We found this restaurant on our first week in Cuenca, 9 ½ years ago and it was then and remains, for us a mainstay of good food, service and ambiance. It is essential Cuenca, solid, unassuming and comforting. You cannot find another restaurant that more fully encapsulates the calm of this city.
Owned by the same people who own Wunderbar, located in the Esclanante, it exudes charm. We normally have breakfast here on Sundays or at Bistro Yaku because they both are solidly good restaurants, as opposed to the tourist traps that proliferate in up and coming El Centro. If a restaurant brings your check or clears your plates before you specifically ask they do so, it is not a true Cuencano restaurant. This is deemed rude.
The locals know this place for soft background music, usually jazz from all over the world, which allows for family time, conversation, computer work and quiet moments just enjoying the day. The television is always tuned to whatever football (soccer) game is being played throughout the world, but the audio is never on.
This is a place for quiet contemplation, enjoyment of the moment and, yes, decent food. It is not unusual that on Sundays a group of local Cuencano men come, unpack their chess games, order their coffees, talk and enjoy spirited games. It’s lovely to watch.
Over the past nearly 10 years, cooks and servers have come and gone but with enough information given and to how you want your food you’ll get what you want. The morning shakes are good, juices are prepared for you and the coffee is expressed and strong enough to satisfy the most demanding coffee drinker. Their pan integral is full of nuts and grains and could be a hearty meal by itself. We like their Austrian pancakes for a sweet treat and they are worth a try, as is their almuerzo.
Opens at 8 AM closes at 10 PM. 7 days.
Address: Hermano Miguel 8 y Bolivar
Contact information: (07) 284 0899
Recommended by Douglas Morgan: dour224@gmail.com
