Plant-based, gourmet, fine dining restaurant which makes food from scratch with no gmos, gluten or soy. Previously named Mico's Oasis Verde. 100% vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar free and no artificial or chemical additives/preservatives. Menu changes regularly. Relocated from Matapolo. Previously called The Epicureans' table. Fri-Sat by reservation only - reservations required at least 2 weeks in advance. NOTE: Maybe closed October 2024 - please send updates to HappyCow. Friday - Saturday by reservation only.
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Route 142 between Aguacate, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, 50807
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- Outdoor seating
- Reservations required
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 24 Oct 2024 by JoshMargolis
Update business info -
Added by EagleFeather on 18 Apr 2019
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35 Reviews
First Review by PaolaVega
BenjiRenji
Points +67
An Experience to Remember Forever - Edit
Being a guest at Mico and Annie is an individual and personal experience. They find to make their ceremony beautiful and enjoyable, creating a safe and delicious space.
Read moreThe ceremony is not weird in any way, just a way to mentally prepare to be in a space of enjoyment and carefreeness.
At the end of the evening you haven't just enjoyed a delicious meal of several artful courses, but you feel like part of a family.
Guest
Duck142
Points +11
Healing orgasmically through food - Edit
I spent over 40 years supporting the ambience of countless Michelin star restaurants. I have dined in them often, during which time I consulted with many of the Chef's.
Read moreCulinary Alchemists does not fit into any of their molds. It is a unique culinary and healing experience that can only be appreciated during one of their limited ceremonies.
The evening of the ceremony I entered a remote location where I experienced centuries old knowledge of eating and healing during this remarkable plant based cuisine served with mindful intentions.
It was absolutely wonderful to take part in Chef du Cuisine - Mico Eagle Feathers and partner Annie Lulu's creations.
I have reviewed it in detail in an online travel magazine called Wonderlust.
It will give you insight into this remarkable experience
Guest
A.Lulu
Points +32
Important Update - Edit
OPENING IN MATAPALO, GUANACASTE ~ EARLY 2023
Read moreThe Gastronomic Ceremony, created by Chefs Annie & Mico, and made famous at their former restaurant, El Oasis, in Cuenca, Ecuador… is coming to Matapalo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. After reaching #1 out of 700 restaurants on TripAdvisor in just 20 months, and receiving a nomination for Best Foreign Chef in Ecuador 2021 and 2022, they have accepted an opportinuty to move their gourmet, ceremonial concept to Costa Rica.
Name changed from El Oasis to: "The Culinary Alchemists"
High end gourmet food served in a setting of a Sacred Ceremony. 100% plant based. Free of soy, white sugar, gluten.
Only with reservation!!!!
Please not, that some update are not online yet on Happy Cow - that is the reason for this update on the review page. Thank you very much for understanding.
Updated from previous review on 2022-12-26
Guest
oghalps
Points +133
exceptional vegan dining experience - Edit
i’ve been vegan my whole life and the el oasis ceremony was the most special restaurant experience i’ve ever had. it’s expensive for ecuador, but so reasonable and worth it compared to similar restaurants in other parts of the world.
Read morethey’re about to close in cuenca and move to costa rica, so hurry to visit before they move or after they reopen!
Guest
BeauB
Points +16
A Cuenca Can't Miss! - Edit
Whether you are living in Cuenca or just visiting for a couple days, El Oasis is a must-do for your itinerary. The plant based menu will satisfy any omnivore, the food is plentiful and delicious. The staff make the meal and the atmosphere an experience that is so unique. They also change the menu every month and base it on a new theme. We can't wait to go back.
Read moreGuest
alyssarae37
Points +24
Memorable experience! - Edit
I had high expectations for this experience and my expectations were exceeded! Wow. Such a special and memorable night. The food is out of this world and the ceremony from start to finish is amazing. Highly recommend!
Read morePros: Local & seasonal ingredients, Intimate with chefs and other guests , AMAZING food!
