Restaurants in Northern Highlands
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Café Sol y Luna
A small Belgian-owned café with a cozy dining patio and warm interior. Food is more healthy than exciting; the slim menu board offers crisp organic salads, home-style pastas and veggie burgers.
reviewed
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Heladería Rosalía Suárez
Teenage boredom inspired Rosalía Suárez to invent ice creams in the kitchen back in 1897, when she was just 17. Her experimentation led to a discovery – the best ice cream had no cream at all. Rosalía decided to share the sweet treat, and her shop Heladería Rosalía Suárez has been a sensation for more than a century. Helados de paila are actually sorbets stirred with a wooden spoon in a large copper bowl (the paila ) and cooled on a bed of straw and ice. The shop, now run by her grandson, claims the recipe requires pure juice from tropical fruits and egg whites. It’s not entirely possible to imitate – ice from the first versions was brought down from the glacier o…
reviewed
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Yolanda’s Chicha de Yamor
Yolanda Cabrera has become famous for delicious local fare such as tortillas de maiz (corn tortillas), mote (hominy), empanaditas (Spanish pies) and the local favorite of fritada (fried pork). Of course, the real attraction is her chicha de yamor, which Yolanda stirs out back in large bubbling cauldrons over smoky fires.
reviewed
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Yolanda's Chicha de Yamor
Open from late August to mid-September during festival time, Yolanda Cabrera serves delicious local fare such as tortillas de maiz (corn tortillas), mote (hominy), empanaditas (Spanish pies) and the local favorite of fritada (fried pork). Of course, the real attraction is her chicha de yamor.
reviewed
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Hotel Ali Shungu
Food with gourmet touches (and higher prices) is served up in a greenhouse-like setting decorated with Andean crafts. The menu caters to homesick visitors, with waffles in raspberry syrup, roast-beef sandwiches, curries, enchilada casserole and New York cheesecake all on offer. Check out the impressive jewelry case while you wait.
reviewed
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Antojitos de Mi Tierra
The place for traditional snacks such as chicha de arroz (a sweetened rice drink), tamales, humitas (small tamales wrapped in corn husks), morochos (meat turnovers) and quimbolitos (corn dumplings steamed in corn husks or leaves). Owner Marta Jduregi is a well-known local historian and chef.
reviewed
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El Patio
The dust has settled on the stables decor, but the Colombian food is delicious. Try the bandeja paisa, which includes no less than four fried foods (pork skins, sausage, egg and banana) plus rice, tender smoky beans and avocado. Portions are enormous and service is good.
reviewed
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San Francisco
This new, modern restaurant is very popular. Check the chalkboard menu before you order at the counter for the reliable plato del día (daily special; $3.50). Don’t miss the fresh berry desserts and ice creams.
reviewed
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Degloria
Happy cooks in white chefs hats create sweet treats in this dessert café’s open kitchen. Creamy tres leche (butter cake) and fruit pies are the main event, but crepes and salads shouldn’t be ignored.
reviewed
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Órale
Authentic Mexican in a casual atmosphere with tiled floors and varnished green tabletops. Lightly spiced enchiladas and flautas (meat and cheese rollups) are served with tequila or fruit juices.
reviewed
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La Hacienda
Pull up a hay-stuffed bench at this friendly, barn-themed deli. Baguette sandwiches are the specialty, but if you’ve got dining companions, try the multiperson tapas plates for an array of cheeses.
reviewed
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Tekila
A cafeteria-style joint featuring Colombian food. Mild beef with fries and rice or mondongo (tripe stew) are the specialties. Don’t get it confused with a nearby disco of the same name.
reviewed
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El Chagra
Depart from the sweets shops for some savory stew or trout. The friendly owner transforms booths with the plastic tablecloths and droning telenovelas into a comfortable dining experience.
reviewed
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Casa de Frutas
Located in an eclectic, disheveled courtyard, this spot serves satisfying granola and fruit bowls and omelets. Lunch includes stuffed avocados, soy burgers, juices and Intag coffee.
reviewed
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Fontana di Trevi
Navigate a small, indoor mall to this second-floor pizza joint. While food can be slow in coming, it’s worth the wait for a cheesy vegetarian pizza and richly layered lasagnas.
reviewed
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Empanadas Argentinas
Join the student crowd with their uniforms askew for a slice of pizza or salty beef or cheese empanadas. The choclo (corn) and pineapple ones add an Ecuadorian twist.
reviewed
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Café Arte
This dark, candlelit space adorned with rotating contemporary art is a cozy spot for mingling with locals over drinks. Munch on nachos or opt for a sandwich and espresso.
reviewed
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Quino
This popular locale with bright, citrus-colored walls and a homey atmosphere will satisfy your seafood cravings. Try the grilled fish or shrimp ceviche with lots of lime.
reviewed
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Un Raza Una Cara
Cozy rooms next to the dance school create a good atmosphere for hot sandwiches, crepes and pastas. Try the gnocchi tossed with basil, ricotta and fresh tomatoes.
reviewed
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Donde el Argentino
Transport yourself south in this matchbox-sized café packed with ambience. Stick to steaks and fries. Outdoor tables on the square expand the space on sunny days.
reviewed
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Café Donuts
Join the city’s early risers, including the police force, for pastries topped with glazed fruits, basic breads and an extensive coffee drink list.
reviewed
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Mi Otavalito
Some of the best Ecuadorian dishes in town attract locals and tourists alike. Fresh ingredients shine in grilled meats, trout and hearty soups.
reviewed
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Los Almendros
Customers line up out the door for well-prepared Ecuadorian comfort food in a bland but bustling setting. Lunch is three delicious courses.
reviewed
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Shenandoah Pie Shop
Try a slice of these famous deep-dish pies à la mode. The mora (blackberry) pie is thick with fruit and perfectly tart yet sweet.
reviewed
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Chifa Ming Zhu
Tucked inside a colorful house, plates of steaming noodle dishes and gleaming vegetables draw crowds on weekends. Portions are huge.
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