Cuenca Eats

Alika

"For a little more money than traditional lunch, people come here for the ambience and exclusive environment."

Roberto Crespo Toral y Luis Moreno Mora

Ananda Comida Vegetariana

Hermano Miguel

"Fresh juices are excellent."

Hermano Miguel y Juan Jaramillo

Arugula

El Estadio

"The offerings are also diverse, varying from curry, burgers, tofu and, one of our favorites, cauliflower wings."

Florencia Astudillo y Av. 12 de Abril

Asados de Doña Mechita

Remigio Crespo

"From time to time, it offers grilled chicken and pork, tempting everyone from afar with the delicious aroma of the grill smoke."

Remigio Crespo Toral y Brasil

Bistro Yaku

Centro Histórico

"New since the pandemic and a masterpiece."

Luis Cordero y Juan Jaramillo

Black Lunch & Sweets

"Once inside, the noise and the busy street scene fade into a much more relaxed environment."

Cornelio Merchan y Jose Peralta

Café de Charito

"She said it was not too sweet or oily, had a good chocolate foundation, and was served very hot in a large elegant mug."

Jeronimo Carrión y Guapondelig

Café Del Parque

El Estadio

"The coffee is fresh and served in a French press with frothed milk on the side."

Av. del Estadio y Roberto Crespo Toral

Café Florida

"Women-owned and operated, the coffee is good and the Ecuadorian-themed music is familiar and welcoming."

Av Amazonas y EcuadorDesayuno/Almuerzo

Café Ñucallacta

Hermano Miguel

"Excellent local coffee prepared in various ways, including an espresso machine with forced steam."

Hermano Miguel y Honorato Vásquez

Café Plaza

"Its location makes it an ideal place for people-watching."

Loja y Lorenzo Piedra

Cafetería Dianita

El Estadio

"The interior is beautifully painted and the food is prepared quickly and abundantly."

Las Herrerías y Av. 12 de Abril

Cafetería El Continental

Centro Histórico

"Delicious tortillas, made with love by the owner: Zoila."

Honorato Vásquez y Manuel Vega

Cafetería La Marena

El Batán

"Light local food such as tigrillos, bolones, empanadas and the like."

Unidad Nacional y Calle del Batan

Cafetería Las Herrerías

El Estadio

"Stuffed patacones are one of my favorites because they’re an unusual variation on this traditional dish."

Las Herrerías y Av. 12 de Abril

Cafeteria Reina del Cisne

El Estadio

"A lovely place to eat and watch people."

Mercado 12 de Abril

Camaron De Oro

El Batán

"Their chaulafan is full of shrimp, chicken and meat, and comes with avocado and ripe plantains."

Unidad Nacional y Pichincha

Cantina La Única Cuenca

Centro Histórico

"The atmosphere is less formal, the space is larger and more cozy and the food is better."

Benigno Malo y Simón Bolívar

Carne y Fuego

Centro Histórico

"As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in grilled meats, including chicken, beef and pork."

Vargas Machucha y Honorato Vásquez

Casa Vieja restaurante

"The food, music and the atmosphere are always charming, like the people who cook us and serve us."

Off Route E582, nearing the Cajas

Ceviche de la Y

"Cooked in the Ecuadorian style, the ceviche has a delicious soup base."

Doce de Octubre y Vasco Nuñez de Balboa

Cevicheria 12 de Abril

"The fried whole fish dish, often sold out by mid-afternoon, comes with a fish that is larger than the plate."

Cacique Chamba y Pa. de los Cañaris

Cevichería el Machaleño

"Tucked away on a quiet side street, the encebollados are filled with an abundance of fresh fish."

Venezuela y Jamaica

Chuzos de la 12

"It only opens in the evening after the nearby market is closed and the sun is setting."

General Eloy Alfaro y Guapondelig

Clandestino

"When they gave us samples of his hand-crafted pasta and sauces, we were sold for life."

Presidente Córdova y Coronel Guillermo Tálbot

Come Bien

El Batán

"A spacious and clean place to have lunch in the barrio, very popular with neighborhood residents."

Unidad Nacional y Perú

Comedor Doña Mary

"Come early because if you arrive after the morning crowd, the llapingachos and other favorites will be sold out."

Latinoamericana y Brasil

Comer Sanar Vivir

Centro Histórico

"The inspired all-vegetarian lunch menu changes each day."

Honorato Vásquez y Presidente Borrero

Corvel

"A lovely restaurant with indoor and outdoor levels, including a beautiful garden seating area with hummingbird feeders."

Páute

Cositas

Centro Histórico

"The walls are filled with peculiar art and napkins on which customers have written poetry and captured heartful moments shared with friends and family."

Simón Bolívar y Vargas Machucha

Cucayo

"For $3.50, the coastal breakfast includes a plantain tortilla, egg, avocado, fresh juice and non-instant coffee."

Benigno Malo y Juan Jaramillo

Cueva

"The dining space is set in a historic continuously-operating sanctuary that overlooks the hillside church gardens and below them, the Tomebamba river."

Complejo Todosantos, Calle Larga y Mariano

Dmousse Pasteleria

Centro Histórico

Reviewed in Cuenca Eats by James Li.

Luis Cordero y Av. Heroes de Verdeloma

Dolce & Ricco

Las Herrerías

"Popular with locals, a secret hideout for tourists."

Las Herrerías

EcuaColombia

"The menu includes both traditional Ecuadorian and Colombian dishes, and both are expertly cooked."

Juan José Flores y Calle Jacinto Jijón

El Arriero

"Never a tourist to be seen, this family-favorite restaurant displays the heart of traditional Cuenca."

Latinoamericana a Parque del Ángel

El Broster De Goku

Remigio Crespo

"But for a solid meal at an economic price, it is worth considering."

Remigio Crespo Toral y Latinoamericana

El Buen Sabor

"On a busy street with a half dozen other eateries, this long-standing tiny restaurant is arguably the most popular."

Manuel Vega y Gran Colombia

El Café de Fany

"It was creamy instead of lumpy and had a good amount of crunchy cheese and pork."

Parque de San Blas, San Blas y Manuel Vega

El Cafecito de la Abuela

"Humitas, quimbolitos and tamales are traditionally prepared and are as exquisite now as they were when our adult friends were still children."

La Condamine y Puente del Vado

El Cafetal de Loja

"My partner has tried hot chocolate in Cuenca for years and says that chocolate here is exceptional."

Nicanor Aguilar y Solano

El Chavi’s

"Eclectic indoor and outdoor spaces in a large traditional setting fronted by a plantain frying station."

El Condor y De los Paltas

El Fogón de Benja

El Batán

"The pitchers of juice, hot chocolate and lemonade are enormous and easily enough for two people."

Unidad Nacional y Zamora Chinchipe

El Huerto

"By the end of breakfast, all the tables were filled with young professionals and lovely Cuencanans, giving the space a remarkable and relaxing atmosphere."

Cotopaxi a Parque La Paz

El Imperio del Pan

El Batán

"Of the thousands of bakeries in Cuenca, this is the one that most people in Cuenca know or have heard of."

Unidad Nacional y Esmeraldas

El Manantial de la Miguel Cordero

"Nice variations on fried corvina."

Miguel Cordero Dávila Exterior y Cornelio Merchan

El Mercado

Centro Histórico

"We take visitors there on their final nights with us."

Calle Larga y Luis Cordero

El Mesón Español

Centro Histórico

"It was so beautiful that we let ourselves be taken to a table and seated for lunch."

Presidente Borrero y Mariscal Sucre

El Nuevo Paraiso

"This incredibly popular vegetarian chain is packed each breakfast and lunch with locals who are rightly proud of its place within the Cuenca food scene."

El Rincon del Verde

"We gravitate toward a traditional tigrillo with egg (and sometimes avocado) for breakfast, along with hot black coffee."

Guapondelig y Saras

El Rinconcito Costeño

Remigio Crespo

"The kitchen serves one of the best tigrillos we’ve had at dozens of other breakfast places throughout the city."

Remigio Crespo Toral y Guayas

El Tunel

Centro Histórico

"The restaurant has a solid, old-fashioned neighborhood feel and the waiters are friendly, efficient and welcoming."

Presidente Borrero y Honorato Vásquez

Empanadas El Batán

Remigio Crespo

"The spiced ají that is made here is essential as an addition to the empanadas."