A.Lulu
Thank you very much for that review Alyssa. It was such a pleasure to have you and Peter. We hope you had a save flight back home.
Read moreGuest
vibrantliving
Points +21
Homemade, Healthy and Exquisitely Gourmet - Edit
El Oasis outdoes themselves once again! With a tropical theme this month, we savored a delicious menu featuring the exotic seasonal fruits chontadura (palm fruit) and jackfruit. Amazing flavors, textures and sauces...and very filling! The ceremony and atmosphere can't be found anywhere else, and it's so underpriced for the value. It's also a chocolate lover's dream! Kudos to the Chefs.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2019-07-16
Pros: Completely plant-based, soy and gluten-free, Unbelievably low price for the high-end experience, Beautiful renovated historic building
Cons: None
Guest
Marcomortato
Points +10
Un'esperienza unica!! - Edit
Cibo delizioso, colorato, artistico e personalizzato.
Read moreOpere d'arte naturali, cremose e gustose. Il tutto condito di salse dolci e piccanti.
Senza conoscere il menù o gli altri commensali, El Oasis ci ha lanciati in un'avventura culinaria e spirituale.
Otto portate, una più intrigante dell'altra, spezzate da drink eccezionali.
Un'esperienza diversa, condivisa con 11 persone tra cui vecchi conoscenti e nuovi incontri. Gran finale con tre dessert e cerimonia di cacao.
Tutto lo staff si è dimostrato cortese, alla mano e professionale.
Chef Mico è un genio devoto alla cucina che mette l'anima in ogni pietanza.
Annie è un'alchimista con i dolci e il cioccolato.
Malia e Steve hanno reso tutto alla mano e professionale.
Tornerò di sicuro!!
Pros: Food was delicious, It was an art form dedicated to all of us, Cerimony setting
Cons: None, It had an end, None
Guest
SpencerJason
Points +31
One of the best culinary experiences of my life. A true ceremony - Edit
It’s amazing how we stumble on places sometimes. This is the first time I ever have a two part post, but one just cannot experience the experience of this culinary ceremony. The moment you walk in it feels like home and your are welcomed by Steve ready to cleanse your entertainment field and the space. Like a true ceremony, all 12 guests start together and end together. Ever course more colorful and flavorful then the next. While you laugh, love, and get to know the other guests around you. From local to far. Leave your drama, politics, and anything controversial at the door. There is no place for that in this beautiful space when you are out on a ceremonial culinary journey of using all the sense and forgetting what is outside the door. Engulfed by fascination and intrigue asking questions like “how is this food so delicious and vegan?” Not only vegan but gluten free and soy free. A true gem and revolutionary idea highlighting local and wild foods and the sacredness of eating, healing your body, and loving your neighbor unconditionally.
Read moreNow for the food. Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine”. Not only does food nourish the body, but it captivated the soul of you use it properly. Nothing this night was processed and it passed through hands of love and intention. What you eat holds energy. Feed you body and soul to create the best you possible. Eating is an experience and @eloasiscuenca treats it as such. The ceremony continues with an 8 course meal. Flowing through the senses. Bringing you to another dimension coming all together with the main course and a Cacao ceremony. The food of the gods and royalty in ancient times. Cacao traditionally had a little chili added to it to heat up your body. You tingled. The idea was that it brought you closer to transcendence. This is exactly what @eloasiscuenca does. Transcends your culinary experience. It’s not just about the food but every single moment. Observe it. Feel it. Love it. Love it. Appreciate it. Thank you chef Mico and Chef Annie and the El Oasis team for putting your heart and soul into this beautiful endeavoring. Continue to transform people’s minds when it comes to food. Wishing you the best. #Veganuary
Pros: Delicious vegan, GF, SF food , Amazing ambiance , Extremely affordable for the caliber of food
Cons: There’s only 12 seats. Get them quick. Not a con!
Guest
AlvaroTenemaza
Points +25
The Best - Edit
La mejor comida vegana de Cuenca, y de todo el Ecuador! Impresionado!!
