El Agave

While living in the old country, our favorite restaurant was Azteca, in north Charlotte. We also frequented a couple other Mexican restaurants closer to our house, and additionally, Denis was a superb cook and would treat us with her homemade tortillas, tacos, and tamales. Then, we moved....

Since arriving in Ecuador, we've been on a quest for comida mexicana. We've tried El Pedrigal Azteca on Gran Columbia Pronto Taco at the stadium, and El Mordida on Luis Moreno Mora. Of the 3, Pronto Taco has decent flour tortillas; however, we've never returned. The other two were simply extremely bad.

Although Denis gave me Mexican cooking lessons prior to our departure, I haven't had the courage to attempt the task.

Last night, at the suggestion of our neighbors, Dek and Val, we made our way to El Agave. Take the Panamerican highway south as if you're going to Yungilla. About a mile past the traffic circle for Loja-Giron, the restaurant is on the left, a lovely brick building, marked by this sign at the entrance.


The restaurant is owned by a couple, Flavio, who is Cuencano, and his wife, Nelle, who is from Mexico City. Their children, Nitza and Jason, assist with service. They've lived in New York for a number of years, so all speak great English.

Nelle, Flavio, Jason, and Nitza
The food was incredible! The tacos met the bar! Enchiladas were served with salsa verde. Nachos were authentic. The tortillas were fresh and crispy.

The restaurant is rustic, reminiscent of a hunting lodge, with furnishings of split logs. There's a large fireplace with a mounted deer head and the walls are filled with fishing equipment. The restrooms were spotless.

The food was delicious and well worth the drive out (the bus to Giron passes buy, so if you're carless, this is an option). The family was warm and friendly and provided impeccable service. Flavio even invited the guys to go fishing with him.

Restaurant hours are: Monday 11AM-2PM
Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-6PM
Friday-Saturday
Sunday 10AM-6PM

Tom, Karen, Mick, Jim, and Angie, with our new friends

At last, Mexican food in Cuenca!

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy