35+ Best Cuenca Restaurants, Coffeeshops, & More Delicious Culinary Treats
Those that love to eat will not be disappointed with a culinary visit through the colonial city of Cuenca Ecuador. There are a wide range of spectacular Cuenca restaurants, coffeeshops, bakeries, and places to score some delicious and authentic Ecuadorian dishes.
The city itself is a fusion of old world cultures meets modern day conventional ways of life. This is also represented in many Cuenca restaurants and the culinary scene, a beautiful merger between traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Many of the eateries value fresh market food, seasonal ingredients, and all based on traditional cooking methods.
Ecuador is known for its coffee and chocolate and there are lots of opportunities to sample and indulge in both of these goodies. Rub elbows with locals at lunchtime by eating almuerzos, which offers a hearty menu for a reasonable price. When it comes to Cuenca’s food scene, there are no shortages of delicious restaurants that serve traditional food.
With a large expat community, Cuenca boasts some excellent craft beer options and some trendy bars to sample them in. If beer or alcohol isn’t your thing, why not sip on regional non-alcoholic beverages, which locals sip on to improve their health and well being.
The food in Cuenca Ecuador is a delight to sample and indulge in.
Here’s some of the best Cuenca restaurants, coffeeshops, bakeries, traditional eateries, brewpubs, and more!
Table of Contents
- Visit at Least One Cuenca Coffee Shop or Roaster
- Discover the Best Breakfast in Cuenca
- Where to Find Fresh Bread & Pastries in Cuenca
- Best Cuenca Restaurants for Almuerzo “Lunch”
- Best Cuenca Markets to Eat Traditional Food
- Local Cuenca Restaurants for Typical Ecuadorian Dishes like Cuy
- Best Cuenca Ecuador Restaurants for World Cuisine
- Top-Rated Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
- Breweries & Brewpubs in Cuenca Ecuador
- Unique Healing Beverages in Cuenca Ecuador
- What to Do in Cuenca Ecuador Besides Eat
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
Visit at Least One Cuenca Coffee Shop or Roaster
Ecuador is famous for its delicious coffee and Cuenca even has some excellent and cozy coffee shops popping up around town. Go strait to the source and visit a coffee roaster. There are many ambient rich Cuenca coffee shops to lose track of time in.
Café de Ñucallacta
Cafe de Ñucallacta is serving up their own roasted coffee in a cute little Cuenca coffee shop. On top of some of the best coffee is town, they also have delicious pastries and goodies on display. The interior is cozy with great seating options with lots of natural light. Bonus, there is fast free Wi-Fi. This was my go-to spot for bags of roasted coffee.
Find them here: Hermano Miguel 5-62 & Honorato Vasquez | Hours: Sunday – Tuesday, 8:30-18:00 / Wed – Sat, 8:30 – 20:00 | Facebook Page
El Mercado Cuenca
While El Mercado is one of the top rated Cuenca restaurants, it is also home to a small and spectacular coffeeshop. The baristas here are knowledgeable about how to make the perfect cup of coffee. All of the local coffees that are used are out on display, so choose which flavor best fits your liking. Coffee snobs… you will be satisfied at the El Mercado coffeeshop!
Also, I swear I ate one of the best cookies of my life here, so check out the enticing glass case of treats.
Find them here: Calle Larga 8-27 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 – 22:00 | Facebook Page
Palier Café Libro
Palier Café Libro is a cute little bookshop, but also supplies coffee, cocktails, and wine. There are comfy couches to relax, or sit on the little terrace and feel like you’re somewhere else, even though it’s located on one of the busier streets in Cuenca. Those bustling streets makes the people watching fun. There are lots of funky wall paintings around the building, giving it a real hipster feel. Palier Cafe Libro also hosts cultural and community events.
Find them here: The crossroads of Luis Cordero and Presidente Cordova | Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00-19:00, Thurs & Friday open until 21:00 / Saturday, 13:00 – 19:00 | Facebook Page
Discover the Best Breakfast in Cuenca
There are so many great places to eat breakfast in Cuenca. Pig-out on the traditional dish of tigrillo, a vegetarian’s dream. Be mindful, some places may throw in chicharrón, which are like fried pork rinds. This plate of food is so filling, so there’s really no need to eat another meal all day.
