Cuenca's El Mercado Named Ecuador's Top Restaurant at Summum Awards 2026

Cuenca's culinary scene earned major national recognition on October 28, 2026, as El Mercado claimed first place in the ranking of Ecuador's top 20 restaurants at the second edition of the Summum Awards.

The ceremony took place at the Casa de la Música in Quito, gathering chefs, industry leaders, and restaurant representatives to announce winners across 34 categories out of more than 120 nominated establishments.

Local Highlights for Cuenca

In addition to taking the overall national award, El Mercado topped the local classification for Cuenca. Dos Sucres secured the second position in Cuenca, followed by Tiestos in third place.

On the broader national chart, Nuum from Quito placed second overall, while Guayaquil's Ueya took third place and earned recognition as the best restaurant in Guayaquil.

Analysis: Recognition for Local Dining

For expats and residents living in Cuenca, the Summum Awards highlight the strong performance of local establishments on a national level. Having three recognized dining options—El Mercado, Dos Sucres, and Tiestos—at the top of local rankings reinforces Cuenca's status as a notable destination for gastronomy within Ecuador. The continued success of local chefs shows sustained commitment to high standards in the city's food service industry.

Sources: eluniverso.com.

Image: AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary depiction of the events reported.