Where to Eat in Cuenca With Kids

Working out where to eat in Cuenca with kids turned out to be the easiest job of the whole trip. The food is good, it is astonishingly cheap by American standards, and every place we walked into was glad to see the girls. These are the breakfast spots, almuerzos, dinners and sweets we actually went back for.

Where to Eat in Cuenca With Kids: Our Favorite Restaurants

We love food!  So check out our recommendations for some of the best restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador.  Make sure you visit Cuenca hungry!

Our Favorite Breakfast Spots in Cuenca

Sunrise Cafe

We were surprised to find several breakfast cafés that reminded us of being in California.  Sunrise Cafe was no exception.  In fact, it was almost like being transported to California when we walked in.  Most of the tables in the front were always filled with older gentleman, all expats, some in cowboy hats.  The were always happy to say good morning to the girls as we walked through as if they missed their own grandchildren back home.

The food was reliable and extremely affordable.  The girls could always get pancakes or french toast.  It was not the best breakfast ever but we were happy enough to return 3 times, if that says anything.  It is also conveniently located in the historic center and from where we were staying, just a two block walk,so it could not have been more convenient.  The staff was friendly and always looked like they were working hard.   They have great reviews and are open 7 days a week!

San Sebas Cafe

Located in the San Sebas neighborhood (where many expats reside) yet still walkable from the historic center is this delicious little cafe.  The mix of patrons here is about half locals/half expats from our observation on the three mornings we ate here.  It is always very busy and you just have to grab an open table if you can.  Sometimes the staff here seemed a bit overwhelmed but I assume the good food keeps it busy.

It was the only place I found biscuits and gravy in Ecuador, and they were spot on.  They used a sausage gravy, but had a mushroom option for vegetarians.

They had everything from chilaquiles and breakfast burritos to chocolate pancakes and pumpkin french toast slathered in toppings!  Regardless of what everyone in your family is craving, they are bound to find something appealing here.  The prices were also favorable with most dishes ranging between $4-$6 (remember, their currency is the USD).

They also have an online ordering platform and will deliver for a modest fee if you feel like ordering in!

This place is definitely one of the best restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador for breakfast.

www.sansebascuenca.com
San Sebastian 1-94 Y, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador

Café de Ñucallacta is a bit unassuming from the exterior but good things come in small packages.  There is plenty of seating past the small dining room and down into the courtyard-ish space.  This is a smaller operation but the coffee was really good and menu a decent size for the tiny kitchen they were cranking out of.

I was super excited to try the Motepillo (pictured below).  It is a traditional breakfast dish in this region comprising of hominy, eggs, onion, cheeses and local seasonings.  It tasted exactly as I imagined and I loved it!  It was not Dawson’s cup of tea but I have been trying to replicate it since we have been home I enjoyed it so much.

Dawson went for a breakfast sandwich and there were pancakes for the girls.  We ate here at the end of our stay and I was a little bummed I didn’t get here sooner as I would have returned for a second meal.

www.cafenucallacta.com
Calle Hermano Miguel, Exterior:5-62, Cuenca 010101, Ecuador

Lunch and Almuerzos in Cuenca

You are bound to love almuerzos in Cuenca, especially if you are on a budget.  While almuerzos means “lunch” in Spanish, in Ecuador it means a bit more than that!  It means a set lunch, usually a soup, entree plate and a juice (sometimes it includes a snack or small dessert) all for just $2.50-3.00 USD.  An insane deal if you ask me!  While not all restaurants offer this almuerzos deal, read on for a couple of places that do and a few spots that just have good food!

Moliendo Café

This little Colombian cafe has a big following in Cuenca.  Moliendo Café is quite popular among the locals and gaining popularity among more tourists.  This was our favorite almuerzos lunch during our stay.  In addition to juice, an incredibly flavorful soup and entree plate, it also came with a banana!  Truth be told the entree plate wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was good.  The real star of the show was the soup, accompanied by the fresh squeezed juice made of I am still not sure what, but oh so good!  Still, the fact that everything you see in the picture below was $2.75USD, still boggles my mind!

On your way out you can ring the bell hanging in the photo below to show you loved the food and service!  We arrived at 11:30am and snagged a table easily.  However I walked by another day around 1pm and the place was packed.  Don’t forget to just grab an open table, nobody will come to seat you in Cuenca (from our experience), and locals are happy to pass you by to grab the table instead.