There are also many American style restaurants competing for the title of “best breakfast in Cuenca.”
💬 Real Talk | In a hurry to start the day? The most authentic breakfasts can be grabbed from any of the Cuenca markets for under $2.
El Nuevo Paraiso
El Nuevo Paraiso serves up heaping vegetarian plates of tigrillo for breakfast and brunch. This is a traditional Ecuadorian dish, but the best part is, they have a hearty vegetarian version. Tigrillo is a scramble of plantains, cheese, eggs, and other staples weaved into Ecuadorian cuisine. All this deliciousness usually sits on a bed of rice. At El Nuevoo Paraiso, this typical Ecuadorian dish includes: perfectly cooked plantains, beans, avocado, small salad, and if you wish, a soy fillet. Spice it up with some hot sauce. This is a value breakfast as a plate of tigrillo costs $4.
Wash down this massive plate of food with one of their fresh juices. Personally, I love the red juice.
Nuevo Paraiso has a few locations throughout town, but the best is situated right on the lovely square with San Blas church. It is a neat little section of the city that can be appreciated from the outdoor seating at El Nuevo Paraiso. These Cuenca restaurants also sell delicious natural greek yogurt to-go.
Find them here: There are many locations in town, but i prefer the one on Simón Bolívar near San Blas Church | Hours: Daily, 9:00-19:00 | Facebook Page
Sunrise Cafe
Sunrise Cafe is one of those little cozy restaurants that transports you from Ecuador to the United States. After being on the road for a while, this is THE place to snag your favorite American breakfast dishes you have been craving.
Sunrise Cafe has large portions of omelettes, Eggs Benedict, hash browns, and other classic American style dishes. This seems to be the place for expats, and the food and service are extremely pleasant.
If you’re lucky, search for a man selling artisan bread towards the back of the cafe. His wife is from Venezuela and makes up some of the most delicious breads and goodies in all of Cuenca. People are funneling in and out just for her savory breads.
Find them here: Calle Larga 938 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 – 15:00 / Sunday: 8:30 – 14:00 | Facebook Page
Cafe San Sebas
Cafe San Sebas is another competitor for the best breakfast in Cuenca. This lovely restaurant is located right on the bustling Plaza de San Sebas and boasts awesome outdoor seating. The indoor seating space is large and decorated with beautiful artwork.
The plates of food are large. Many of the breakfast and brunch items are Mexican inspired. For breakfast, find anything from bagels, breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and scramblers. At lunch, enjoy a burger, sandwich, burrito, or fresh salad.
Cafe San Sebas also has an excellent coffee menu, pastries, and fresh juices.
Find them here: San Sebastian Plaza | Hours: Daily, 8:30-15:00 | Facebook Page
Come en Casa
A small, but enjoyable Cuenca restaurant that is selling delicious typical Ecuadorian breakfast plates of food for around $4. The breakfast deals include a fresh squeezed juice and coffee. The coffee is spectacular and you can choose from any of the specialty coffees, too. I loved the cafe con leche. To sample an authentic Ecuador breakfast item, order the bolon. This ball of smashed green plantains is usually stuffed with cheese and chicharrones, or crispy pork rinds.
There is a nice outdoor terrace. For lunch, grab a fresh salad, sandwich, or enjoy the daily menu del dia.
Find them here: Remigio Tamariz Crespo | Hours: Daily, 7:30-15:00, Saturdays opens at 8:30 & Sundays at 9:30 | Facebook Page
Where to Find Fresh Bread & Pastries in Cuenca
With so many options, it’s hard to know which Cuenca bakery is best! Many of the bakeries in Cuenca make fresh artisanal breads, many of them offer gluten-free and vegan options. Here are a few of my favorite bakeries in Cuenca for fresh bread and delicious pastries.