Remigio Crespo y Santa Cruz

Encebollados Barba Roja

Centro Histórico

"This one has two floors, good music and friendly owners."

Honorato Vásquez y Hermano Miquel

Encebollados El Monito

"The cazuelas are served on a wooden platter with the stew boiling as it is laid on your table!"

Av. Paseo De Los Cañaris y Cacique Duma

Estancia San Juan Hostería Restaurante

"We have eaten there several times after coming out of the Cajas on long hikes."

Off Route E582, nearing the Cajas

Feria Libre o Mercado El Arenal

"It is raw and real, full of smells of land, sweat and animals."

Av. de las Américas y Eduardo Arias

Formosa Taiwan Picantería Vegetariano

"The buffet offers a daily rotation of vegetarian options so that those who return can enjoy a variety of options every week."

Loja y Alfonso Borrero

Fratello Cafe Vegano

El Estadio

"These cooks know how to be creative with seitan and opened my mind to possibilities that I didn’t know."

Av. 12 de Abril y Remigio Tamariz Crespo

Full Criollo Sabor Venezolano

Centro Histórico

"A live guitarist played soft music as he wandered from table to table."

Gran Colombia y Estévez de Toral

Golisonas Colonial

El Estadio

"Famous among all locals, this street sells one thing: empanadas."

Florencia Astudillo y Av. 12 de Abril

Good Affinity

Centro Histórico

"The tofu and seitan are as good as any we’ve had in China and Hong Kong."

Los Capulies y Gran Colombia

Gran Hotel Paris

Centro Histórico

"We really enjoyed our food on the elegant patio, far from the street; it was a real pleasure."

General Torres y Gran Colombia

Hueca de Alex

Centro Histórico

"Originally a true hole-in-the-wall with only a few tables, this is one of our greatest neighborhood discoveries."

Manuel Vega y Gran Colombia

Hueco de Byron

Centro Histórico

"Most importantly, my partner, who doesn’t really like seafood, tried my encebollado, then went back into my bowl for seconds and thirds."

Mariscal Lamar y Estévez de Toral

Humitas y Tamales Lojanos

"One of the favorites of the local neighborhood, this family prepares daily Loja-style chicken tamales with yellow corn they grind themselves."

Brasil y Latinoamericana

Isla Cafe

El Estadio

"It is large, comfortable, very traditional and a nice place to rest after a long walk."

Las Herrerías y Av. 12 de Abril

ITA

"Every dish was unique. Every dish was great. In our opinion, this restaurant deserves a Michelin star."

Mariscal Sucre y Miguel Heredia

Kutana Cerveza Artesanal

Santa Ana

"Beer in hand, one can look out over a panoramic vista of the local Andes and family farms."

Parroquia Santa Ana

La Casa del Encebollado

"I can attest that its name is relevant, as the encebollado was well prepared with good ingredients and plenty of fresh tuna."

Escuela de Bomberos, Ave 27 de Febrero

La Cazuela

"This hidden garden in El Centro is worth the trip just for the tranquility it offers."

Benigno Malo y Juan Jaramillo

La Cigale

Centro Histórico

"At night, the restaurant is filled with music, good conversation, laughs and people."

Honorato Vásquez y Luis Cordero

La Cuenka Café Restaurante

Centro Histórico

"The courtyard area is set up for eating with traditional wooden tables on top of a red-brick floor."

Luis Cordero y Juan Jaramillo

La Epoca

Remigio Crespo

"A great family restaurant in the neighborhood that serves traditional breakfasts (tigrillo, scrambled eggs, patacones and more) and lunches ($2.50)."

Remigio Crespo Toral y La Época

La Estación 12

"A charming atmosphere, complimented by impeccable food, homemade ice cream, and homemade pastries."

Av Guapondelig y Jamie Roldos

La Estación Manabita

Centro Histórico

"The owner is a superb cook and always accommodates my wife’s vegetarian and pescetarian requests."

Tomás Ordóñez y Juan Jaramillo

La Excelencia

"Our neighbor told us he eats there when he wants to get food that’s the same as his grandmother cooks."

Manuel Vega y Alfonso Malo

La Filomena

"The fried fish is huge, breaded and seasoned with a subtle mustard sauce."

