Eatin' and Drinkin' in Cuenca, Ecuador

We arrived on a Saturday in Cuenca, famished from not eating anything on the 8-hour bus ride from Baños de Agua Santa. Cuenca did not disappoint. Food and drinks everywhere! Here is a few of our eatin' and drinkin' adventures. We did eat our share of street food, but we also frequented a few expat-owned joints, not necessarily because we were craving American or International foods, but their places were very inviting and cozy...a hang-out-able place, versus the many local eat-and-run type establishments.

[Akiko with a fried empanada-like pastry stuffed with cheese.]


[Mike purchased some candy and chocolate from one of the MANY vendors selling similar candies, pastries, chocolates, etc.]


[Kebabs and grilled corn! What's not to love?]


[Ecuadorian tamales vendor.]


[Fresh coconut juice.]


[Traditional Cuencan fish stew with rice at Raymipampa. Reminded us of curry without the coconut milk.]


[Here for the relaxing patio at Coffee Tree. Also had a refreshing nicoise-like salad.]


[Eucalyptus, voted #1 restaurant, owned by an expat Brit. He knows what he's doing. Great ambience, full bar, dancing, and an international menu.]


[Inca Lounge and Bistro, a triple decker place overlooking Río Tomebamba, and voted best burgers in town. They were pretty good! Owner was super welcoming, had a large group of people there to watch England play a fútbol game, and was getting ready to tap some kegs of microbrews.]


[Lovely dinner and a bottle of wine at Zöe. Apparently, a nice place but we were the only ones there on a Monday night. Fine by us!]


[But, our FAVORITE meal was at Mangiare Bene, an Italian restaurant right in the lobby of our hostel! Fresh pasta with a choice of sauces.