Primitivo Artisan Bakery
Primitivo Artisan Bakery is making some of the most delicious breads in Cuenca. They offer a wide variety of sourdoughs, vegan options, and specialty loaves of bread. They also serve up fresh pastries. Try the sourdough with nuts….You’re welcome!
Find them here: Rafael Torres Beltrán 3-103 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00-20:00, Saturday opens at 8:00 | Facebook Page
EFÁ Clásico
Another awesome little bakery is EFA Clasico. Here, they make fresh different sourdough breads, pastries, and more. With its convenient central location and yummy breads, this bakery is a must when visiting Cuenca.
Find them here: Juan Jaramillo 7-36 | Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-18:30, Saturday, 8:00 – 16:00 | Facebook Page
Kolo Restaurant and Bakery
Kolo might also be in the running as one of the best Cuenca restaurants for breakfast and brunch, but what they are most famous for are their delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. They use the clever tagline “sweetest buns in town.” Go early to snag one, as they usually run out by midday. The restaurant is housed on the second floor of the beautiful Hotel Vieja Mansion. Enjoy a large dining room that is open and overlooks the eclectic hotel lobby.
Find them here: Luis Cordero 5-65 | Hours: Wed- Mon, 8:00-15:00 | Facebook Page
Marea Bakery Panaderia
The bread at Marea Bakery Panaderia is good, but what’s even better here are the incredible focaccia breads. This Argentinean influenced Cuenca bakery has a few varied flavored focaccia breads, empanadas, and herb breads. There are a few locations scattered around town, but the location on Estévez de Toral boasts 21 different styles of wood-fired pizzas.
Find them here: Estévez de Toral 8-70 | Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 20:00 | Facebook Page
Café Del Zaguán
Cafe del Zaguan is a large cafe that presents appealing cakes, scrumptious pies, and cookies. Seriously, go here if you are craving a sweet treat. They also have an extensive coffee and tea menu and offer small sandwiches and snacks.
Find them here: Simón Bolívar 12-69 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00-19:00 | Facebook Page
Chocolateria Dos Chorreras
A dentists worst nightmare must look like Chocolateria Dos Chorreras. This chocolate shop is popular with locals and offers crepes, waffles, ice cream, specialty desserts, and all things chocolate. Want something warm? Try the churros with hot chocolate.
Find them here: Simón Bolívar 10-09 | Facebook Page
Psst.. This place is connected to Hosteria Dos Chorreras, a perfect place to explore the stunning Cajas National Park located 21 km from Cuenca
Artisan Chocolates
Ecuador is known for their artisan chocolates. Two great places to try and purchase pure chocolate from cacao in Cuenca is from Paccari Chocolate or the popular Arawi producers.
Best Cuenca Restaurants for Almuerzo “Lunch”
Lunch is the big meal of the day in Ecuador, and many Cuenca restaurants offer cheap “almuerzos.” Almuerzos almost always includes a drink, a starter, a main, and sometimes even a dessert or a little surprise!
The daily menu rotates from day to day, but the prices are usually under $3. This is a great way to eat delicious food in Cuenca that is fast and filling. Portions are indeed large, making the price always right. Eating an almuerzos is a very authentic thing to do in Ecuador, and a great way to sample many of the authentic and local Cuenca restaurants.
☛ Local Travel Tips | Walk down the unofficial “Street of Almuerzo.” Follow the street Honorato Vásquez between Presidente Borrero and Hermano Miguel and have your pick from a variety of restaurants offering their best almuerzo
El Tunel
El Tunel is a popular place to try typical Ecuadorian food. With a drink, starter, main, and a dessert, this menu is filling and usually costs around $2.50. An added bonus is the popcorn with fresh aji sauce to dip-in. The portions are hearty and the food is on point. This is one of the most popular Cuenca restaurants during lunchtime, so make sure to grab a table right at noon!
