazo. The shrimp soup locro de camarón at Tiesto's is also recommended.
What is a cuy in Ecuador?
Cuy is grilled guinea pig, one of the major attractions of Cuenca's street food. A street food tour with a local guide helps visitors understand which vendors to choose and how to order and eat it.
What is Cuenca, Ecuador famous for?
After more than a week there, Cuenca is called probably the best Ecuadorian gastro city, with street food, cooking classes, and a wide range of picturesque restaurants serving authentic Ecuadorian dishes.
What are the best restaurants in Ecuador?
For Cuenca, recommended restaurants include Tiesto's, Mangiare Benne, Casa Alonso (now Cocotte), El Jardín, La Esquina Calle Larga, San Sebas Café, Moliendo Café, Fabbiano's, and Café de Nucallacta. Tutto Matto Pizzeria has permanently closed.
