The Best Cafes In Guayaquil Ecuador

Cafe culture fuels the city of Guayaquil and new, European-style coffee shops are cropping up in numerous trendy locations. French-style pastries have become a foundation for many bakeries in the city, but the traditional pastelería remains popular, especially in the heart of Guayaquil. Local coffee shops are popular on Thursday and Sunday evenings, when Guayaquileños head out for a traditional café y empanada with friends and family. Here’s our pick of the best.

1. Lúdica Coffee House

Cafe, Dessert Shop, Vegetarian, Dessert

Lúdica is a European-style coffee house popular with locals. This cafe specializes in espresso drinks and cold brews. They serve light meals, lots of great desserts, and local handcrafted, microbrew beers.

2. El Mono Goloso

Bakery, Cafe, Pastry Shop, French

Just a few steps away from the Gardens at the Malecon 2000, El Mono Goloso is a great place to take a break from touring the city. High on the list of favorites are the French-style pastries, including excellent almond croissants.

3. Pastelería Galletas Pecosa

Bakery, Cafe, Pastry Shop, Pastries

Pastelería Galletas Pecosa is a local treasure and is beloved by Guayaquileños. High on the list of favorites are the chocolate cake, the macadamia nut cake and the tiramisu. This is not the place to come for espresso drinks but they do make a great cup of coffee.

5. Kawka Coffee Shop Bakery

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Dessert, Coffee

Kawka Coffee Shop Bakery has great coffee, excellent empanadas and delicious waffles. Located in the Samborondon neighborhood, this relatively new restaurant is quickly making a name for itself.

6. El Café de Tere

Cafe, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Fast Food

El Café de Tere was once a local secret. Nowadays, with several stores in the city, lines of hungry customers wait their turn to buy the specialty of the house, Bolón de Verde, or a hefty platter of Tigrillo, both dishes made from green plantains. Arrive early for the best selection as they stop serving once sold out, usually before closing.

7. Sweet & Coffee

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee

Sweet & Coffee first opened in Guayaquil in 1997. Today, they own cafes throughout Ecuador. This coffee shop offers a good selection of coffee drinks, fresh juices, as well as sweet and savory pastries. If you want to know how Ecuadorians drink their coffee, this is a great place to learn.

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