Find them here: Calle Honorato Vásquez 6-80 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 – 16:00 | Facebook Page | Cash Only
Moliendo Café
A local favorite, Moliendo Café, serves Colombian dishes and an almuerzo for $2.75. Choose a meat or veg. Usually the menu comes with rice, a small salad, and soup. A juice is included and a piece of fruit. If you love your food, make sure to ring the bell on the way out!
This place is so popular they have opened a second location.
Find them here: Hermano Miguel 6-24 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00-21:00 | Facebook Page
Nandala Cocina Vegetariana
Nandala is an awesome little vegetarian restaurant that serves a fusion of Ecuadorian, Thai, and other world cuisines. They offer a daily rotating almuerzo menu for $3.95.
Find them here: Florencia Astudillo 1-28 | Hours: Tues – Thur, 11:30 – 15:30, Fri & Sat 11:30 – 21:00 | Facebook Page
Restaurante Rincon del Sabor
Located outside of centro in Baños de Cuenca, Restaurante Rincon del Sabor is worth the 7 mile trip out of town. All the food is made fresh and in the morning watch women rolling and folding fresh empanadas. In the morning they have simple, yet tasty breakfasts that include a coffee and fresh juice. Find delicious typical Ecuadorian dishes for under $5 and it’s just down the street from the most popular aguas termales, or hot springs, in Baños.
Find them here: Cam. a Baños | Hours: Daily, 8:00-20:00
Best Cuenca Markets to Eat Traditional Food
Another great place to grab a traditional food and an almuerzo is at one of Cuenca’s bustling markets. Wondering where to eat in Cuenca marketwise? Look no further than these three lively and authentic Cuenca markets!
➯ Detailed Cuenca Travel Guide | Visit the Best Traditional Market in Cuenca & More Cuenca Markets
Mercado 10 de Agosto
In Mercado 10 de Agosto almost the entire second floor is a dedicated cafeteria. The food is purchased in the market below and cooked fresh at the diversified food stalls. At lunch time, all the tables are filled with locals and tourists alike, savoring food that tastes like it just came from mom’s kitchen.
Look for the women selling plates of hornodos, or roasted pig. The pigs are actually set out on display, and sampling is encouraged! One of the best places to eat hornodos in Ecuador is in this market from Doña Elsita.
Come hungry and thirsty, because there are plenty of juices, tamales, and local dishes to try. There is nothing like a home-cooked meal made with love to feel the heart of a destination.
Find this Cuenca Market here: Calle Larga 1147 | Hours: Daily, 7:00-18:00
Mercado 9 de Octubre
The Mercado 9 de Octubre is not nearly as large as the city’s primary market, but it’s stellar location and open-lit ceiling make this an excellent Cuenca Market to explore. The produce stands here are beautiful and oftentimes the fruit is stacked in thoughtful and beautiful piles.
Upstairs, enjoy juice and food stalls under the vaulted glass ceiling. There is also colorful art decorating the wall. On the first floor are also some quick “fast food” stalls.
Find this Cuenca market here: Mariano Cueva & Pío Bravo | Hours: Daily, 8:00-17:00
Mercado 3 De Noviembre
The two-story Mercado 3 de Noviembre is small, but has a nice location a few blocks from Plaza de San Sebastián. All of the produce stalls and vendors can be found on the first floor. Upstairs are a wide range of different food stalls serving typical Ecuadorian fare.
Find this Cuenca market here: C. Mariscal Lamar 12-86 | Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-16:00 / Sat & Sun, 8:00 – 13:00
Local Cuenca Restaurants for Typical Ecuadorian Dishes like Cuy
Maybe the most popular typical dish in Ecuador is cuy, or guinea pig. Many places in town serve up this delicacy, but there are three Cuenca restaurants that stand out when it comes to eating cuy.
Salón Tres Estrellas is known for its authentically roasted cuy. Be mindful that this dish takes over an hour to prepare. This popular restaurant in Cuenca also boasts traditional dishes in a unique atmosphere.
Restaurante Mi Escondite is serves roasted cuy and traditional plates of food in a simple and homey atmosphere.
