2 Best Restaurants in Cuenca and the Southern Highlands, Ecuador

Hand-painted menus list a variety of steak and seafood dishes. Start with the tangy conch seviche served in a crystal goblet, and then move on to the succulent grilled lobster. Consider a fine Chilean wine with your meal. The relaxed, friendly service here ensures many repeat visitors.

An unbeatable location adjacent to the Catedral de la Inmaculada doesn't hurt, but it's the reasonably priced food and amiable mood that makes this busy, bilevel restaurant a hit. The extensive menu includes crepes and seviche, and such Ecuadoran favorites as locro de queso (a milk-based potato soup garnished with avocado and cheese).