Must-see restaurants in Ecuador

  • Theatrum

    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…

  • La Cleta Bici Café

    Quito

    Bicycle lovers shouldn’t miss this small, cleverly designed cafe-restaurant, where nearly everything (chairs, bar stools, tables, hanging lamps) is…

  • Magic Bean

    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…

  • Trovador Café

    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…

  • Quino

    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…

  • Dulceria La Palma

    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…

  • Shanandoah Pie Shop

    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…

  • Marquis Grille

    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…

  • Restaurant Roka Plaza

    Central Highlands

    In the Roka Plaza’s central courtyard, this wonderful restaurant serves grilled meats, fresh juices, international dishes and good sushi. The presentation…

  • Shanta’s Bar

    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…

  • El Jardín

    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…

  • El Cafecito

    Quito

    Inside a yellow colonial house, this place is known for its charming cafe serving breakfasts, sandwiches and great homemade desserts. The coffee served…

  • Ceviche Stands

    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…

  • Restaurant Gran Chifa

    South Coast

    Restaurant Gran Chifa is one of the many family-style Chinese restaurants scattered throughout town. Dishes include sautéed chicken with vegetables, sweet…

  • Achiote

    Quito

    Ecuadorian dishes with an upscale twist in a warmly lit contemporary setting. Empanadas, ceviches, rich seafood stews and llapingachos (fried pancakes of…

  • Gina's

    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…

  • Romero's

    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…

  • Proinsular Supermarket

    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…

  • Biscuit & Co

    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…

  • Kipi Natural

    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…

  • Mama Clorinda

    Quito

    This bustling, multifloor restaurant just off Plaza Foch serves tasty national specialties. Try the llapingachos (fried pancakes of mashed potatoes with…

  • El Jugo Natural

    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…

  • Puerto Moro

    Guayaquil

    Barbecue, seafood and steak restaurant serving up South American and Ecuadorian flavors with modern decor and punchy cocktails. Meat dishes come…

  • El Pedregal Azteca

    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…

  • Las Palmeiras

    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…

  • Tres Estrellas

    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…

  • La Terraza

    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…

  • Papees Grill

    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…

  • La Zayapa

    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…

  • Dejà Vu

    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…

  • Cafetería Modelo II

    Quito

    This second branch of a popular Quito cafe has a traditional Ecuadorian food menu (empanadas, quimbolitos, tamales, good cheap breakfasts) and hosts live…

  • Pollos Jimmy's

    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…

  • Delicias del Paso

    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…

  • Layseca’s

    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…

  • Good Affinity

    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…

  • Las Cuevas de Luís Candela

    Quito

    Built in the vaulted cellar of an old-time building, this atmospheric and windowless Spanish/Ecuadorian restaurant has been around since 1963…

  • Zao

    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…

  • Rosita

    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…

  • Akelarre Tapas Españolas

    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…

  • Cafe Mariane

    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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