Finally, Guajibamba is another popular restaurant in Cuenca to sample hour long roasted cuy. If you don’t want to eat cuy, they also offer a larger than normal Ecuadorian cuisine menu. The decor is nice and welcoming.
Best Cuenca Ecuador Restaurants for World Cuisine
If you need a break from typical Ecuadorian cuisine, try some of these awesome Cuenca restaurants that make different cuisine found across the globe.
La Pizza de Juanja
La Pizza de Juanja is an awesome place to eat pizza in Cuenca. The ambiance is welcoming with an outdoor terrace that feels like a garden with plenty of places to sit inside. Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, empanadas, salads, ice cream, and dessert. They also have a nice craft beer list and serve wine by the glass.
Find them here: Rafael Torres Beltrán | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:30-22:00 | Facebook Page
Lamian China
This authentic Chinese restaurant serves up delicious food with a focus on Lamian noodles, which are a long typical wheat noodle. Seriously, the food here is incredible and you can literally see them in the back twisting and creating the heavenly noodles. This Cuenca restaurant is home of scrumptious homemade steamed dumplings. They do offer Chaulafan (Ecuadorian Fried Rice), but this eatery is leaps above the typical “Chifa” Restaurant. On the menu find unique Chinese dishes made with love.
The dining room is simple, clean, has lots of natural light, and the servers are so sweet. Don’t overlook one of the best places to eat in Cuenca.
Find them here: Florencia Astudillo | Hours: Wed – Mon, 11:30-21:30 | Facebook Page
T-Rex Burgers Pub
This small pub style restaurant is THE place to find one of Cuenca’s best burgers. There’s a wide range of beef burgers that boasts a variety of toppings. Find some sandwiches, wings, and roasted potatoes on the menu. If you want standard fries, the owner will order them from across the street and deliver them! Awesome service and a few outdoor tables that are perfect for people watching.
Find them here: Calle Larga 8-63 | Hours: Mon – Sat, 12:00 – 22:00 | Official Website
Taj Mahal
The most popular Indian restaurant in Cuenca has to be Taj Mahal. Find things on the menu like shawarma, curries, and classical Indian dishes. Monday through Friday they offer an almuerzo at lunch. Vegetarian options are available.
Find them here: Benigno Malo | Hours: Daily, 11:00-23:00, weekends open until 2 am | Facebook Page
Osaka Ramen
Osaka Ramen is a small restaurant in Cuenca with only four tables, but they make yummy and authentic ramen. Also, on the menu find, gyoza (dumplings), sushi, sake, and craft beer. The owners are super sweet.
Find them here: Parque de San Sebastian | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30-20:00 | Facebook Page
Top-Rated Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
If seeking some of the best culinary restaurants in Cuenca, look no further than these three places.
LaMaría Cocina Libre
This is a newer restaurant in Cuenca, but LaMaría Cocina Libre is making waves in a good way. The restaurant is located on the second floor above Casa Yangoe, a multipurpose tienda that sells organic products ranging from wines, coffee, and produce. They also boast handmade artisan items.
LaMaría Cocina Libre is unapologetically Ecuadorian food made with love and organic products that have a fun and whimsical twist. This restaurant is all about empowering women and shares the traditions that the women have fought for and kept alive for so many years. Don’t miss out on the chance to sample Ecuadorian wine that is being produced near the coast. This places has a fully equip bar and serves alcohol in the form of a unique and creative cocktail menu. The food is so incredibly visually appealing and tastes heavenly.
Find them here: Benigno Malo 516 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00-22:00 | Facebook Page
La Guarida
La Guarida is a unique eatery in Cuenca that offers not only delicious food, but a space to appreciate the local arts and culture. Find typical Ecuadorian cuisine with an innovative spin. The owner is all about rejuvenating the neighborhood via the arts and showcases many local artisans. At La Guarida, you can oftentimes watch an educational movie or documentary on a theater screen, or savor live music in the form of an intimate concert.
