Write a post
25 Zones in Cuenca Approved for Outdoor Dining Areas
Cuenca is set to allow outdoor furniture placement, such as tables, chairs, parasols (one per table), and planters with natural vegetation, in 25 designated zones. This is part of a new ordinance on public space use in the Historic Center, which was debated on January 9, 2025, and awaits ratification.
Key Points of the Ordinance
Applicable Establishments: Food and beverage businesses, excluding bars and nightclubs.
Requirements:
Minimum storefront width of 3.5 meters.
Maintain 1.5 meters of clear pedestrian space, avoiding ramps, crossings, or urban furniture.
Operating Hours: Initially proposed from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, but expanded to 7:00 AM to accommodate breakfast services.
Pending Adjustments
Alignment with national regulations allowing alcohol sales in restaurants until 3:00 AM.
Clarification on whether the ordinance applies to both tourist and non-tourist establishments.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Minor Violation: Fine of one Unified Basic Salary (UBS).
Three Minor Violations in One Year: Upgraded to a serious violation with a fine of four UBS.
Repeated Serious Violations: Fine increases to six UBS.
Third Serious Violation: Considered a very serious infraction, with a fine of eight UBS.
Monitoring will be handled by the Historical Areas Directorate, Urban Control, and the Citizen Guard.
Fees for Public Space Use
Charges will be calculated based on the square meters occupied, rather than the number of tables, ensuring fairness between small and large establishments. The collected funds will go towards social benefit projects for the care of the Historic Center.
Authorized Zones
Calle Larga (Benigno Malo to Puente Juana de Oro)
Calle Benigno Malo (past Calle Larga)
Plazoleta de la Merced
Honorato Vásquez (Luis Cordero to Borrero)
Plazoleta El Vergel
Calle Larga (Hermano Miguel to Mariano Cueva)
Calle Larga (Mariano Cueva to Alfonso Jerves)
Calle de las Herrerías (Av. 12 de Abril to Las Acacias)
Calle de las Herrerías (Av. 12 de Abril to Calle del Arupo)
San Blas (Tomás Ordoñez to Manuel Vega)
Pasaje Hermano Miguel
Plazoleta Pedro Toulup
Calzada de circulación peatonal de la Condamine (Calle Tarqui to Plaza del Vado)
Plazoleta de las Monjas (Plaza de la UNE)
Acera sur de Calle Simón Bolívar y Padre Aguirre, esquina
Acera este de Calle Padre Aguirre y Simón Bolívar, esquina
Plazoleta de San Francisco
Portales de Calle San Sebastián y Plaza de San Sebastián
Coronel Talbot (around Plaza del Otorongo)
Plaza del Farol
Plazoleta del Carbón
Vereda oeste de Av. Loja (Av. 12 de Abril to intersection with Calle del Farol)
Bajada del Padrón
Acera oeste de Avenida Solano (Av. 12 de Abril to Daniel Córdova)
Plazoleta de la Música
Next Steps
The final approval of the ordinance will be addressed in an upcoming session of the Cantonal Council, incorporating further considerations. A meeting with the Ministry of Tourism is also planned to ensure alignment with national policies.
A Guide to Eating Cuy in Cuenca: Where Tradition Meets Flavor
When in Cuenca, Ecuador, one culinary experience you simply can’t miss is trying cuy asado, or roasted guinea pig. A staple of the Andean highlands, cuy is a beloved dish known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and distinctive seasoning. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or simply curious, Cuenca offers a unique opportunity to taste this delicacy at some of the city's most historic and renowned restaurants.
What Makes Cuy Special?
A perfectly roasted cuy is an art form. The skin should be golden and crispy, while the meat remains tender and flavorful, thanks to a careful blend of traditional spices. Typically served with sides like potatoes, mote (boiled corn), salad, and spicy ají sauce, this dish is not just food—it’s a connection to the rich culinary traditions of the Andes.
The Best Places to Try Cuy in Cuenca
Cuenca’s urban area has its own “cuy route,” featuring restaurants that have been perfecting the art of roasting cuy for generations. Here are three standout spots:
1. Guajibamba
- Location: Luis Cordero Street, between Sangurima and Vega Muñoz
- History: Open for nearly 23 years, Guajibamba is a cozy restaurant housed in a heritage building. The story of Guajibamba began when Jacinto López partnered with his late brother-in-law, Fernando Ríos, who originally roasted cuy at a farm in Ricaurte.
- Why Visit: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional flavor, Guajibamba has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
2. Tres Estrellas
- Location: Calle Larga, near the Pumapungo Museum and Archaeological Park
- History: Established over 70 years ago, Tres Estrellas is a landmark in Cuenca’s culinary scene. For the past 14 years, the Ríos family has run the restaurant, honoring their late patriarch, Fernando Ríos, who transformed the space into a must-visit destination.
- Why Visit: The restaurant features six themed dining rooms, ranging from traditional Andean decor to music-inspired settings. It’s a cultural and gastronomic experience in one.
3. Taitico por Mi Escondite
- Location: Juan José Flores and Gonzalo Zaldumbide, across from the old IESS hospital
- History: This restaurant has been serving cuy for 20 years and is part of a family legacy that stretches back generations. Owner Jorge Tacuri continues the tradition passed down from his grandmother and mother.
- Why Visit: The restaurant collaborates with local producers, supporting small-scale farmers from nearby towns who supply the cuy.
Beyond the City Center
While these three restaurants form the heart of Cuenca’s cuy scene, you can also find roasted cuy in areas like Don Bosco Avenue, Barabón, and Ricaurte. Each location brings its own twist to the dish, ensuring a diverse culinary experience.
What to Expect
Most restaurants offer cuy in different serving sizes: a single portion or a whole roasted cuy. These are typically paired with traditional sides like potatoes, mote, salad, and spicy ají. Prices and portion sizes vary depending on your preference, making it a flexible choice for any visitor.
Preserving Tradition
The families behind these restaurants aren’t just running businesses—they’re preserving a vital piece of Cuenca’s cultural heritage. Their dedication to the craft, passed down through generations, ensures that visitors and locals can continue to enjoy this iconic dish.
Ready to Try Cuy?
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer in Cuenca, trying cuy asado is a culinary adventure you won’t forget. From the crispy skin to the vibrant flavors of traditional sides, it’s a dish that tells the story of the Andes, one bite at a time.
Kobe Sushi & Rolls has opened its first location in Cuenca
Kobe Sushi & Rolls, a chain of Japanese-Ecuadorian fusion food, has opened its first location in Cuenca. It is located in the food court of the Mall del Río and employs a total of 17 people directly. The investment for this Kobe Sushi & Rolls location in Cuenca was USD 170,000.
Kobe Sushi & Rolls has a total of 20 restaurants throughout the country, with 13 in Quito, five in Guayaquil, one in Manta, and one in Cuenca.
Kobe Sushi & Rolls has been present in Ecuador since 2011 and is part of the group that also operates the NOE Sushi Bar brand.
