Restaurants in Central Highlands
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Casa Hood
Named for owner Ray Hood, a long-standing gringo in residence, this excellent café has nourishing breakfasts, a $2 almuerzo (set lunch) and a menu of Thai, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. The Casa is a welcoming place to eat, exchange books, meet with friends, chill solito (alone), and even take yoga classes.
reviewed
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El Paisano
Despite the bright florescent lighting and faint smell of paint (it doubles as the owner's art studio), El Paisano serves up some of the most nurturing veggie food in town. Try the wholesome veggie surprise known as 'Concierto en A major from Belegum de su Secreto,' one of several oddly named dishes.
reviewed
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El Rey del Burrito
‘The King of the Burrito’ serves large burritos, tacos and enchiladas with super spicy salsa (ole! ). There must be a vegetarian in the house, because they have wonderful options for herbivores. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is enlivened by some cool murals.
reviewed
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Delicias del Paso
This cafeteria has all its tasty quiches and cakes in the display out front, and you can order them to go right from the street.
reviewed
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Rico Pan
This is the place to go if you need an early breakfast, plus it sells some of the best bread in town.
reviewed
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Los 7 Santos
Near 10 de Agosto, and thoroughly out of place in Guaranda, Los 7 Santos offers all that you would expect from an artsy café in Quito. The coffee’s not quite up to snuff, but the cool atmosphere is a great place to pen your next novel – or just sit comfortably and read one. There’s breakfast in the morning and small sandwiches and bocaditos (snacks) all day.
reviewed
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Quilombo
Quilombo (which means ‘mess’ or ‘insanity’ in Argentine slang) refers to the irreverent menu in the form of dice (just roll if you can’t decide), hodge-podge decor and kooky Argentine owner who has imported Southern Cone–style parrilla (grilled meat) to Baños. Also in good Argentine style, the glasses of wine are properly large.
reviewed
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Mercado La Merced
The ladies hawking hornado (whole roast pig) put on a pretty hard sell, yelling out for your attention and offering samples. If you can stand the pressure and you’re up for dining in a (very sanitary) atmosphere of flayed Wilburs, then the market is fun and interesting. The pork is superfresh. Saturdays are busiest.
reviewed
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Kirutwa
Kirutwa is a big, new, comparatively swanky restaurant right up on the crater rim. Offering classics like locro de papa (potato soup with cheese) and choclo con queso (corn on the cob with cheese), Kirutwa is run by a foundation that returns much of the revenue back to the local community.
reviewed
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El Alamo Chalet
Easily identified by its chalet-style wooden facade, El Alamo serves good, diner-style food: meat and chicken dishes, llapingachos (fried potato and cheese pancakes), a hearty desayuno montubiano (a Manabi-province breakfast of fish, eggs, beans and fried plantains) and more basic morning dishes.
reviewed
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Mercado Central
The second floor of Ambato’s indoor market has particularly good llapingachos (fried potato and cheese pancakes). Old ladies serve them with eggs, avocado slices and sausage (veggies can get it without the meat) for $1.50. The younger gals nearby blend superfresh juices made with bottled water ($1).
reviewed
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La Abuela Café
When it comes to atmosphere, La Abuela's the best on the strip. (How can you beat the swinging saloon doors and balcony tables?) Plus, it's friendly, the food's good and the almuerzos are cheap and wholesome. Pastas, chicken dishes, steaks, Mexican plates and veggie options make for a varied menu.
reviewed
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Café Hood
Of all the Hoods and Goods in Baños, this one, near Parque Central, might just be the best. Some of the dishes, such as the soft tacos or the chickpeas and spinach in curry sauce with yogurt and cucumbers, are simply excellent. The menu is mostly Tex-Mex with a splash of Thai, Greek and Indian.
reviewed
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El Delirio Restaurant
Named for a poem by the great liberator, Simón Bolívar, and located in his house that is a historical monument, the restaurant serves comida típica (traditional Ecuadorian food) in a dimly lit, antique atmosphere. The hostess of many years is a bit on the eccentric side.
reviewed
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Ponche Suizo
Between Ambato and Rocafuerte, this little spot serves cakes and coffee, but everyone comes for the ‘Ponche Suizo’, a trade-secret treat that’s a cross between a shake and a mousse. It’s really delicious and they also have the usual fruit and yogurt batidos (shakes).
reviewed
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Puro Café
Serving absolutely perfect coffees, cappuccinos and other caffeinated beverages, this narrow café tucked into a side street also has pressed sandwiches and cheese plates. It really is perfect if you’re looking for a place to chill alone or chat with a friend.
reviewed
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Pizzería D’Baggios
Dozens of different kinds of medium-thick-crust pizzas are prepared before your eyes in Baggio’s wood oven. They wouldn’t make an Italian drool, but this corner pizzeria spins out a satisfying pie and the oven keeps the whole place nice and toasty.
reviewed
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Swiss Bistro
This small bistro’s cow fetish is evident in its decor and delicious Swiss and European specialties, which include fondue, steaks, big, fresh salads and a Swiss potato dish called roesti. The service might be the best in Baños.
reviewed
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Buon Giorno
This warm little Italian restaurant serves delicious dishes from the mother country including pastas (of course), lasagna, risotto and numerous fish, chicken and meat dishes. Candles and good music make for a romantic evening.
reviewed
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Chifa Casa China
Like most Chinese food in Ecuador, it’s a little heavy on the grease, but the lovely Chinese family that runs this chifa (Chinese restaurant) serves large portions with plenty of fresh vegetables and seafood.
reviewed
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El Copihue Rojo
If you’re looking for a local recommendation, the Copihue Rojo is it. Their daily almuerzo (set-lunch) service is always busy, and meats and soups are popular with families during the dinner hour.
reviewed
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Sierra Nevada
Serving excellent seafood, Ecuadorian dishes and out-of-nowhere concoctions like goulash, Sierra Nevada is a sure shot for any meal. It also whips out what are likely the best almuerzos in town.
reviewed
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Pancho Villa
Mexican food fanatics will find these tacos, enchiladas and burritos a very loose interpretation of the real thing, but it's the perfect spot when you're jonesin' for tortillas and mariachi music.
reviewed
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La Estancia
Restaurant by day, bar by night, La Estancia (near Sucre) is a cool little place with an old-fashioned sign, wooden tables and friendly staff. Most of the menu is steaks, chicken and pasta.
reviewed
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Pizzería San Valentin
The cornerstone of Riobamba's nightlife, San Valentin is a lively place, great for both eating and socializing. Order at the counter (pizza, hamburgers or Tex Mex) and eat at the tables.
reviewed