Find them here: C. Mariscal Lamar 22-23 | Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:00 -13:00 & 17:30 – 20:30 / Thursday – Saturday 9:00 – 13:00 | Facebook Page
El Mercado Cuenca
I’m mentioning El Mercado again, but this time simply the main fine dining restaurant. The beautiful building that houses this top-rated Cuenca restaurant is so charming and has a stunning atmosphere due to its modern interior with large windows overlooking the Rio Tomebamba. The restaurant focuses on local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. El Mercado is a must for foodie wannabes, as it’s a culinary experience.
Even if you don’t eat here, stop in to look at the beautiful decor or browse the small gift shop that boasts El Mercado’s products for purchase. The coffee shop is adorable and also serves food in the front terrace.
Find them here: Calle Larga 8-27 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 – 22:00 | Facebook Page
Yúa Restaurante
Vegetarians will love Yúa Restaurante. This small and cozy spot offers a few simple dishes that are solely vegetarian, yet inspiring and hearty enough for carnivores. They have a nice covered patio and offer an almuerzo for under $4.
Find them here: Alfonso Cordero, A.Vega 7-50 | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 -15:00 | Facebook Page
Breweries & Brewpubs in Cuenca Ecuador
Ecuador is starting see more and more microbreweries pop-up throughout the country, and Cuenca is no exception. Here are some excellent options to sample some of the craft beers from Cuenca and Ecuador.
Lacraft Beer Garden
Lacraft Beer Garden is one of those hipster’s delight joints. The place itself is built out of containers, all with modern lighting, a chalkboard filled with a rotating beer list, games like Jenga, and lots of unique spaces to chill out.
Lacraft offers an intensive beer list on draught, but also in the bottle. All the servers speak English and are willing to help pair you with perfect glass of artisanal beer. Head to the bar to sample the many rotating beers from Ecuador.
They have a pub-like menu with chicken wings and burgers
Find them here: the corner of Rafael Torres and Miguel Moreno | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00-22:30, Thur, Fri, & Sat open until 23:30 | Facebook Page
Latitude Cerro Cuenca Taproom
Originally from Quito, Latitude Cerro is a popular microbrewery that now has a tasting room in Cuenca. The small space has rotating taps with a small pub fare menu right off of Parque Calderon.
Find them here: Simón Bolívar 702-800 | Hours: Daily, 12:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page
Jodoco Belgian Bistro
Jodoco Belgian Bistro really utilizes their awesome outdoor patio in the picturesque Parque San Sebastián. This brewpub is pouring extensive Belgian inspired brews on draft and has a huge bottle list to choose from. They also serve food including: tapas, burgers, charcuterie boards, and main courses.
Find them here: Calle de San Sebastian y, Mariscal Sucre | Hours: Mon – Thur, 11:00-23:00, Friday – Sunday, 9:00 – 23:30, closes at 20:30 on Sundays | Facebook Page
Golden Prague
Golden Prague really feels like stepping into a bar in the Czech Republic. This modern microbrewery even boasts the correct glassware and an authentic glass washing station with tub. The main dining room is set up like a typical beer garden in Europe. There are lots of Czech inspired beers on tap to choose from in a few different size pint glasses.
The prices are a little high here, so check out the daily happy hour from 15:00 – 18:00. Find a decent menu of snacks and plates to soak up all that yummy beer.
Find them here: Calle Alfonso Cordero y Av. Jose Peralta | Hours: Mon – Wed, 12:00 – 23:00 / Thur – Sun, 12:00 – 00:00, Sundays closes at 20:00 | Facebook Page
Hell’s
While the name be off-putting, Hell’s is actually a heavenly place to enjoy a cold beer and a spectacular panoramic view of Cuenca. Located in Turi, this spot is perfect to recover from the long trek up to the Turi Mirador. Hell’s pours Cuenca’s own Nordica craft beer on tap. There are usually 3 or 4 different beers to choose from. Come to enjoy a sunset when it’s easy to catch happy hour.
Find them here: Av Mirador de Turi | Hours: Daily, 8:00-23:45 / Thur, Fri, Sat, closes at 1:30 | Facebook Page
Unique Healing Beverages in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca Ecuador offers some interesting healing beverages throughout the city in some unexpected places!
