SALÓN TRES ESTRELLAS, Cuenca - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number

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Icónico restaurante cuencano desde 1952 en el que preparamos los mejores cuyes asados y comida típica

PRICE RANGE

$10.00 – $30.00

CUISINES

Latin, Ecuadorean

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Late Night

FEATURES

Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Free off-street parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

136 reviews

Excellent

74

Very good

51

Average

8

Poor

1

Terrible

2

sjpaturzo81

Holiday44 contributions

Best Restaurant in Cuenca

Feb 2020 • none

Excellent food and service. My husband and I ordered guinea pig, llapingacho and my mom churrasco. My husband, who has never being to Cuenca or eating a guinea pig wanted to see how they were prepared. Our waiter Jason was excellent, he offered us to get close to see how the grilled guinea pig was cooked. He was very pleasant and answered all our questions (and we had several). After our meal he called a cab for us an even waited outside until the taxi arrived. The restaurant should be called five stars for its excellent food and attention. Excelente comida y atención. Mi esposo y yo pedimos cuy, llapingacho y mi mamá churrasco. Mi esposo que no es Ecuatoriano quería ver cómo se cocinaba el cuy. Nuestro mesero Jason fué excelente, nos ofreció poder acercarnos a ver cómo se cocinaba el cuy a la brasa. Contestó todos nuestras preguntas (y teníamos varias) con mucho gusto. Nos pidió taxi y hasta espero afuera hasta que el taxi llegara. El restaurante debería llamarse cinco estrellas por su excelente comida y atención

Written February 21, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChaseSq

Denver147 contributions

I'm Sure It's The Best Cuy ... But About Cuy, LOL

Apr 2023 • friends

This place has the reputation for the best cuy (traditional guinea pig) and if you are a gringo and want to try it, this is the place. Professional, attentive service, lovely restaurant. This is the spot. But ... don't expect to love cuy. You may, or you may not. That's fine. What is important is that they want you to get the full experience. So I would say it's a must for those who want to try it. Our waiter, Washington, was great. We had other meat and veggie dishes, knowing we were going to share the cuy. A table of four, with beers, desert, cuy, and shared plates of other things was $100 (don't forget a 10% tip, it's not included). The cuy takes a full hour to cook, so come with time and tell the waiter that's something you will order so he can start it right away. The restaurant itself is much bigger than it looks and decorated with all kinds of interesting things. Very popular with Cuencanos, we were the only gringos in the place and the cuy was very popular, but I think it's an acquired taste, lol. The chicken and beef were fantastic, and I'm sure the cuy was as well, for those who love it. It's an institution and worth visiting.

Written April 14, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jon S

Tampa12 contributions

Eat the guinea pig here

Jan 2020 • friends

this is the place to eat guinea pig. You’re in Ecuador and this is the dish the locals will say for special occasions and special guests. You will need to call ahead and reserve one since they take an hour to cook. Believe it or don’t they are delicious.

Written January 9, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Weezi2013

Toronto73 contributions

Cuenca is the place to try cuy and this restaurant does it very well

Feb 2024 • couples

We'd never tried cuy before. My spouse was keen but I was a little apprehensive. We are both foodies but he is more adventurous than I about "unusual" foods. Apparently, this is a delicacy Ecuadorians eat on special occasions - too rich a meat and too expensive to be an everyday food. We picked Tres Estrellas based on our guide's recommendation. The very crispy-skinned roasted cuy is split between two people. It comes whole for presentation, and is then taken away to be cut lengthwise and divided into sixths. We found the tender, moist meat to be a bit of a cross between duck confit and pork and very tasty. I let my spouse have the head (that was too far out of my comfort zone) although he did not eat all of it. Comes with boiled potatoes, a boiled egg, two kinds of sauce (one garlicky (ahi) and one mayonnaisy), mote (large kernels of white corn which we both came to love in Ecuador, especially when grilled) and salad. Since the meat is rich, you don't need much more, but we also had dessert - flan for me and figs with cheese for him. Make sure to make a reservation, as the cuy takes at least an hour to roast.

Written March 17, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathy T

London271 contributions

THE place for Cuy

Jul 2023 • family

I wanted to ensure we had cuy at some point on our Ecuadorian adventure and this was the perfect opportunity. Having read the other reviews on here we called ahead to reserve a table AND to reserve our Cuy - they take an hour to cook if you just turn up but you can preorder your guinea pigs and then they are pretty much ready for you - we waited less than ten minutes after bing seated and confirming our order and getting drinks. We ordered 2 cuy between two adults and a child aged 12, given it comes with a liquidy potato and egg dish and corn, that was enough. The setting is fairly utilitatian with a high ceiling. the guinea pigs are being roasted at the back of the restaurant and they are very encouraging for you to go and take a look and some photographs. I have eaten cuy before and this was a very good example of it, soft and juicy meat with crisp skin - although slightly over salted. we had it with beer and joice for the child. They do sell other things, chicken etc and they serve wine - however the vast majority of patrons were locals eating cuy and drinking beer - they do this extremely well. As a tourist you are here for the cuy, the only reason not to be is probably becuase you are in a group where everyone else wants to... It isn't in the city centre, so you might want to think about a taxi back. We walked here past a few bars on the way to get our evening started.

