South American restaurants in Ecuador
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A
Hasta La Vuelta, Señor
Ecuadorian cuisine is prepared with panache at this excellent restaurant with balcony seating. Reliable favorites include ceviche, secos de chivo, tilapia and sea bass.
reviewed
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B
La Briciola
This longtime favorite has an outstanding and varied menu. The portions are large and the wine is fairly priced. Make a reservation if you hope to eat before 9:30pm.
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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C
La Canoa
Near Mera, this highly regarded restaurant from Guayaquil is your best opportunity to try Ecuadorian delicacies without emptying your wallet: there’s sopa de verde (plantain soup), caldo de manguera (tripe soup that’s said to be an aphrodisiac), bandera (a mixed seafood plate) and other treats.
reviewed
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D
Cucurucho de Santa Clara
Aimed squarely at tourists and affluent quiteños, this gourmet restaurant occupies the historic Santa Clara market building, with elegant tables interspersed beneath adobe brick arches. It's Ecuadorian cuisine at its finest. Go for the Sunday buffet for a real treat.
reviewed
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E
La Colmena
For 50 years, the Vaca Meza family has been serving one of Ecuador’s favorite dishes, guatita, a tripe-and-potato stew in a seasoned, peanut-based sauce. Whether you can stomach tripe or not, it’s well worth sampling the original at this old-town landmark.
reviewed
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F
Las Redes
One of the city’s best cevicherías (ceviche restaurants), Las Redes has a small, cozy dining room decorated with fish nets and stained glass. Friendly staff bring around favorites such as the highly satisfying gran ceviche mixto (mixed ceviche).
reviewed
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G
Frutería Monserrate
A looming ceiling, brick walls and concrete pillars give an industrial feel to this popular and casual eatery. A mix of travelers and locals stop in for the filling breakfasts and giant fruit salads, though empanadas and ceviche are also among the offerings.
reviewed
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H
La Cocina del Monasterio
Inside a converted little monastery, this charming restaurant serves outstanding Ecuadorian and international dishes at midrange prices. Try the costillitas Carmelitas (barbecued 'Carmelite ribs'). Great for a treat.
reviewed
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I
Mediterraneo Cevichería
In terms of value, it's hard to beat the almuerzos here, considering you get an appetizer, soup, main course, dessert and juice. It's a cute little house too, and popular with lunchtime business folks. Good ceviches.
reviewed
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J
Theatrum
On the 2nd floor of the historic Teatro Sucre, creatively concocted and extravagantly presented prix-fixe meals are served to a well-heeled crowd before the show downstairs. It’s one of the city’s most elegant dining rooms.
reviewed
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Salon Lolita
North of downtown, this is the place for traditional food from Loja. The cecina (salty fried pork served with yuca) is classic, and roasted cuy (guinea pig) comes in $8, $10 or $12 sizes.
reviewed
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El Tamal Lojano
The almuerzos (set lunches) are good, but the real reason to come is for the delicious quimbolitos, humitas, empanadas de verde and tamales lojanos. Try them all!
reviewed
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K
El Guambra
It doesn't look like much, but this wee restaurant serves knockout ceviche and seafood dishes at rock-bottom prices. It's owned by a family from Manabí, the land of what's arguably Ecuador's best food.
reviewed
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L
Cevicheria y Marisquería 7 Mares
This is the place to go for cheap encebollado (a tasty seafood, onion and yucca soup). Bowls - served caféteria-style - are only around US$2 and make an excellent lunch.
reviewed
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Mar y Cuba
Despite its name, this local chain serves excellent Ecuadorian seafood and superclean Peruvian ceviche, which unlike most ceviche, is actually raw (kind of like South American sushi).
reviewed
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M
King Chicken
Good fried chicken, big ice-cream sundaes, dinerlike atmosphere. For those pinching pennies, you'll find good family-style food and cheap almuerzos (set lunches) here.
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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El Jardín
Deservedly popular for it's leafy garden and good food, El Jardín is a great hangout with a variety of meat and fish dishes and sandwiches that can be enjoyed al fresco.
reviewed
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N
La Bodeguita de Cuba
With its wooden tables and graffiti-covered walls, this is a great place for Cuban food and fun. Live bands perform from time to time, and there’s outdoor seating.
reviewed
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O
La Cueva del Oso
Loungelike Cueva del Oso serves exquisitely prepared Ecuadorian specialties. The bar, with its low, round booths, makes for a sultry escape from the noise outside.
reviewed
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P
Mama Clorinda
This modest, friendly restaurant serves tasty national specialties to a mostly foreign clientele. Try the llapingachos (cornmeal cakes) with steak.
reviewed
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Q
Nuevo Cordovéz
Colorful booths and a bullfighting theme. For those pinching pennies, you'll find good family-style food and cheap almuerzos (set lunches) here.
reviewed
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R
Varadero
Owned by the same folks as La Bodeguita, Varadero serves Cuban sandwiches and light meals and has live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
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
