Top 10 restaurants in Cuenca, Ecuador

October 21, 2017 Esmeralda Fenner

Writers and poets have long flourished in arts-oriented Cuenca, the country's third-largest city and the capital of the Azuay province. Cafes and galleries are tucked among the narrow cobblestone streets. The main plaza hosts both the old cathedral, started in 1557, the year the city was founded, and the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dating to 1885. Locally made Panama hats get top billing at the markets, with centrally located Casa de la Mujer a shopping standout.
Things to do in Cuenca

1. Tiesto's

Juan Jaramillo 4-89 | and Mariano Cueva, City Centre, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Ecuadorean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +593 7-283-5310
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Tiesto's

Reviewed By Charles G - Eugene, Oregon

My wife and had Valentine’s Day dinner at Tiesto’s and really enjoyed it. We had the Menu de degustación (Tasting menu) number 1, which consisted of shrimp soup, prawns, chicken, and beef. Two glasses of wine or other beverages were included. Each dish was beautifully prepared and there were also several side dishes and sauces to accompany the meal. The dessert of praline cake was also delicious. Come hungry because even though the portions are of reasonable size, it’s a lot of food. Our waiter, Sabastian, was very attentive and described the courses in English. The total bill for two was about $80.

2. Mangiare Benne Restaurante

Estevez de Toral 8-91 y Simon Bolivar, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +593 7-282-6233
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

Mangiare Benne Restaurante

Reviewed By Rebecca D - Cuenca, Ecuador

This restaurant, although rather pricey for Cuenca, is always superb. It’s a quaint little restaurant with great service and delicious food. The pasta is home-made and there are several types of pastas as well as sauces. The steak and chicken meals are wonderful, as well. I’ve never had anything less than delicious everytime for the last 7 years.

3. Casa Alonso

Simon Bolivar 12-55 y Calle Tarqui | Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, International, European, South American, Ecuadorean, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$118 - HK$196 +593 7-282-3889
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 170 reviews

Casa Alonso

Reviewed By EMILE D - Guatemala City, Guatemala

This is one of the most elegant restaurants in Cuenca. Located inside the Mansion Alcazar hotel at the garden area. I ordered a “Ceviche” as an entre and was very good. Also tried dishes of shrimp and fish that were good too. Few tables, about 10. Good service. Medium range prices $15 - $20 main dish.

4. Restaurante El Jardin

Calle Larga 6-93 y Antonio Borrero | dentro del Hotel Victoria, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available Ecuadorean, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night HK$63 - HK$157 +593 7-282-7401
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 271 reviews

Restaurante El Jardin

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

I came here a few times from when it was just the chef and his assistant to when they hired help. Don't know any of them personally- went there with family and friends. The one inarguable element here is the food. It is delicious. I had people at my table try the fish I ordered and order a second meal for themselves. The setting is quite pleasant and it is a nice change from the day to day downtown. Ofcourse service/location/price are all subjective to the individual- but the quality of the food is sure to satisfy anyone. I hope they stay in business for a long time because the food/ambiance is quite unique to the Cuenca restaurant scene and it's such a treat to have this as an option.

5. La Esquina Calle Larga

Calle Larga | Hermano Miguel, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards Latin, International, Argentinean, South American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +593 7-284-5344
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 463 reviews

La Esquina Calle Larga

Tipical Argentinan restaurant. Iron disc cooking style.<br><br><br>Iron disc?<br>An iron disk is a skillet pan, made for an artisan blacksmith, they give a special touch and distinguished flavour to our dishes. we cooked in them and you can served at the table, like a sharing plate.<br><br>You already know what an iron disc is, now you are ready to choose which one you want to share with your family, friends or partner or by yourself.<br><br>We offer a variety of them: chicken, beef, seafood, shrimp, risottos, pastas, fish, vegetarian, ...<br>And multiples sauces: cabernet, mustard, nevada, Thai, ...<br><br>You can not leave us without to try our homemade desserts, made by own pastry chef.<br>So delicious that you will struggle to choose one of them !!<br><br>We have a variety of wines. you will be suprise with our wine list. Wines for all tastes and palates and always get the best advice about wines to get with your food.

