Matt M (TranqX)
Google
Actual (4.5 stars, rounded up to a five because there is something for everyone that is quality and affordable)
Atmosphere is central to the historic area and always bustling it seems. A little chilly but still sat outside as the energy was great and the restaurant didn't pretend to be a gimmick or something they were not. Service was awesome! They didn't mistreat my Guayaquil family at all :)
Food: Bake Ziti and BBQ pollo (don't hate please haha) / Margherita pizza.
First, the Bake Ziti; I am sure they made their own meat sauce and it was quite delicious but they must freeze it because it came out watery almost like a soup. They are lucky it was so delicious, but unfortunately not full points. The noodles were cooked to perfection and seasoned altogether very well. The breadstick provided was delicious and left me wanting more.
Pizza(s); we asked for half and half in case the bbq wasn't good but it was! I am very picky about pizzas since I spent a large amount of my youth working in pizzerias and the dough did not disappoint. It was great! However, you could see some age in the inside of the cooked dough which is an indicator that the dough might have started to age likely from preparing it the day before (it is a common practice for busy places). I don't think they freeze the dough but definitely refrigerated so it maintained a nice freshness despite it starting to age. I really liked the dough which is very important. There was no red sauce on the pizza but the cheese and toppings were great and fresh.
Complementary to the meal, we had a boiled wine (mulled wine without the cinnamon bits) and it was really good! I didn't care for the sugared rim, though. And the house red wine is very good and a generous amount. I want to try all the dishes, but I can't because I'll get fat.
Thank you for the excellent experience in Cuenca!