Read moreGuest
AKierM
Points +27
A Dining Experience to Remember - Edit
The buzz is on, and it was more than worth the wait. Open for 14 months already, I finally got myself to Cuenca, Ecuador to experience for myself the unique dining experience at el Oasis Cuenca, alta cocina consciente. From the beautifully restored earth building in Cuenca's historic center on the wide, brightly lit Mariscal Lamar tranvia line, to the roomy, clean family tables with cosy fireplace inserts and comfortable chairs, to the opening drinks, personalized messages, intimite cacao ceremony and closing toast...it was all magical and amazing. But the delicious and somehow healthily gourmet food was of course the highlight.
Read moreFlavors were bold and sensual, complex and fresh, mouth watering and pleasing, modern yet deeply rooted in culture...a perfect flow of drinks, tasters, palate-cleansers, more sunstantial dishes and multiple desserts, culminating in a satisfied stomach, palate, mind and even heart... Chef Mico and Pastry Chef/Chocolatière Annie have pretty much perfected the conscious dining experience, although I'm sure they'll continue to surprise and innovate because that's what talented chefs do...
The price for this experience would be at least double or more in any other country, and the fact that this level of culinary genius is also sustainably created with healthy ingredients, free of animal products, suffering, typical allergens like wheat, dairy and soy etc, is not lost on me! It's so much more challenging to create Michelin-level and quality delicacies with these restrictions... So bravo Chefs! I can see why most of the clientele are foodies rather than vegetarians, because nothing is lacking or sacrificed in this dining experience, and this is immediately apparent. Those who hold onto the old, outdated views of vegetarian or plant-based dining being somehow less than are truly missing out!
Updated from previous review on 2021-12-01
Pros: Entirely vegan...also gluten and soy-free kichen
Cons: None, just remember you need a prior reservation!
Guest
bobetteJane
Points +11
THE BEST, over and over - Edit
I've now eaten at El Oasis 8 times and every single time has been an experience to remember! First, it's not just a dinner--it's a ceremony. Second the food is amazing, incredible, delicious...and each dish is a work of art. Neither my partner nor I--nor many of the friends we've taken to El Oasis--are vegan. However, every single one has said they can't wait to return!! It's a 4-hour celebration of flavor!
Read moreThe restaurant has new tile tables with fire pits, and very comfortable upholstered chairs. The dining room is restored to its original Cuenca patrimonial style and is a lovely place to spend an evening.
Chefs Miko and Annie are welcoming, inventive, and explain every dish and every ingredient (traditional and innovative dishes made from scratch with local Ecuadorean ingredients).
Don't miss El Oasis if you're in Cuenca, Ecuador, whether you're vegan/vegetarian...or not!
Pros: The atmosphere, the chefs, El Oasis is on the Tranvia route--easy to get to, Four hours of delicious vegan cuisine
Cons: NOTHING!
Guest
FridaLinneaStrandber
Points +6
Outstanding food and experience - Edit
Just Wow! I knew this experience was going to be something special, and yet it was way beyond my expectations.
Read moreAnnie and Mico puts so much love and passion in what they are doing, and it shines through everything.
Food, atmosphere, service, drinks and our welcoming was just extraordinary. These people goes the extra mile for you, this is well worth the experience.
Thank you so much Annie, Mico, Steve and Elix for a wonderful evening.
Pros: Micos and Annies hard work and passion, Amazing food, Wonderful ceremony
Cons: None, None , None
Guest
Bobette
Points +29
This place is AWESOME! - Edit
I'd have to say El Oasis is not what you'd expect to find in Cuenca, Ecuador. It's completely vegan--and imaginative beyond belief! I'm not vegan, nor are many of my friends, yet even the most devout meat-eaters give El Oasis rave reviews. (My boyfriend, a confirmed omnivor, says it's the most memorable dining experience of his life!) There's one service per night (usually lasting about 4 hours) at a beautiful table with fire in the middle, comfortable chairs, a gorgeous setting, and never more than 12 diners.
