Cuenca
This restaurant has a small menu of traditional plates such as seco de chivo and gourmet fritada (fried chunks of pork, served with hominy, avocado and…
Must-see restaurants in Ecuador
Vilcabamba
Besides the clever name and enviable location next to the church, the Turkish-run UFO gets jammed for its inexpensive and tasty breakfasts, Middle Eastern…
Montañita
For an upscale dining experience that won't break the bank, head to Pigro for homemade creamy risottos, tasty seafood pastas, hearty lasagna and other…
Casa Alonso at Mansión Alcázar
Cuenca
Mansión Alcazar's inviting restaurant, backing onto its beautiful internal garden, maintains the same lofty standards that the hotel does: ornately…
Guayaquil
Inside the bohemian Manso Boutique Hotel, this colorful cafe serves up tasty organic and vegetarian fare, including quinoa tortillas, satisfying bean…
Guayaquil
Fresh, tangy ceviches are served up in glass tankards (with a garnish of plantain chips) at this casual, modern spot in Urdesa. Tuck into shrimp, fish,…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
The Calypso does good seafood dishes (such as the festival calypso, a mixed seafood plate in coconut and ginger sauce), as well as burgers, pizzas and…
Puerto Ayora
This lively restaurant on the main strip serves up seafood and grilled dishes, including peppery seared tuna, pork ribs with pineapple salsa, and linguini…
Puerto López
The patio dining is a good people-watching spot at this popular Ecuadorian restaurant on the malecón. It serves well-priced fish dishes plus ceviches,…
Quito
Italian-owned Cosa Nostra has a pleasant front patio, cozy dining room and nearly three-dozen varieties of pizza piled with generous toppings and fired up…
Guayaquil
The iconic crustacean is prepared in more than a dozen different ways at this popular and festive restaurant. The theme is underwater world, with bad…
Puerto Ayora
This picturesque open-air spot perched over the water serves tasty fish and lobster, pizzas and bistro fare. It's attached to Angermeyer Point Hotel; to…
Vilcabamba
Divine French goodies – pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), quiche, and even gluten-free bread on Wednesdays – plus good coffee. Order it to go or eat…
Puerto Ayora
This boho cafe with a few indoor and outdoor patio tables serves excellent breakfasts, sandwiches, empanadas and salads, as well as homemade cakes, fruit…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Steps from the pier, this open-air cafe is one of the most popular spots in town. Stop in for tuna or chicken sandwiches, burgers, empanadas, cappuccinos…
Puerto Ayora
A little open-sided place that does ceviche, grilled fish, seco de chivo (goat stew) and balones (mashed plantain balls).
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Join afternoon crowds for fresh-baked magnificence: chocolate or cinnamon bread, empanadas, pastries, and fruit and custard tarts.
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Ceviche, lobster and other fresh-caught seafood is served up in a lovely outdoor garden with picnic tables.
Quito
The Louisiana native who owns this eccentrically designed restaurant attached to a 17th-century monastery takes pride in the quality of the ingredients…
South Coast
With big glass windows and a shiny new porch overlooking the waterfront, Casa Grill is a carnivore's heaven. The best-value option is to order the grill…
Quito
Mouthwatering and stomach-enlarging sundaes, as well as several dozen varieties of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads and more conventional…
Quito
A much-loved spot in El Centro, Vista Hermosa (Beautiful View) delivers the goods with a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Old Town from its open…
Otavalo
Puns aside, the tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas are most definitely more beautiful than those of this small, simple restaurant's titular namesake …
Quito
Kitschy religious icons and old-fashioned radios decorate this old-school classic serving Ecuadorian fare to bustling workday crowds. Opt for first-rate…
North Coast & Lowlands
There is a Peruvian sensibility to the fresh seafood served at this relaxed, open-air beachfront spot. It offers fried rice with shellfish, garlic crab…
Mindo
Run by Ingo and Genny, the Beehive is located on the bottom floor of the Dragonfly Inn, a cool hangout with a Scandinavian design perched over a river…
The Oriente
Easily the most charming place in town, this blue casita is all ambience, from the twinkling porch lights to the stuffed red-leather armchairs. Come to…
Southern Highlands
All of a sudden, Saraguro has a sweep of seriously good places to eat, with this chirpy cafe bolstering the scene on Saraguro's second (lower) plaza. A…
Cuenca
Goza, a trendy European-style cafe-bar on a pedestrianized section of Borreo, is equally appealing for the fabulous international breakfasts (like eggs…
Guayaquil
Not far from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil and Mall del Sol, Cocolon has a modern, fun interior with bright-red chairs and photos decorating the walls…
Loja
The almuerzos (set lunches) are good, but the real reason to come is for the delicious quimbolitos, humitas, empanadas de verde and tamales lojanos – all…
North Coast & Lowlands
Ariceli, also Mompiche's yoga instructor par excellence, is known for her wickedly divine desserts, including lemon pie, a vegan crumble, and a chocolate…
Otavalo
Yolanda Cabrera has become famous for delicious local fare such as tortillas de maíz (corn tortillas), empanaditas (Spanish pies) and the local favorite…
Otavalo
Wander back of the Hostal Doña Esther for Otavalo’s only wood-fired oven pizza. Tasty, certainly, and the best in town no doubt, though crusts are cracker…
South Coast
This simple spot does pancakes and continental breakfast in the morning; by night, it's all about seafood. Specials include Lui e Lei shells (shells with…
Quito
Tucked into the stone arches beneath the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, this excellent cafe prepares tasty Ecuadorian appetizers (tamales, soups,…
North Coast & Lowlands
Overlooking the fishing boats bobbing on the water, this simple waterside restaurant serves delectable Manabí seafood. It’s famous for the huge shrimp…
Northern Highlands
A carnivore's delight, this grill features fresh linen tablecloths and tasteful decor. Order any beef dish (the delicious consequences of a leather-making…
Mindo
Budget eaters rejoice! These exiles from Venezuela dish out delicious and ample arepas, the stuffed-corn-cake treat which fits any meal, really. Filled…
Tena
Tena's most atmospheric restaurant serves German-influenced food in an open-sided joint where a bright, well-stocked bar is the focal point. Lovely pastas…
