I was surprised to find three seafood restaurants within a block of one another in Cuenca’s Chirimoya neighborhood, a short walk from the historic district.

One, La Marisqueria de Pedro, is mentioned in my updated list, "Where the gringos eat and drink..." (see the CuencaHighLife archives under “Cuisine”). It is located on Luis Moreno Mora, a block down from Red Crab.  Whoops.  That makes four seafood restaurants.

I happened upon La Casa del Marisco at 4-10 Paucarbamba (and L. M. Mora) by accident, as I usually find myself walking in the other direction. It is a large rather institutional looking place with both indoor and outdoor seating. They can accommodate the large Ecuadorean family groups that you see sharing a meal on weekends.

The menu is extensive and prices start at $6.50 (plus tax) for ceviche and go up to over $20 for lobster. I found the food mediocre but, go ahead...make me wrong! A warning to beer drinkers...a small Club costs $2.24 and a small Pilsener sets you back $1.46. They're open seven days a week from 8am to 9.30pm

A short hike from La Casa del Marisco is El Gran Manantial, 12-47 Miguel Cordero near Cornelio Merchán. It is also open seven days from 8am to 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is half the price of Casa del Marisco and is visually more appealing. I'll try it out the next time I'm in the area and report back on the results.

As I was writing this, someone passed by my computer and said, "Don't forget Cebiches de la Rumiñaui in the food court at Mall del Rio"! From someone with a vast knowledge of local food this is a recommendation I will have to follow up on.  I did follow up and found everything to be wonderfully fresh and tasty.  The Pescado Asado at under $5 was a particularly good deal.

So that makes five.

Photo caption: Camaron al Ajillo at Marisqueria de Pedro.