We quickly became fixtures like the dioramas on the wall.
Each time we ate at Moliendo Café in Cuenca, Ecuador we wrung the bell to signify our utmost satisfaction. In fact, after an expat named Quinn recommended the restaurant (our first time sampling Colombian cuisine) we returned for five of our final six meals in this historic and food-centric city. The combination of quaint ambience, heartfelt service, and value was too much to pass up.
Janeth and Javier represent their native Colombia with excellence.
Owned and cordially operated since 2001 by Javier Muñoz and Janeth Echeverri of Medellin, Colombia, Moliendo Café is welcoming and inclusive. “There are no races, no borders, no religions, and no differences” boasts the motto on their varied menu. It’s a claim authenticated by a clientele of local Ecuadorians, dedicated expats, and short-term travelers.
Why People Line Up Early: Great Food in Cuenca’s Historic Center
Prices are affordable. The menu includes house specials, over a dozen plates featuring arepas, and much to the delight of our travel companion Daniel, large Pilsener beers for $1.50. They serve from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Repeat customers line up early to start their days with breakfast and Colombian coffee. Contented diners close the place out with satisfied smiles and filled stomachs.
The Moliendo Café features a choice of beef or pork, with plantain, egg on an arepa.
On two separate visits I sampled arepas mixtas featuring both shredded beef, chicken, cheese, a large arepa with carrots and peas. Arepas, a staple of Colombian meals, are grilled white tortillas made from corn. On two other occasions I ordered the Moliendo Café with choice of thinly sliced beef or pork, eggs, and plantain happily resting on an arepa. Melissa’s go-to garnish was Hogoa, a blend of fried onions, and fried tomato paste. Before serving one customer, Javier proudly flashed me a visual of their Patacon Pisao, a hearty and colorful plate resembling the Italian flag.
Décor to Make You Change Your Travel Itinerary
Satisfied customers return to Moliendo Café.
Pride for their native land was reflected by recommendations for sites to visit in Colombia and from the décor in Moliendo Café. Framed samples of money and intricate wooden dioramas line the walls. Colorful photographs of various cities lie pressed between tables and sheets of glass beckoning diners to daydream of detours north to Colombia. Outdated stereotypes of the nation deleted from my mind as the owners described how they bring their children back home to visit family every two years.
If you visit Cuenca Ecuador eat here.
To enjoy Moliendo Café and ring their bell visit Cuenca, Ecuador. Their address is Honorato Vásquez 6-24 and Honorato Miguel. For more information email Javier and Janeth at moliendocafecuenca@gmail.com. For great accommodations a few blocks away check out Hostal Capitolio.
Filling Colombian breakfasts won't stretch your budget.
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This place does rock!
Considering the relative compactness of Cuenca’s downtown, I shouldn’t be surprised you guys found this place too.
I ate here probably every other day for lunch while in Cuenca for about three weeks (on two separate occasions).
They do a great, fast take out too, in case you’ve got to run (I’m a workaholic).
For a foodie town, Cuenca seems to outdo itself at every corner. But seriously, Moliendo is THE best restaurant in Cuenca. They keep it real!!
Breakfast with their special scrambled eggs is just insane–Yum!!
Hope you are taking some work breaks. We had some take out food from Moliendo Café and ate it cold for breakfast the next day. It was so filling and delicious, that we didn’t need to eat again until dinner.
We’re sorry we didnt’ read your entry on time.
Instead we ate nearly every day we spent in Cuenca at NÉCTAR, a vegetarian restaurant (first and second course, desert and “jugo” for 2’50 dolars) run by Tatiana and her greek husband who are really nice people.
Hi Paco and Lola! It was so great to spend time with you in Vilcabamba. Izhcayluma is one of our favorite places! Glad you are enjoying Cuenca. It’s such a foodie city. Did you eat at Moliendo? The arepas are the best! Travel safe! Ciao!
We are happy we met you in Vilcabamba and shared a table on our first night at the hotel. Next time we go to Cuenca we’ll try out the restaurant you recommended. We are currently in Huanchaco, Peru and their are several great restaurant options for veggie lovers. I eat meat but am happy to accompany Melissa to vegetarian spots to get a boost of vitamins.