Guayasamin Wines

Guayasamin wines are imported from Chile (yes, I know, Guayasamin is an Ecuadorian artists, not Chilean), and are just a really good line of economical wines. We have been struggling to find a good, everyday bottle that we like, and Guayasamin offers great flavor, a lower percentage of alcohol (12 as opposed to the 14 you find in most other Chilean and Argentine reds), a variety of varietals, and only cost about $10 per bottle.

Where: You can find them at your friendly local Supermaxi.

Average Price: $10/bottle

El Otorongo - Galeria Cafe Cultural

Location: Av. 3 de Noviembre (next to the Otorongo Plaza)

Tel: 2832527 or 2823987

Hours of operation: Monday - Sunday 10:00am - 1:00pm/3:00pm - 8:00pm

Services: Enjoy (and purchase!) wonderful art made exclusively by Ecuadorian artists, while you have a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, homemade tamales or homemade ice cream (amongst other delicious offerings), all at very reasonable prices. El Otorongo is a very friendly, relaxed environment and worth going to alone for an afternoon read or to work on the computer (they have wifi!) or with your friends. Magy is the owner and is a lovely woman! She puts on intercultural nights the first Thursday of every month where for $5 you get a welcome drink, a tamale and coffee. They have some sort of local, art-related activity, and everyone has a good time.

Average Plate Price: Tamales are $1.80, and coffees and teas range from $1-$2 (very reasonable prices!)

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 5 stars

Pizzeria and Gelateria "La Fornace"

Location: Av Remigio Crespo 5-13 and Imbabura, Cuenca, Ecuador (there is also  locale next to Supermaxi Las Americas)
Tel: 2883920 or 2819055

Hours of operation:
Call for hours

Services: Want an amazing pizza with fresh ingredients and an excellent selection of gelato? Look no further than La Fornace! Their pizzas are some of the best I've ever had (if you like spicy food try the Diabolo) and they use fresh, hand chopped ingredients. Decent service and the prices are pretty average.

Average Plate Price: An average pizza is $12-$14. Gelato runs around $1.50 - $2.00

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

Bus Line:  

Map:

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La Herradura Grill Restaurant

Location: Av Remigio Romero 3-57 and Remigio Crespo, Cuenca, Ecuador 
Tel: 281-5477

 




Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday - 12:00pm - 3:00pm 
                                7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday - 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday - 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Services: Some of the best barbecued meat in Cuenca. My favorite dish is the superlomo which is a large piece of tender beef served with barbecued green peppers and caramelized onions, a serving of baked new potatoes, and delicious dipping sauces. Their service, however, leaves a lot to be desired. They tend to be slow in answering questions and fulfilling the requests of customers. We placed an order to go and ate at home rather than eating in the restaurant.

Average Plate Price: The superlomo feeds 3-4 people and costs $21.50

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

Bus Line: Line 16 (H. Del Rio - San Pedro)

Map:  

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Sándwiches de Pernil (Pork Sandwiches)

Location: Juan Jaramillo 1-119 y Hermano Miguel, Cuenca, Ecuador 

Hours of operation:
Monday - 9:00am - 8:30pm
Tuesday - 9:00am - 8:30pm
Wednesday - 9:00am - 8:30pm
Thursday - 9:00am - 8:30pm
Friday - 9:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed 

Services: Amazing pork sandwiches with homemade aji made by local Cuencanos. Accompany your sandwich with a delicious and refreshing coconut juice. You don't want to miss out on trying this tasty Cuencano dish, and will probably even eat more than one! 



Average Plate Price: Sandwiches cost $1.20, coconut juice costs $0.50 

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars (its a small family run place and they provide a very basic customer service, nothing above and beyond) 

Bus Line:  Line 20 (Cdla. Kennedy - Racar)

Map:

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Kookaburra Cafe and Accommodation

Location: Calle Larga 9-40 (and Benigno Malo), Cuenca, Ecuador
Tel: 284-0423
Email: kookaburracuenca@gmail.com
Find them online

Hours of operation: 
Monday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday - Closed
Thursday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday - 7:00am - 4:00pm 

Services: From their website... "Kookaburra Cafe and Accommodation is a small B&B located in a beautifully renovated building in the heart of Cuenca's Historic Centre. Guests can expect to enjoy quiet nights in one of Kookaburra's two 'Mini Suites', and cheerfully busy days when customers begin to visit the Cafe from 7am to 4pm, Thursdays to Mondays. The Accommodation opens onto a small courtyard toward the rear of the building, away from the street-front Cafe and the bustle of busy Calle Larga." I lived in Australia for about a year and  a half and walking in to the Kookaburra Cafe took me back to some of my favorite cafe moments in Australia. They have wonderful homemade muffins and desserts on the counter, hot coffee, freshly made veggie juice, breakfast and cafe favorites, and a friendly (homey) atmosphere. Their courtyard is perfect for  sunny days and the inside is good for any day! Chris and Jen will always greet you with a smile and a warm welcome, and its an excellent place to meet other English-speaking expats. 

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 5 stars

Average Plate Price:  $1.50 - $3.00
 
Bus Line: 
Line 3 (Eucaliptos - Sayausi)
Line 4 (Cdla. Alvarez - El Tejar)
Line 17 (Zhucay - Todos Santos)
Line 20 (Cdla. Kennedy - Racar)

Map:


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California Kitchen

Location: Gaspar Sangurima 6-68 y Presidente Borrero, Cuenca, Ecuador
Tel: 083111740
Email: calkitchen@hotmail.com
Find them online (their website will eventually be here)

Hours of operation: 
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast)
                12:00pm - 4:00pm (lunch) 
Wednesday - 8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast)
                     12:00pm - 4:00pm (lunch)
Thursday -  8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast)
                   12:00pm - 4:00pm (lunch)
                   6:00pm - 9:00pm (dinner)
Friday -  8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast)
              12:00pm - 4:00pm (lunch)
              6:00pm - 9:00pm (dinner)
Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast)
                 12:00pm - 4:00pm (lunch)
                 6:00pm - 9:00pm (dinner)
Sunday - Closed      

Services: The California Kitchen is a family run business (they are originally from California) that offers excellent food and excellent service at a decent price. Their breakfast menu includes items like hash browns, biscuits and gravy, waffles, pancakes, juice, coffee etc. They offer weekly lunch specials for around $7.00 and weekly dinner specials for around $10.00. They offer free wi-fi in the dining area and will bring you a newspaper (in English or Spanish, depending on your preference) to read while you eat. A quality dining experience with wonderful service! If you haven't gone yet, go! 

Customer Service Review (out of 5 stars): 5 stars

Average Plate Price:  
Breakfast - $5.00 to $6.00 (full meal and coffee)
Lunch - $7.00
Dinner - $10.00

Map:


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