In our opinion, this is one of the best restaurants in Cuenca Equador for an almuerzos set lunch.

https://www.facebook.com/Moliendocafeecu/
Calle, Honorato Vásquez 6-24, Cuenca 010101, Ecuador

Morlaco’s Tacos

This tiny place packs one hell of a punch!  I will tell you, as soon as I took a bite of my first taco here, I knew that I could move to Cuenca and be happy!

A true street taco!!!  This is nearly impossible to find in South America as we discovered they are just not a part of most South American cuisine or culture.  Being from California, we eat a LOT of tacos (and naively assume that everyone else does) and have access to a lot of really good taco places.  We are lucky.  These tacos though, I am pretty sure they are better than any taco I have ever had (maybe!).  Made to order, packed with so much flavor and only $1 USD for 2 tacos!!!!

I am bummed I didn’t make it to this place until the end of our journey because I probably would have eaten every lunch here otherwise.  The menu can be see on the wall in the photo below.  Pick any 2 for $1.  Let me tell you, the pork with pineapple is not to be missed!!!  When I was done I let them know that these tacos were better than the tacos in California and the guy in the yellow shirt was beyond stoked about it (I believe he is the owner).

Torre Colón

Torre Colón popped up on sever travel blogger sites as a great place for almuerzos.  The first time we tried to go the place was slammed with a line out the door so we decided to try again another day.  The second time, we came closer to 2pm, after the lunch rush and were practically the only ones there.  The soup was fantastic, the juice good, and the entree plate was mediocre at best.  We were there after lunch so maybe that played a part.  But for the cost, it really is hard to complain about much.  The location, just two blocks from the main square and 1 block from our AirBnb made it convenient.

Goza Espresso Bar

The Goza Espresso Bar is popular amongst expats, and known for being a breakfast brunch spot.  We decided to hit it for lunch as it just worked out that way.  They are located on a corner with a large patio out front, great for people watching.  The menu is extensive with a lot of variety and international cuisine, including many fun blended drinks, which the kids were stoked about.  I was happy to see nachos on the menu, after being away from home for more than a month, nachos were calling my name!  They were yummy but not quite the Mexican nachos I am used to.

Their chicken nuggets were SO good.  I will continue to comment on how delicious chicken fingers/nuggets/strips are in all of the Central and South American countries we have visited.  Baffles me that they are no where near as good in the states…like we can’t figure out the breading part of the equation or something.  The cost of food here is quite a bit more than the norm in the area which I believe is why we didn’t see any locals eating here.

Our Favorite Dinner Spot in Cuenca

Dos Sucres

Dos Sucres is named after the former currency of Ecuador and was recognized by “50 best”.  The owner/chef advocates for sustainable practices and sources all of his ingredients from local farmers.  The menu represents Ecuadorian flavor with a creative international twist.  They offer both a prix fixe menu as well as plenty of a la carte options.  The first night we dined we went for the prix fixe since it was so affordable by US standards.  How can you go wrong?!  Below are the photos of the courses we received for the prix fixe, which I believe was $38 USD.

I am happy to say that the food not only lived up to their reviews but exceeded my expectations!  I was delighted to eat at such a high end restaurant for a fraction of the cost of eating at a comparable restaurant in the US.  We decided to go back a second night and order some things off the a la carte menu.  Below are those photos.   They also made fabulous cocktails and the staff was incredibly kind and attentive.

We ate at 5pm both nights, not really dinner time by Ecuadorian standards, and had the place to ourselves.  If you prefer to eat at 8pm you will need a reservation.  Apparently a lot of their clientele drive the 3 hours from Guayaquil to eat here.

The first night I ordered a dessert sample platter in addition to my prix fixe dessert.  The churros were the standout, so I had a full order our second visit (pictured below). If you grab dinner here, make sure to save room for an order.  Whether you are looking to stuff yourself with high end cuisine or just treat yo self, Dos Sucres is the place to go in Cuenca.

If I may be so bold to say, this isn’t ONE of the best restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador, it is THE best restaurant in Cuenca Ecuador!

http://www.dossucrescuenca.com/
Roberto Crespo Toral 3-56, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador

Casa Yangoe

I love Casa Yangoe.  Such a cool concept store/restaurant in the historic center, tucked away through an unassuming entrance.  I bought the best goods for myself and gifts for others here.  All the products they sell are made by local families and they have their own label for a few things as well.  You can see pictures and more info on the goods the sell on our Where to Shop in Cuenca page.  The restaurant is in the back courtyard which includes a stage with live music on Fridays.

The food was simple but good.  Dawson really liked his sandwich and I tried the sample platter of empanadas and a potato dish.

The kids were stoked that they had a charcuterie plate on the menu.  It had been a while since they had good ol’ cheese and ham.  They also had their own craft beer label and Dawson enjoyed their IPA.  The atmosphere here is our preferred style, casual.  I really enjoyed supporting them as they support many local families and their crafts.

www.casayangoe.com
Benigno Malo 508, Cuenca, Ecuador

Snacks and Desserts in Cuenca

Angelus by Tutto Freddo

Tutto Freddo is an Ecuadorian ice cream chain found throughout the country with several locations in Cuenca.  The photos below were from our visit to the location in the main square, next to the cathedral.  The ice cream was really good!!!  Sometimes during our travels around the world, ice cream isn’t always the kind of ice cream we are used to in the US.  You mean all ice creams are not created equal?!  Unfortunately not.  But happy to report that the ice cream here is delicious!

They had a multi page menu full of sundaes, shakes, smoothies and even food.  Viona opted for their mint chip sundae, pictured above, and I happily ordered the Moka with coffee ice cream and coffee liquor.  It really hit the spot!  We may have eaten sundaes here on more than one occasion…

tuttofreddo.ec
Benigno Malo S/N, Cuenca 010101, Ecuador

Mercado 9 de Octubre

To get a good feeling for a local culture, I am a big fan of visiting the local markets.  The 9 de Octobre market is photographed here, and is a great place to pick up fresh fruit and try some fresh made street foods.

The ladies on the second floor make and sell things like fresh squeezed juices and empanadas.  I was excited to try the cheesy pancake below.  I missed the real name for it but it was oh so good!  Especially a fresh one right off the hot plate.  The lady kept warning me that it was hot but I could hardly wait to take a bite.  Anything resembling a pancake is likely to be my favorite food.

I probably could have eaten 5 of these!  If you do visit this market or any of the others, please be mindful of your personal belongings.  All the locals kept telling us, “you need to be careful at the market, lots of pick pockets”.  I personally never felt unsafe and the markets we visited were not crowded at the time of our visits so I didn’t have much concern.  We had only good experiences!

y, Mariano Cueva & Pío Bravo, 4X3X+RGG, Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuadorian Desserts

You will likely see many of these sweet shops as you walk around.  The Corpus Café pictured above seemed to be the most popular chain.  The variety of sweets are sold by weight so you can select a variety to sample.  They place it in a plastic bag for you to take home or snack on while you explore.  Most shops sold similar things and had a little bit of every type of sweet, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

Located all over the city

Park Vendors

If you head to one of the many parks, especially on a weekend or late afternoon, you are bound to see vendors walking around selling refreshments or snacks.  It happened to be a particularly hot afternoon on one of our park visits so I indulged in a Michelada.  I opted for the passion fruit and boy was it tart and tangy!  Truth be told I couldn’t finish it because it was quite sour but it was an interesting experience and cooled me down!

There was also a few people walking around selling freshly cut fruit.  Kaida was stuck on having watermelon after the man passed by so we got this beautifully delicious slice for .25 cents.  She was a happy camper.  Although the man walking around with the tray certainly didn’t look like an official vendor, there were several locals purchasing watermelon from him so I felt it was ok to to the same.

Cuenca is such an incredible city and I know we missed out on so much good food because there simply was not enough time to try it all.  While we surely ate at some of the best restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador, I look forward to return and fin even more!  If you are looking for some fun things to do in Cuenca, check out our Cuenca See & Do page!

Tips for Eating Out in Cuenca With Kids

Eat big at lunch. The almuerzo is the best value meal of the day and the portions are generous, so we made lunch the main event and kept dinner light. It also means you are not asking tired kids to sit through a long meal at night.

Go early for dinner and expect a quiet room. We ate at 5pm both nights at Dos Sucres, which is not really dinner time by Ecuadorian standards, so we had the place almost to ourselves. With kids that is a feature, not a problem.

The expat cafes are your picky eater insurance. Sunrise Cafe and San Sebas do pancakes, french toast and biscuits and gravy, so if someone is having a day there is always a familiar breakfast a couple of blocks from the historic center.

Do the market, and go upstairs. The second floor of Mercado 9 de Octubre is where the food is, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant. It is also the best hour of local culture you will get for a couple of dollars.

Let the park vendors feed you. Freshly cut fruit for a quarter beat every snack we had packed, and if the locals were buying from the tray, we bought from the tray too.

For the rest of the city, start with our Cuenca with kids guide, then have a look at things to do in Cuenca with kids and where to stay in Cuenca with a family.