Villa Rosa is one of Cuenca’s most elegant restaurants, and one of the best that is not affiliated with a hotel. Located in a converted colonial home not too far from the center of town, the restaurant is attractive and the service is excellent. Villa Rosa specializes in a mix of Ecuadorian and international cuisine, serving dishing like beef in mushroom sauce, sea bass in caper sauce, octopus prepared to your liking, and a number of pasta dishes. All of the food is well-prepared and tasty. Accompany your meal with a bottle off the extensive wine list, and finish it all off with a dessert like flambeéd bananas. It also has a tourist menu, available both for lunch and dinner, where you can choose an appetizer, main course and dessert for a set price. Monday-Friday noon-3 p.m. and 6:30-10:30 p.m.