Pichincha y Guayas

La Gatita

"This bright, clean, tastefully decorated lunch spot is located in the covered passageway between Santa Teresa and the market."

Santa Teresa y General Torres

La Herencia del Sabor

Centro Histórico

"It’s a favorite with locals (and with us too) and is usually filled past capacity at lunch."

San Blas, Manuel Vega y Simón Bolivar

La Huequita (De La U)

"An excellent place to eat, chat, hang out and observe young students in their own environment."

Loja y Av. 12 de April

La Mama de los Encebollados

González Suárez y Garcia Moreno

La Parihuela

"Super fresh fish dishes at reasonable prices, which are occasionally included as part of the daily almuerzo offer."

Agustín Cueva y Daniel Cordova Tora

La Sazón de la Abuela

"Lovingly prepared almuerzos by a true-to-life lovely abuela with a choice of mote or canguil to start."

La Sazón de Lupita

"Food is traditional, reliable, and delicious. The favorites run out quickly, so come early."

Gran Colombia y Padre Aguirre

LaMaría Cocina Libre

"Next came the main course, which was tender pork braised in cocoa with cassava puree and blueberries."

Benigno Malo y Calle Larga

Las Empanadas de las Herrerias

Las Herrerías

"The empanadas, which give the place its name, are uniformly great."

Las Herrerias y De Las Acadias

Las Picaditas del Manaba

Centro Histórico

"Colorful, cheerful and cozy, it has an atmosphere that combines street and homemade food."

Juan Jaramillo y Vargas Machuca

Litto

"Special mention goes to the croissants, which are among the top five I've tried in Cuenca."

Tarqui 13-45

Los Gatos

Centro Histórico

"In a single place, a hungry customer can get encocados, sangos, parihuelas, cazuelas, sudados, ceviches and even seafood paella."

Manuel Vega y Simón Bolívar

Mangos Restaurante

"The almuerzo is one of the best I've ever had in Cuenca."

Avenida Paucarbamba y De Las Retamas

Mikhuna

Hermano Miguel

"A bright green restaurant attached to an Ecuadorian boutique hotel near Mercado 9 de Octubre."

Hermano Miguel y Mariscal Lamar

Mira Mar

El Estadio

"Few places in Cuenca offer them, as they are a bit time-consuming to prepare."

Loja y Av. 12 de Abril

Mishki Grano

Centro Histórico

"Eating them warm from the tiesto was an experience we will always remember."

Simón Bolívar y Estévez de Toral

Moliendo Café

Centro Histórico

"The exceptional and diverse a la carte menu always makes my mouth water."

Honorato Vásquez y Hermano Miquel

My Favorite Hotdog

Centro Histórico

"Even years of walking past this nondescript, metal-fenced building during the daytime won’t reveal the hidden wonder that happens exactly at 5 p.m. every night."

Manuel Vega y Juan Jaramillo

Orion Bar & Restaurant

Centro Histórico

"In general, a quiet place full of Ecuadorian business people."

Gran Colombia y Presidente Borrero

Pamelitas

El Estadio

"The location is quite pleasant, allowing for great people and market watching."

Guapondelig y Saras, 12 de Abril mercado

Panadería Cuatro Rios

Centro Histórico

"Their croissants are light, flaky, buttery and have the perfect light crunch."

Simón Bolívar y Padre Aguirre

Panadería El Hornero

"Every afternoon, the neighbors gather in the street to drink coffee and chat with friends."

Manuel Vega y Alfonso Jerves

Panadería Internacional

Centro Histórico

"A tiny yet superb local bakery that specializes in authentic sourdough breads made in traditional wood-fired ovens."

Juan Jaramillo y Mariano Cueva

Panadería Y Pastelería Sabor Ideal

"Though a bit dark and small, it makes up for these with a great selection of pastries and traditional breads at excellent prices."

Edwin Sacoto y La Verdad

PanDou

"A modern elegant space set in a hidden spot overlooking a tree-lined part of the Tomebamba River near the ruins of Pumapungo."

Pasaje 3 de Noviembre y Puente de Todos Santos

Papas locas

Centro Histórico

"Despite its humble entrance, the place was overflowing with locals enjoying the ambiance and food."

General Torres y Mariscal Lamar

Picanteria “El Sambo”

Centro Histórico

"A solid small local corner restaurant run by a matronly owner who is also an expert cook."

