Review: Trattoria Novecento Restaurant (inside Hotel Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel)

Hotel Santa Lucia Boutique Hotels
Trattoria Novecento Restaurant

Review:

Trattoria Novecento Restaurant (inside Hotel Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel)

Address: 

Antonio Borrero 8-44 y Mariscal Sucre ~

We blog quite a bit about different things but it seems to me we mostly blog about restaurants. And here we go again. It is true. We go to the rotary, and to the markets quite a bit. But while we are getting settled the only thing we are doing is working on making our new place a home and we eat while out shopping as a way of having some fun and getting a break from our own cooking. We do want to get out and see more and blog about that as well. But the current focus for us is all about the creation of our new home and the work is almost complete.

Once done we will put up some photos and details but we want to finish first. Our computer/spare bedroom is the last room that needs work and the desks are being painted currently. It's a long process to wait for the paint and urethane to dry.

Not to mention that eating out is so affordable here and the opportunity to discover new restaurants draws us to try new places all the time. However, we also have some favorites and I am going to talk now about our favorite of all time, well 1.5 months, in Cuenca, Ecuador.

A few weeks ago, Heather and I were walking in El Centro (downtown Cuenca) when Heather announced she was hungry and she stepped into a small entryway and announced she wanted to eat there. I shrugged and said “okay” and in we went to discover a new love.

My Wife Heather

The white linens draped from the ceiling, and the plush cushions on the chairs spelled comfort at a glance. The food is Ecuadorian or Italian and I must admit, we have been there 5 times and have never had anything but Italian. I'm sure that will change soon.

Giovanni is the manager, and he always takes the time to greet us and makes sure to stop by our table for a chat, no matter how busy, he always has a smile and a passion for service and food that is very rare in this world.

I have always described food in terms of emotions and passion to convey the flavors. And Giovanni does the same. He even teaches his staff to do the same. He is the best at his craft that I have encountered in the past 15 or more years.

Let's talk about the service for a moment. Passing by the server and service is done correctly EVERY time. Always on the right. Every aspect is thought of and done as it should be. Yet there is no snobbery about it. Its done as a ritual. As a sign of respect not just to the customer but, to the art of food as well. Even the salt and pepper are refilled after the diners leave. Every time.

Hummus Pesto Spread

Homemade Breads

The food is well prepared and very tasty. Some of the best Italian we have ever eaten. The pesto served with the fresh homemade bread is just delicious. The olive oil is of the highest quality...I would love to know the brand, it's so delicious!

Chicken Sorrentino with Spinach Alfredo Pasta

We have never have had a bad meal. We have never had anything but the best service. It's like stepping out of Cuenca and into Tuscany, Italy and the prices are moderate for Cuenca, Ecuador but still affordable for us. Our average for two meals and two limonadas is around $20US dollars. And for the quality of food and service the price is very affordable and justifiable.

Birdcages and Candles

View of Trattoria Novecento

Ceiling of the Meeting Room

Recently, we toured a few of the hotel rooms in order to ascertain if they would be good for family and friends when they come to visit. And even the most basic room is amazing and well appointed. Very clean and welcoming. We are going to get an email detailing prices and if affordable, this hotel will be where we advise everyone we know to stay while in Cuenca, Ecuador. Not just for the food or service, but for a good experience.

Meeting Room's Fireplace

View of the Ceiling of Trattoria Novecento's Ceiling

Standard Queen Size Room

Standard Queen Size Room

Standard Queen Size Room's Bathroom

Standard Queen Size Room's Shower

There are other restaurants we like and go back to. And I am sure there are others we have yet to discover. But the one weakness Heather and I have is good Italian. We make it at home quite a bit and it seems to be the favorite for us both. Heather took Mama and she loves it as well. She even told us to try to buy the chairs. Giovanni is negotiation with the owners to see if we can buy some of their extras ones or maybe find out the name of the makers so we can obtain some for our patio.

Birdcage and Candle area

View Down to the Front Door

I have also talked with Giovanni about having a cooking class as well. We are working on the details. I was thinking about a pasta making class and gnocchi making class as well. I still don't know how many people can attend or the cost but I have been assured that if this does happen the price will be around the same as a meal in the restaurant and of course the students get to eat what they make as well. More details to follow on this if enough folks indicate they would like to attend. Please leave a comment below, email Heather or myself, or Facebook one of us and let us know if you would be interested. If the menu needs to change we can discuss it and the majority will rule. I think the class will be 10-20 people. This could be fun! Let us know.