After having just flown in from the United States, we were in the mood for some good local food that was within walking distance of the hotel property into which we had just checked in — and Central 593 in Guayaquil in Ecuador seemed to be what we wanted in terms of dinner for that night: a casual place with Ecuadorian food.
Central 593 in Guayaquil in Ecuador. Restaurant Review.
A full bar is available at Central 593 — complete with flat screen televisions. A level upstairs is available — especially if the main level reaches capacity with patrons.
Speaking of capacity, the inside of Central 593 was rather crowded and lively considering that we arrived not too long before the restaurant closed. The restaurant seemed to be quite popular among people who were local to the area, which was a good sign.
The name Central 593 was chosen when thinking about the mission and vision of the members of the team: “our mark that we want to leave in the world but more than anything on the country.” Central evokes the simulation of a train station where one would start a trip; while 593 is the country code of Ecuador — as seen in the telephone number at the conclusion of this article — combined with food to create “a trip in Ecuador”.
Members of the team at Central 593 want society and the whole world to start getting to know each other more, falling in love with the culture, gastronomy, people, cities, landscapes, and everything that the 283,560 kilometers of Ecuador offers. Despite being a small country, Ecuador is quite diverse — of which the restaurant attempts to take such a great advantage and exploit.
With puzzles and content printed on them, even the placemats were fun — and not everybody had the same placemats.
A wireless device was on each table with four buttons: Water, Call, Bill, and Cancel. We never needed to use this device.
We started off with several rolls that were included in the price of the meal and served in a miniature metal bucket with two types of sauces in which to dip. We did not use the sauces because we really enjoyed the taste and texture of the rolls.
Muchines de Yuca were three yuca rolls that were filled with cheese and served with a delicate fruity honey. $4.50
Sango de Choclo was comprised of corn puree slow cooked with shrimp in a brick oven and accompanied by white rice. The black cast iron skillet was so hot that one can feel the heat that emanated from it. This dish was nothing short of amazing. $12.99
Corvina Charles Darwin was described on the menu as exotic sea bass in citrus sauce on mashed broad beans. Legend has it that this is the original recipe of the Darwins during their stay in the Galápagos. Even though we were heading out to the Galápagos Islands the next morning, I had to try this dish. Despite the fact that I am not fond of beans, I was absolutely not sorry that I ordered this dish, which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. I liked the aguaymanto or uchuva — which are known in English as golden berries — on the side, which somewhat reminded me of lulos. $19.99
We did not order any alcoholic beverages, as neither of us were interested in them. Instead, I ordered a glass bottle of Coca-Cola. Sure enough, the magic word azúcar — which is the Spanish word for sugar — was on the label in the list of ingredients. Who needs Coca-Cola from Mexico when one has Coca-Cola from Ecuador? $1.85
A metal box was brought out at the end of the meal with the logo of the restaurant on it.
Inside of the box was the bill to be paid and signed — as well as four individually wrapped mints. I thought this was a nice touch. The entire meal cost $51.48.
Final Boarding Call
The dining experience of Central 593 was very good, with prompt, friendly, and attentive service. The ambient noise was a little loud, which actually lent to the welcoming and comfortable ambiance overall, as quiet would have been somewhat eerie. The food was definitely freshly prepared and of a high quality, as not a drop of it was left over. We were not only full; but we were also satisfied and happy with our dining choices. The prices were not expensive, either. I highly recommend dining here if you want a leisurely — and definitely filling and delicious — meal that is different from the typical run-of-the-mill restaurant with the same boring choices.
Reservations are not necessary. We simply walked in and were immediately seated at a table.
Central 593
Avenida Francisco de Orellana
Plaza Orellana, Local 18, Guayaquil
Ecuador
+593 4-503-6911
Operating Hours
- Monday through Wednesday: Noon through 9:00 in the evening
- Thursday through Saturday: Noon through 10:30 in the evening
- Sunday: Noon through 6:00 in the evening
A parking lot is available adjacent to the restaurant; but I did not have a vehicle.
Major credit cards are accepted.
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