Manuel Vega y Honorato Vásquez

Picanteria Carmita

"So popular is it among the locals and students that if one arrives for lunch after 1 pm, every table is usually taken."

Miguel Angel Estrella y Calle Larga

Picanteria El Chef Omar

El Batán

"It is impossible to pass by at lunchtime without salivating."

Unidad Nacional y Pichincha

Plaza del Arte

"This lunch-only restaurant is a local favorite, packed beyond capacity every lunch hour."

Benigno Malo y Juan Jaramillo

Puerto Madero

Centro Histórico

"On the day we went, $3 returned a hearty soup and a whole fresh fried fish, which was delicious."

Juan Jaramillo y Mariano Cueva

Pura Vida

Remigio Crespo

"Our rice, for example, was delicious, nutritious, and glutinous brown rice, rather than the more common, nutrient-free white rice served elsewhere."

Remigio Crespo Toral y Jose María Rodriguez

Qumir Jardín de Sabores

Centro Histórico

"This charming eatery is filled with light, orchids and other plants suspended on the walls that rise to a high bright ceiling."

Mariscal Lamar y Tarqui

Restaurant One Way

Hermano Miguel

"The quiet piano music and the bright yellow walls make it a pleasant refuge of the busy exterior street."

Hermano Miguel y Mariscal Sucre

Restaurant-Cafetería El Tocte

"Inside, the décor is funky and cozy."

G. Plaza L. y Pio Bravo

Restaurante Cafeteria “Pumapungo”

"A quiet and relaxing reprieve from the busy end of Calle Larga in this part of El Centro."

Calle Larga y Jesús Arriaga

Restaurante Tequila

Centro Histórico

"But unlike other high-end restaurants that produce formal traditional Ecuadorian fare for tourists, this is the real deal."

Gran Colombia y León XIII

Rooftop Santa Inés

"An elegant, modern, peaceful space overlooking the old and new parts of Cuenca, with the Andes in the near distance."

Santa Inés Hospital, piso 6

San Pancho Picanteria

"The restaurant thrives within a colonial-era structure hidden in the middle of the busiest market bustle of el Centro."

General Torres y Presidente Córdova

Sazón Colombiano Piquese Aca

El Batán

"The chancho I had was as good as the roast pork in China, despite being much less expensive."

Unidad Nacional y Perú

Secos de la Lucho

"A bright cheerful place for lunch with a green and lovely outside."

Taipa

"A marvelous special-occasion restaurant that exudes modern elegance."

Florencia Astudillo y Alfonso Cordero

Taitico

Reviewed in Cuenca Eats by James Li.

Juan José Flores y Gonzalo Zaldumbide

Tienda de Marianita

"The tigrillos here are excellent and can be ordered in either a large or small size."

Calle Larga y Tarqui

Tiesto’s Cafe Restaurant

Centro Histórico

"Dinners are ordered to share and arrive on a large tiesto surrounded by smaller plates containing customary accompanying sides."

Juan Jaramillo y Mariano Cueva

Torre Colón

Centro Histórico

"On one visit, we particularly enjoyed the light dessert of mango cream with our lunch and enjoyed live music being played in the back room."

Luis Cordero y Juan Jaramillo

Tradición Costeña

Remigio Crespo

"We also tested the fish encocado, which had a rich sweet coconut sauce and was served with avocado, patacones and yellow rice."

Remigio Crespo Toral y Miguel Diaz

Tres Estrellas

"A neighborhood classic that long ago became famous for its eclectic décor, grilled guinea pig and solid word-of-mouth local reputation."

Calle Larga y Jesús Arriaga

Vintage Cafe

"The tables have cheerful stripes, curtains decorate the walls and even the crockery evokes fond memories."

Guantánamo y Malvinas

Warmikuna Cocina Taller

Hermano Miguel

"So it is that the place is usually filled with families sitting next to foodies and chefs."

Hermano Miguel y Honorato Vásquez

Yasu’s Home

"On arrival, a dinner party is ushered through a locked gate into a simple elegant garden dining room."

Ricardo Darquea Granda y M. Galarza

YúA Restaurante

El Vergel

"We can vouch that they make an excellent yuca-based hamburger."

Vega y Daniel Palacios