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Quito's better restaurants are found in the New City. Even at the most glittering establishments, formal attire is never a requirement, but you'll feel out of place in shorts, T-shirts, and jeans, except at places (such as The Magic Bean) that consummate foreigners' hangout. Many restaurants close for a break between 3 and 7, an
Quito's better restaurants are found in the New City. Even at the most glittering establishments, formal attire is never a requirement, but you'll feel out of place in shorts, T-shirts, and jeans, except at places (such as The Magic Bean) that consummate foreigners' han
Quito's better restaurants are found in the New City. Even at the most glittering establishments, formal attire is never
Quito's better restaurants are found in the New City. Even at the most glittering establishments, formal attire is never a requirement, but you'll feel out of place in shorts, T-shirts, and jeans, except at places (such as The Magic Bean) that consummate foreigners' hangout. Many restaurants close for a break between 3 and 7, and on Sunday some remain shuttered or close early. Some useful phrases are: a la brasa (grilled), al vapor (steamed), apanada(batter-fried/breaded), brosterizada (deep fried), encocado (cooked in coconut oil), hornado (roasted), reventado (skillet fried), and seco (stewed meat).
Best known for its superb Ecuadoran dishes—try the seco de chivo (lamb stewed with fruit) or the langostinos flambéed in cognac—this restaurant has excellent views of Quito from its rustic fireside dining room. You can also eat in the serene outdoor garden. Some nights the friendly waiters can be heard singing along to soft Ecuadoran music as they roam the restaurant.
Av. Eloy Alfaro 2530, Quito, Pichincha, 170109, Ecuador
22-446--654
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No dinner Sun.
Ecuador's craft beer scene is small but growing, and the best way to taste it is at Quito's first microbrewery, less than 10 minutes' walk from Iglesia de San Agustín. An 1850s colonial building is the grand setting for this expat hot spot, where the six pizzas on offer go nicely with the six taps of craft beer. The chocolate stout, heavy and smooth, is a treat after a long day of sightseeing. If you prefer something lighter, the crisp, spicy Honey Ginger Saison, made with fresh ginger and local honey, pairs well with the wild boar pizza. Bandido brews has a space near Metropolitan Park, open weekdays 10–5, so true brewheads can pay a visit.
Olmedo E1-136 y Fermin Cevallos, Quito, Pichincha, 170113, Ecuador
One of the popular historic hotel's three dining options, this Ecuadorian cafe is a nice choice between the upscale French option and the more relaxed wine cellar. Snag a window table for the best views of the Grand Plaza. The wood-paneled dining room, decorated in botanical prints and drawings of Quito's churches, ais a bit dim, though live music several evenings a week brightens it up. For dessert and a show, order the helados de paila, ice cream prepared tableside in a big copper bowl.
García Moreno y Chile, García Moreno N5-16,, Quito, Pichincha, 170401, Ecuador
Diagonally across Plaza Grande from Hotel Plaza Grande and below the Catedral, this pint-size café deals in delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and more than a dozen types of coffee, among them cold brew and Vietnamese. The higos (figs) and cheese sandwich, a traditional Ecuadorian dessert, is served on two fluffy buns that taste much like brioche. It's not too sweet, but for an even more savory sandwich, try the pernil (roast pork shoulder) or the vegetarian, with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Of the desserts, you can't go wrong with a thick slice of the housemade cakes, particularly the apple and banana. Free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating make this sweet spot particularly popular.
Fresh roses adorn candlelighted tables, and prints of northern Italy and opera programs from Milan's La Scala decorate the walls, providing a romantic mood at this excellent Italian restaurant. Begin your meal with insalata del pescatore (shellfish salad), followed by lobster on a bed of pasta pomodoro or a chicken roll with spinach and ricotta cheese. For dessert, order crepes suzette with Grand Marnier or the tiramisu with decadent chocolate and cognac. You can listen to live music Thursday and Friday evenings.
An English-speaking chef cooking traditional Ecuadorian fare within a historic theater one block off Plaza Grande is a recipe for success. Despite being within the regal Teatro Bolivar, the restaurant is refreshingly low-key, with simple red wooden dining chairs and a chalkboard menu of specials, though the irridescent tiled bar adds some pizazz. Shrimp soup, with potatoes, local herbs, avocado, and an egg, is warming, filling, and a delightful mix of textures and flavors. For something heartier, go for the lamb medallions in a smoked chorizo sauce. For good people-watching, sit by the plate glass windows whose tables look out onto pedestrian-only Calle Espejo.
During the day businesspeople gather here, in what looks like a Bavarian lodge, for traditional meals. Among the best dishes are cazuela de mariscos (a seafood casserole soup) and pernil (roast pork) with llapingachos (mashed cheese and potato pancakes), peanut sauce, and avocado. During the week dinners are accompanied by guitar music, and folk dancing follows dinner on Sunday.
Norway E1049 and Av. 6 de Diciembre, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
In the heart of the New City, this longtime favorite is known for its reliable service and delicious, if simply prepared, meats. The penthouse restaurant atop the Edificio Amazonas—look up to see the sign, or you'll miss the place as you go by—is cheered by a blazing fire at night; you'll enjoy views of the brilliantly lit city below.
Av. Amazonas N23-71 and Ignacio de Veintimilla, Quito, Pichincha, 170143, Ecuador
This trendy pizzeria attracts well-heeled patrons who come to choose from 59 types of individual thin-crust pizzas. The emerald-color dining room, with inlaid wood floors, Romanesque columns, and an arched foyer, buzzes with conversations in a dozen languages. Crowds reach their peak around 10 pm. The menu also offers a variety of pasta, fish, and meat dishes.
High-quality food and a relaxed vibe draw travelers, expatriates, and locals to "the Bean" to socialize over crisp salads and do business over cappuccinos. Blackberry pancakes and bagels are served for breakfast, while the lunch and dinner menu emphasizes soups, sandwiches, pastas, and shish kebab. The atmosphere is casual and the service friendly; if you're solo, you'll feel very comfortable here. Check out the back wall with a selection of giant Far Side cartoons. The Magic Bean also has live music some nights.
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