Mediterraneo Ristorante

Mediterraneo Ristorante is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria. If you enjoy Italian food, you'll want to put this place on your "to-visit" list.

You won't leave hungry, we're sure of that!

This is a great place to dine, and a wonderful way to introduce visitors to Cuenca. The management is eager to hear all your comments, so be sure to meet owners Laura and David when you visit.

The Decor

The first thing we noticed were Mediterraneo's wall decorations.

Painted in rich Tuscan colors, the walls are covered with a gallery of famous Italians—Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, and many, many others.

You're sure to be in an Italian mood after reviewing all the photos.

You can choose from cozy nooks for private dinners, larger spaces for family-sized meals, or tables for 1-4 in the main dining area.

The fully stocked bar is ringed in soft blue lighting, adding a touch of sophistication to Mediterraneo.

The Menu

The restaurant's menu is extensive, and in typical Italian fashion, includes several courses of mouth-watering delicacies.

Antipasti

Start with one of six different types of bruschetta ($3) and several antipasti selections such as gamberelli en bellavista, crudo fromaggi e crostini, caprese, or invotini de peperoni al tonno, among others. They're priced from $3 to $6.50.

Pasta and Second Courses

There are 24 pasta selections for the "primi piatti" (first course), including spaghetti, penne, lasagna, fettucini, canneloni, tortellini and gnocchi (in Spanish, spelled ñoqui). Each is available in a wide variety of sauces. They're priced at $4.80 to $9.

Segondi piatti (second course), if you still have room, includes the chef's special preparation of beef, pork, tilapia and salmon, and shrimp, from $5.60 to $11.

Pizza and Calzones

If you have your heart set on pizza, Mediterraneo's wood-fired pizza oven in the back of the restaurant will bake you one of over 20 types of pizza or calzone, including wurstel, zagao or biancaneve pizza, and farcito or liscio calzone.

If you're like Jeff and have a more conventional taste when it comes to pizza, all the usual toppings are available as well.

Personal size pizzas are $4.50 to $7.50. Large ones are $9 to $12. Calzones are one size, at $6 to $6.50.

Desserts

Enjoy tiramisu, crostata di fantasia, beignes with cream and chocolate sauce, tortes, and brownies, as well as gelatos. Desserts are $2.40 to $3.50.

Beverages

Have an espresso, cappuccino or latte. If you're not into coffee, have a tea or hot chocolate. All are very reasonable at $1 to $2.

Juices, batidos (juice mixed with milk), sodas, wine, beer and cocktails are also available.

Location and Hours

Mediterrano Ristorante is located next to Hostal El Cafecito on Honorato Vásquez, one block from Calle Larga, an area popular with university students and young travelers.

The hours are 12:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. They'll also send meals to your home by taxi if you want to eat in.

Call 07-2844138 for reservations, home delivery, or more information.

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