Written September 12, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sunjoe075

Princeton1572 contributions

Delicious lunch in a simple but nice setting

Sep 2022 • friends

We had lunch at this place. The services is impeccable. The food is excellent. We all had potato soup. I had trout which was flavorfully prepared

Written September 3, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Johana

Newark7 contributions

Best Cuy and Canelazo EVER!!!!

Jan 2020 • none

I am from Ecuador and I love cuy! I am super picky about my food but this place was awesome, a little bit expensive but it is not bad! we were a table of 5 and we spent about $100! do not forget to order CANELAZO after your meal!

Written February 2, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jojoishere

Mazatlan626 contributions

Good food - lots of flavor

Apr 2019 • couples

After visiting the ruins and museum, we were hungry. Popped in without a reservation and caught the end of lunch rush - lucky us. The food was plentiful and very tasty. Quickly served as well. Attentive service and tasty beverages. If you get a chance walk around and check out the myriad of antiques all over the place - a very eclectic and interesting collection of artifacts.

Written April 30, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim D

Ashland City29 contributions

A great restaurant

Apr 2019 • couples

We wanted guinea pig, A must in South America. We showed up only to realize we needed reservations. They took us anyway, cooked out guinea pig and served. Severed with potatoes, salad , the best place in town for this wonderful treat.

Written April 17, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Franz

31 contributions

Excellent cuy and dessert

Mar 2019 • business

The cuy was excellent, better than the one I had in Quito. I really enjoyed the dessert (cocco pudding) but 5 dollars for a beer is a bit expensive

Written March 16, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary

Culver City2442 contributions

You have to experience it!

Oct 2018 • friends

I had read that Tres Estrellas is the best place to order "cuy" (guinea pig) and was determined to try it. The restaurant was full of locals - but my friend and I were graciously welcomed. One order of cuy can be split between two people. And, as we were told that it would take one hour to prepare our order, we decided to order drinks and split an appetizer. We opted for the Mode Sucio which is corn (actually more like hominy) with fried bits of pork. Most of the locals were drinking aguardiente - but I opted to try a couple of glasses of wine which were not very good. Probably beer or aguardiente is your best bet here. As for the cuy - when it came we were told to eat it with our hands, and that the skin is the best part. Yes it does taste like chicken and is a big greasy. As for eating the skin, It has a loud "crunch" and was a bit tough for my taste. And I tried not to focus on the little head of the animal that also accompanies your plate of cuy. Like I said, it was an experience - and I'm glad I tried it. For the dessert - try the higos con queso (figs with cheese). It is a typical Ecuadorian dessert and delicious at this restaurant.

Written October 31, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Profe_Walter

Cuenca112 contributions

A delicious surprise

Oct 2018 • friends

As I walked through the door I was surprised by the decor. Amazing! Our table was ready, and our order was quickly taken. We ordered cuy, the local Guinea pig. These are prepared over red-hot coals and take at least a half hour. Other dishes came, as did our drinks. Service was truly swift and efficient. Some ordered other main dishes and these were served along with the perfectly prepared cuy. A fantastic evening, well worth repeating.

Written October 2, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patrick E

Barcelona27 contributions

Late lunch

Aug 2018 • couples

We were recommended this place from a local friend to try the Cuy but by the time we made it they were almost done with lunch so we looked at other menu items. I had the churrasco which was a perfectly cooked skirt steak with fried eggs and a great marinade/sauce. Inside is very nice and clean with very attentive service. Highly recommended!

Written August 1, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

J--Harpswell

Harpswell346 contributions

Good for Cui, but

Apr 2018 • couples

Seeking a dinner of the local guinea -pig delicacy cui or cuy, we went to Tres Estrellas at the recommendation of several people. You need to order cui a few hours in advance to allow time for preparation. The space is attractive and spacious. The cui was served immediately, allowing us little time for preliminaries. The meat was cooked very well, with crisp skin to die for. The rest of the meal was desultory potatoes and mote (a corn dish) — I say desultory because they were not warm nor as tasty as they should be. Service was eager if unpracticed.

Written April 11, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Happy-seniors2

Moncton346 contributions

Great traditional food

Mar 2018 • couples

My wife and I went there specifically to try the Ecuadorian dish called cuy which is guinea pig roasted on spit. As soon as we sat down, we ordered the cuy because it takes one hour before it is ready. I asked if I could take pictures of the guinea pigs being roasted and the waiter said: sure take as many pictures as you want and I did! While we were waiting, we had a few beers and walked around the restaurant. The walls are all decorated with antiques and everything is really neat. The cuy is served with potatoes and mote(white corn). The cuy was very good and was big enough for two people.

Written March 30, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SALÓN TRES ESTRELLAS, Cuenca - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor