Quito
On the 2nd floor of the historic Teatro Sucre, creative dishes from across Ecuador are served in a theatrically set dining room with heavy curtains and…
Quito
On the 2nd floor of the historic Teatro Sucre, creative dishes from across Ecuador are served in a theatrically set dining room with heavy curtains and…
Quito
Bicycle lovers shouldn’t miss this small, cleverly designed cafe-restaurant, where nearly everything (chairs, bar stools, tables, hanging lamps) is…
Quito
Magic Bean packs a crowd with its ample American-style breakfasts and lunches, plus frothy juices, coffees and desserts, best enjoyed on the covered front…
North Coast & Lowlands
On a pleasant pedestrian lane set back just a short distance from the malecón (and Parque de la Madre), this amiable hole-in-the-wall offers frothy…
Otavalo
This popular eatery next to Hostal Santa Fé 1 offers up excellent seafood dishes within its dimly lit walls, but not if you’re in a rush: all main courses…
Guayaquil
One of the most atmospheric places downtown is this old-school cafe with swirling overhead fans and black-and-white photos of Guayaquil. Stop in for…
Otavalo
Like the pies, the shopowner Aide can be a bit crusty. Although this isn't a salubrious-looking shop, the homemade fruit-flavored pies are the best in…
Tena
With a locked front door opened by formally attired staff, classical music and attentive service, this is the most formal restaurant for miles around…
Central Highlands
In the Roka Plaza’s central courtyard, this wonderful restaurant serves grilled meats, fresh juices, international dishes and good sushi. The presentation…
Vilcabamba
We love Shanta’s – and have done for years. It serves pizza and big plates of frogs' legs in an innovative rustic setting with saddle seats at the bar and…
The Oriente
Over the bridge about 200m up the road to La Punta, El Jardín is a beautiful addition to the local dining scene. In a flower-festooned garden, you can…
Quito
Inside a yellow colonial house, this place is known for its charming cafe serving breakfasts, sandwiches and great homemade desserts. The coffee served…
North Coast & Lowlands
There are ceviche stands on the beach and in a couple of central spots along the malecón. Pick a stand that looks clean, and dive into fresh-caught…
South Coast
Restaurant Gran Chifa is one of the many family-style Chinese restaurants scattered throughout town. Dishes include sautéed chicken with vegetables, sweet…
Quito
Ecuadorian dishes with an upscale twist in a warmly lit contemporary setting. Empanadas, ceviches, rich seafood stews and llapingachos (fried pancakes of…
The Oriente
Those who love little mountain towns will feel right at home in this wood-plank restaurant plastered with rafting stickers. Hearty fare includes trout…
South Coast
Romero's has no sign, so can be tricky to find, but you'll be pleased if you do. The basic eatery serves up tasty grilled meats by night and inexpensive…
Puerto Ayora
A short stroll from the pier, this place has food, beer, wine, toiletries, sunblock and other necessities. Don't miss the decent cinnamon rolls and…
Loja
It's difficult to say when we like dropping by this cute French-Ecuadorian place most: probably early evening, as a prequel to a night out. From organic…
Central Highlands
We really liked Kipi's family vibe and healthy portions (literally) of natural food based on local grains and veggies (and the occasional cuy!). The to-go…
Quito
This bustling, multifloor restaurant just off Plaza Foch serves tasty national specialties. Try the llapingachos (fried pancakes of mashed potatoes with…
Loja
Pure, all-natural juices, yogurt shakes and fruit salads make up the menu at this small cafe: Loja's definitive breakfast stop and numero uno meeting-up…
Guayaquil
Barbecue, seafood and steak restaurant serving up South American and Ecuadorian flavors with modern decor and punchy cocktails. Meat dishes come…
Cuenca
El Pedregal serves delicious Mexican food, including lots of vegetarian options, in an atmosphere that’s all ponchos, sombreros and olé! The portions can…
North Coast & Lowlands
This simple beach restaurant serves up shrimp or freshly caught fish with a sea view. It was one of the few businesses to survive the earthquake, and…
Cuenca
Long in the business, Tres Estrellas roasts up gourmet cuy (guinea pig; $17, serves two). If you’re not up for that squeaky delicacy, there’s outstanding…
Vilcabamba
Snag a table outside for a beer and some Central Plaza people-watching, as the location might be the best reason to come here. This busy spot serves…
Coca
A clean, unpretentious little place off the far western end of Espejo near where the Río Payamino meets the Río Napo, serving exquisite grilled meat…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
This laid-back cafe has the best wi-fi on the waterfront; sit at one of the outdoor tables nursing an iced coffee, a sandwich or a dessert. There's also a…
Loja
Service: indifferent. Meat and fish dishes: good. Views from the balcony over Parque Central: the best. Book at weekends if you want the best seats. It's…
Quito
This second branch of a popular Quito cafe has a traditional Ecuadorian food menu (empanadas, quimbolitos, tamales, good cheap breakfasts) and hosts live…
Central Highlands
Pop in for delicious rotisserie chicken served with rice, potatoes and chicken soup. Half a chicken with fries and salad ($7) should be plenty for two…
Central Highlands
This cafeteria has all its tasty quiches, sandwiches and cakes on display out front, and you can order them to go right from the street. Take a seat…
Vilcabamba
Owned by a Belgian-Ecuadorian couple, this little café has delicious homemade chocolate, cookies, cakes and bread, and the town’s best coffee and espresso…
Cuenca
This oddly named Taiwanese cafeteria is the king of soy, gluten and all things vegetarian. Almuerzos (set lunches; $2) include a filling soup, entrée and…
Quito
Built in the vaulted cellar of an old-time building, this atmospheric and windowless Spanish/Ecuadorian restaurant has been around since 1963…
Quito
Adorned with carved wooden screens and statues resembling samurai, Zao is a buzzing spot serving up quality Asian fusion dishes such as sushi, rice…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Rosita serves up popular set lunches ($6) in an appealing open-sided eatery with wood details and curious decorations (football jerseys hanging from the…
Cuenca
Akelarre serves petite plates of Spanish classics such as papas bravas (spicy fried spuds) and Galician squid, not to mention a delicious paella, in a…
Baños
Mariane’s French-Mediterranean cuisine is a real standout in Baños. The cheese-and-meat fondues are a lot – even for two people – and the pasta and meat…
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