Reviewed By KGirll99 - Chicago, Illinois

Who would have thought we would find a taste of Argentinian cuisine done perfectly right in Cuenca? Food might seem pricey when compared to usual prices in Ecuador but the portions are huge. We had two discos for six people and we still had plenty of leftovers. Not to mention that they have a great selection of wines. One of the most memorable restaurants in Ecuador.

6. San Sebas Cafe

San Sebastian 1-94 y Mariscal Sucre | On the Corner of Plaza de San Sebastian, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$16 - HK$55 +593 7-284-3496
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 465 reviews

San Sebas Cafe

Open Wednesday through Sunday 8:30am - 3:00pm. Offering Great American Breakfasts and Daily Gourmet Sandwich and Salad Specials. Always Serving Organic Coffee Roasted Fresh Weekly. Come Relax, and Enjoy Our Tranquil Atmosphere and Views of the Gorgeous San Sebastian Park.

Reviewed By Kloisli - Niederhasli, Switzerland

This is clearly a "Gringo" place in Cuenca. Opens at 8.30am and you definitely should go there to have your breakfast! Wide range of offering, different coffees, pancakes, integral bread and so on. Size of portions - outstanding! Price is absolutely fair. Well known among foreigners!

7. Moliendo Cafe

Honorato Vasquez 6-24, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Latin, South American, Colombian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast +593 7-282-8710
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 259 reviews

Moliendo Cafe

Reviewed By elijah c - New Orleans, Louisiana

I've come here twice in the past several days and it's very nice! The set dinner with juice is $3.50 for the meat of your choice, rice, beans, plantain, and salad. The other dishes going out looked really great, so I will try a more expensive option next time ($4.50-$7)

8. Fabianos Pizzeria

President Cordova 4-84 y Mariano Cueva | From Catedral Take Calle Sucre Go Down Three Blocks and Mariano Cueva Make Rigth, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +593 99 293 8531
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 664 reviews

Fabianos Pizzeria

Reviewed By dmb91 - Somerville, New Jersey

We ordered a Florentino white pizza for Delivery on their website. The process was very easy, we received emails as to where the order was in the process. Jackie called to confirm the directions to our house. From order to Delivery was about 30 minutes with no issues at all. The pizza was one of the best we have eaten, all the ingredients were fresh, the crust was excellent. If you do not feel like going to the restaurant, their Delivery service is excellent.

9. Cafe de Nucallacta

Hermano Miguel 562 | between Juan Jaramillo and Honorato Vasquez, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +593 98 619 0490
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Cafe de Nucallacta

Cuenca&apos;s artisan coffee roaster. We roast small batches of premium Ecuadorian coffee, we also serve freshly brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks, both hot and cold. Try our coffee and other drinks with our breakfast or lunch menu.

Reviewed By Werner D - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Wandered in spontanouesly yesterday. Discovered a tiny oasis in the back. The incredibly kind waitress customized my favorite Sandwich without hesitations. Great coffee as well. Perfect lunch spot, props.

10. Tutto Matto Pizzeria

Av Fray Vicente Solano 851 y Alfonso Moreno Mora, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Delivery Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$24 - HK$78 +593 7-288-2494
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 227 reviews

Tutto Matto Pizzeria

Authentic Brooklyn,New York Pizza...Excellent Calzone... Delicious Pastas and Fresh Salads in a relaxed and cozy environment. Now, we featured 4 diffrent delicious Hamburgers.We also serve Beer and Wine!!!

Reviewed By paulI94RY - Cuenca, Ecuador

Had the Greek Salad and Chicken Parmigiana. The sauce was perfect and the whole meal was delightful. The owners do such a good job as cook and hostess. The meal was reasonably priced and we had a great evening. I highly recommend this resturaunt.

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