Read moreChefs Annie and Mico work very hard to invent new and imaginative dishes. The menu changes every month and must take many, many hours to devise and prepare. There are about 8 courses and each comes with a ceremony and an explanation. While each course is small (and exquisite), I've dined there four times and always left very, very full...and happy.
El Oasis is a "MUST" if you live in Cuenca or plan to visit Ecuador. I can't recommend it highly enough!
(Check our the pictures with my review--the presentation is almost unbelievable.)
Updated from previous review on 2021-08-23
Pros: Fabulous, imaginative totally vegan food., A gorgeous setting., Wonderful service.
Cons: Menu only changes once/mo, NOTHING else to dislike!
Guest
angeetr
Points +13
Muy rico y recomendado! - Edit
Muy rico todoooo!! Gracias por esta experiencia tan increíble y deliciosa!! Te sientes como en un museo en una obra de arte experimentando con cada bocado. Me encantó el concepto y el cariño que le ponen a cada detalle, gracias!!!! 200% recomendado!
Read moreGuest
Nicokoikoi
Points +13
The Chef table - Edit
Un excellent lieu pour qui aime la bonne cuisine.
Read moreNous avons vécu une expérience unique à la table des chefs, au coeur même de la cuisine. Non seulement la nourriture est excellente, les saveurs et les textures équilibrées, mais voir Cheffe Annie et Chef Mico est un vrai plaisir pour les yeux. Ils sont passionés et cela se ressent à chaque bouchée.
L'oasis est un de ces lieux où le terme Art Culinaire prend tout son sens!
Un excelente lugar para quien le gusta los placeres culinarios.
Tuvimos una experiencia única en la mesa del chef, adentro mismo de la cocina, donde pudimos ver como se preparan cada uno de los platos. Excelente comida con sabores y texturas bien equilibradas. Los chef trabajan con pasion y muchas energias positivas y se siente en cada uno de sus platos. Fue un placer verlos en accion.
Un lugar donde el concepto de Arte Culinario tiene todo su sentido.
Pros: food quality, concept menu that changes every month, Positive energy and environment
Guest
Tbraunboy2
Points +50
Amazing Vegan cuisine - Edit
An amazing vegan restaurant. This restaurant is one of the reasons I drove my family 7 hours to Cuenca, and it didn't disappoint! The chefs make you feel like part of their family. I brought my 2 children (first children to be served at the restaurant) and they loved it! It was an experience to see the chefs prepare the food, the presentation of the food and the deliciousness of the food! I highly recommend to everyone!
Read morePros: Passion from the chefs, Taste, Presentation
Guest
EagleFeather
Points +93
Gourmet fine dining!! - Edit
If you are looking for a gourmet, Michelin style experience, that is incredibly delicious, 100% plant-based and gluten free, then El Oasis is your destination! And the menu changes every month!
Read morePros: most amazing vegan experience of my life!
Cons: reservations required in advance!
Guest
TomDeWitt
Points +34
Simply Blown Away - Edit
My experience at el Oasis was without a doubt one of the finest dining experiences I have ever had in my life. Upon arrival I was made to feel like a guest in someone's home and that didn't change during the nearly 3 hour dining experience, which consisted of 7 courses and 5 beverages. Each dish and beverage was introduced by chefs Miko and Annie who painstakingly explained what we were about to eat and drink with details provided on the ingredients and how each was prepared. The presentation and preparation were amazing, with each dish having it's own little surprise. Along the way, I got to know others at the table as well as the owner's father, who was our waiter. Oh, did I mention that everything was vegetarian and gluten and soy free? It doesn't matter, if you love food and great hospitality, you'll love dining at el Oasis!
Read moreGuest
LisaSpykers
Points +8196
One of the best vegan fine-dining experiences ever! - Edit
We had the pleasure of being the first guests to sit at the chef's table to watch the magic in the kitchen while also having a chat to chefs Miko and Annie Lulu while they created our food.
Read moreThis food is really on another level. Having eaten in vegan restaurants in nearly 50 countries now, this place is one that truly stands out. Firstly, the food is very clean -- refined sugar-free, gluten-free and using natural, organic, and mostly local ingredients. Every plate is a work of art. The tasting menu (7 courses and 5 drinks, 2 of which open and close the dinner) changes every two weeks, which is an incredible amount of work, and demonstrates how passionate these chefs are about what they do. The theme for our dinner was Mexican and given we love this cuisine (and spice), this was such a treat (see posted photos for descriptions of each plate).
Although this is considered pricey for Ecuador ($55 for the chef's table and $35 without), it really is worth every cent. This was a very memorable experience -- you must try it!
Guest
Goldingirl01
Points +24
Exceptional! - Edit
This is a very special vegan and gluten free restaurant. Fine dining, set menu and 7 courses. I was blown away! Every mouthful was an absolute delight of flavors and texture. Every single thing including vegan butter, cheese and bread was made in house. One of the most inventive and tasty meals that I have ever had! I have to add that I am not vegan or vegetarian.The menu changes every 2 weeks and I may have to go once every 2 weeks😁
Read moreGuest
rmodesitt
Points +16
Meat eater mind blown - Edit
As a meat eater i was sceptical of what a vegan, plant based meal could be. Well, Chef Mico, his family and staff completely blew my mind. Completely shattered what my idea of a vegan meal was and what it can be. Dish after dish was more amazing than the previous one not only in presentation but more importantly in creativity, flavor and education. Chef Mico and his wife fill the evening will education around each course and the ingredients included within them. Chef Mico has truly mastered his craft. Not to mention that i was completely full by the end of the evening. El Oasis is a must for fine dining and a relaxing evening when your in Cuenca.
Read morehttps://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294309-d19719639-r778254791-El_Oasis-Cuenca_Azuay_Province.html#
Pros: Flavor, ingredients, entire dining experience
Guest
RoxyVelez
Points +326
What an experience 💚 - Edit
This was such a lovely experience. The food is gourmet and spectacular. Amazingly delicious, 100% original. The owners are so friendly and kind. I can’t wait to be back!! Coming from Berlin (known as vegan heaven) if we had this in Berlin. I’d be a regular! ☺️ It is pricey but I think the price was actually great for the value we got: hospitality, quality and amount of food 💚. We were there eating from 7pm till 9:30pm!!
Read morePros: So many flavors! Really a show!, Restaurant is cozy, Super friendly owners and team
Cons: Some food was spicy for me. I’m sensible :), Location. It is best to be alert late at night., Can’t find this restaurant in Berlin ;)
Guest
Amolinav
Points +24
Just Exquisite - Edit
Amazing experience, one of my favorite restaurants. The food is incredibly good! Just exquisite 💕
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Excellent food, Just Exquisite
Guest
Azwegie
Points +26
Fantastic flavor and wonderful experience - Edit
Warm and friendly atmosphere. Perfect service and fantastic food. It was a great experience with fantastic food. Every plate was a work of art.
Read morePros: Great food! Great service!
Cons: I can't think of any!
Guest
SteveClair
Points +28
The best vegan food.. Anywhere! - Edit
I have been to this restaurant several times. The quility of the food is fantastic.
Read moreThe creativity of Chefs Mico Eagle Feather and Pepe Lu are second to none. The dishes are bold and rich in flavor. The plating is pure art! Every visit is a gastronomic adventure...
Pros: Very creative menu, full flavor, bold savory
Cons: NONE
Guest
naomipound
Points +28
Best vegan restaurant ever! - Edit
I honestly couldn't fault this place. They have the best vegan meals, the staff and chef are the nicest people you'll meet and they are 100% plant based, soy free and gluten free! If I could I would eat here every day of my life.
Read moreGuest
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