As far as we know, the only restaurant in Cuenca that requires men to wear a sports coat, and women a dress, is the formal dining room at the Cuenca Tennis Club. If you feel like dressing up for dinner and you’re not a member of the club, the city offers several great fine dining options where a little formality will be appreciated. Here are our top five choices.

Villa Rosa, 12-22 Gran Colombia at Tarqui, tel. 283-7944

Billed as "the best restaurant in Cuenca,” Villa Rosa has an eclectic International menu, good wine list, and superior service. It is a family run operation and the owners also operate Hosteria Uzhupud near Paute, an authentic Hacienda and a great place to go on a day trip or for a romantic getaway. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday (leave your cut-offs at home).

Casa Alonso Gourmet Restaurant, Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel, 12-55 Simon Bolivar near Tarqui, tel. 282-3889

It has a charming restaurant, requiring reservations in advance.  I would recommend going there with company or for a group celebration (when no expense is spared).  If not, you could be the only ones there.  The atmosphere is first class and, in addition to the restaurant, there's a dining gazebo, in a magical garden setting.  Check it out, as well as the rooms for out-of-town impressionable guests. 

Santa Lucia Restaurant in Hotel Santa Lucia, 8-44 Borrero near Sucre, tel. 282-8000

This is a popular, well-appointed and convenient place.  Unfortunately, I have not had good experiences there...but don't let that stop you.  Their Carpaccio is excellent, but I can't say anything positive about the other dishes, overcooked meat, dry salmon, indifferent pasta, etc.  Hopefully it was just my bad luck, as others have enjoyed dining in this charming setting.

Cuatro Rios, 10-44 Padre Aguirre near Gran Colombia, tel. 285-0521

For a true taste of elegance, Cuatro Rios is hard to beat. The tables are pre-set with beautiful glassware, charger plates and flatware and you will love the large, absorbent cloth napkins. The prices are upper-end for Cuenca but when you’re looking for great food --and a great experience--  Cuatro Rios is the place.

Goda Restaurant, Hotel El Dorado,  7-87 Gran Colombia near Luis Cordero, tel. 284-7390

Well cooked, presented and served dishes.  A little more casual than the others but still appropriate for a sartorial statement.  Serves both local and international dishes and good cocktails. Always open.

Photo caption: The Casa Alonso Restaurant in the Mansión Alcázar Hotel is one of Cuenca's most elegant dining choices.