Soda Water
Soda Water can be found in all places at the local pharmacies. Look for the sign somewhere on the counter stating that the pharmacy does in fact sell this medicinal beverage.
Most Ecuadorians drink this fizzy drink to cure the common hangover; however, it’s great to help with sleepiness, dehydration, and the altitude. Or simply drink it to soothe an upset tummy.
Order from the pharmacist and drink it fast, otherwise you’ll lose those magical bubbles.
Find it at: Botica Y Drogeria Central, the beautiful blue pharmacy, just steps away from Parque Calderón, on Simón Bolívar | Cost: $1.65 for a large tall glass!
⁉️ Notice anything peculiar? There is a small section in the corner of imported German products an ode to the founder father of this pharmacy!
Agua de Pítimas
Look for Agua de Pitimas, a magic healing water, in a little window near the Plaza de las Flores. This aromatic and floral water is made by the nuns at the Santuario Mariano del Carmen de la Asunción. This traditional drink, that is only found in Cuenca, is made from medicinal plants and flowers. Supposedly, there are 14 herbs and plants that make up this elixir water.
The healing water is popular among students as it is said to help them concentrate for major exams. Locals also sip on this water when experiencing headaches and other health issues. This water is meant to help focus and calm nerves. It’s like juice for your brain!
Find it at: Plaza de las Flores | Cost: 50¢ a glass
What to Do in Cuenca Ecuador Besides Eat
Besides an awesome food scene, there are so many things to see in Cuenca Ecuador. The historic city center is actually a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the streets, appreciate the colonial buildings, and explore the many inviting plazas. The city is extremely walkable, which is perfect after eating at all these incredible Cuenca restaurants!
Visit a free museum, walk along the Tomebamba River, climb up to the Turi mirador, or relax in the curative waters at Baños de Cuenca.
✈ Ecuador Travel Planning | All the Amazing Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador in 3 Days
Cuenca also has some stellar day trips that are worth the effort. Visit the El Chorro Waterfall in Giron. If feeling energetic, take the steep hike up to the second tier of the falls. Spend at least one day exploring the otherworldly El Cajas National Park. This unique paramo landscape boasts over 700 alpine lakes. The lowest lake, Laguna Llaviucu, sits at an elevation of 10,365 ft and boasts a tranquil hiking trail.
Those interested in ancient history should visit Ingapirca and discover this fusion of Cañari and Inca cultures. Cojitambo also houses some hilltop ruins with spectacular view in Sangay National Park.
✔ More Ecuador Travel Resources | 10+ Spectacular Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador
Outside of Cuenca, discover the many unique artisan villages that are producing everything from macanas, jewelry, to Panama Hats. Three of the most popular Ecuador villages to visit outside of Cuenca are Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and SigSig.
➜ Psst… Find the best place to sleep in Cuenca to enjoy even more Cuenca restaurants!
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
In conclusion, Cuenca is a bustling colonial city that also has its own unique culinary scene. In a city where traditions have such a strong hold, it’s inspiring to see the city maintaining those, but also embracing a new modern and trendy food scene.
These many Cuenca restaurants recommendations come after spending months in the city and surrounding areas, but I feel as if I only scratched the surface. From small “hole-in-the-wall” traditional Cuenca restaurants, coffee shops, markets, and diverse ethnic restaurants, it’s easy to discover all that Cuenca’s food scene is gifting. There are also incredible Cuenca restaurants that are pushing the limits and creating an entertaining spin on typical Ecuadorian dishes.
Besides eating your way through Cuenca, sample the many artisan beers found at countless brew pubs. Don’t miss sipping on traditional and local beverages like a “soda” and the brain activating “agua di pítimas.”
Have you been to Cuenca Ecuador and tried any of these Cuenca restaurants? Did you find the best breakfast in Cuenca? Which Cuenca restaurants were your favorite? Are there any Cuenca restaurants that you loved and I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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