Quito
Ecuadorian dishes with an upscale twist in a warmly lit contemporary setting. Empanadas, ceviches, rich seafood stews and llapingachos (fried pancakes of…
Must-see restaurants in Ecuador
Puerto López
You won't stumble upon this delightful spot hidden in a backstreet, but you should seek it out for its high-quality Italian cooking in a romantic, garden…
Northern Highlands
Organically grown Intag Valley coffee, cakes and small sandwiches are served at this cool university-like hangout spot with comfy couches and a nifty…
The Oriente
Those who love little mountain towns will feel right at home in this wood-plank restaurant plastered with rafting stickers. Hearty fare includes trout…
South Coast
Romero's has no sign, so can be tricky to find, but you'll be pleased if you do. The basic eatery serves up tasty grilled meats by night and inexpensive…
Puerto Ayora
A short stroll from the pier, this place has food, beer, wine, toiletries, sunblock and other necessities. Don't miss the decent cinnamon rolls and…
Central Highlands
We really liked Kipi's family vibe and healthy portions (literally) of natural food based on local grains and veggies (and the occasional cuy!). The to-go…
Loja
It's difficult to say when we like dropping by this cute French-Ecuadorian place most: probably early evening, as a prequel to a night out. From organic…
Quito
This bustling, multifloor restaurant just off Plaza Foch serves tasty national specialties. Try the llapingachos (fried pancakes of mashed potatoes with…
Cuenca
El Pedregal serves delicious Mexican food, including lots of vegetarian options, in an atmosphere that’s all ponchos, sombreros and olé! The portions can…
Guayaquil
Barbecue, seafood and steak restaurant serving up South American and Ecuadorian flavors with modern decor and punchy cocktails. Meat dishes come…
Loja
Pure, all-natural juices, yogurt shakes and fruit salads make up the menu at this small cafe: Loja's definitive breakfast stop and numero uno meeting-up…
North Coast & Lowlands
This simple beach restaurant serves up shrimp or freshly caught fish with a sea view. It was one of the few businesses to survive the earthquake, and…
Cuenca
Long in the business, Tres Estrellas roasts up gourmet cuy (guinea pig; $17, serves two). If you’re not up for that squeaky delicacy, there’s outstanding…
Vilcabamba
Snag a table outside for a beer and some Central Plaza people-watching, as the location might be the best reason to come here. This busy spot serves…
Coca
A clean, unpretentious little place off the far western end of Espejo near where the Río Payamino meets the Río Napo, serving exquisite grilled meat…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
This laid-back cafe has the best wi-fi on the waterfront; sit at one of the outdoor tables nursing an iced coffee, a sandwich or a dessert. There's also a…
Loja
Service: indifferent. Meat and fish dishes: good. Views from the balcony over Parque Central: the best. Book at weekends if you want the best seats. It's…
Northern Highlands
Grab a sandwich or leafy salad at Aroma Cafetería alongside office workers on coffee breaks, but save room for a satisfying slab of cake. In an array of…
Central Highlands
Pop in for delicious rotisserie chicken served with rice, potatoes and chicken soup. Half a chicken with fries and salad ($7) should be plenty for two…
Quito
This second branch of a popular Quito cafe has a traditional Ecuadorian food menu (empanadas, quimbolitos, tamales, good cheap breakfasts) and hosts live…
Vilcabamba
Owned by a Belgian-Ecuadorian couple, this little café has delicious homemade chocolate, cookies, cakes and bread, and the town’s best coffee and espresso…
Central Highlands
This cafeteria has all its tasty quiches, sandwiches and cakes on display out front, and you can order them to go right from the street. Take a seat…
Puerto López
A beachfront bar and organic cafe with a shaded veranda and wooden tables. Order crepes, ice cream, coffee, fruit smoothies, sandwiches, omelets and…
Cuenca
This oddly named Taiwanese cafeteria is the king of soy, gluten and all things vegetarian. Almuerzos (set lunches; $2) include a filling soup, entrée and…
Quito
Built in the vaulted cellar of an old-time building, this atmospheric and windowless Spanish/Ecuadorian restaurant has been around since 1963…
Quito
Adorned with carved wooden screens and statues resembling samurai, Zao is a buzzing spot serving up quality Asian fusion dishes such as sushi, rice…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Rosita serves up popular set lunches ($6) in an appealing open-sided eatery with wood details and curious decorations (football jerseys hanging from the…
Baños
Mariane’s French-Mediterranean cuisine is a real standout in Baños. The cheese-and-meat fondues are a lot – even for two people – and the pasta and meat…
Cuenca
Akelarre serves petite plates of Spanish classics such as papas bravas (spicy fried spuds) and Galician squid, not to mention a delicious paella, in a…
Coca
Locals flock in to lunch on delectable fish (mostly tilapia and piranha) cooked in palm leaves on the grill outside. The friendly owner will invariably…
Cuenca
The Italian place worth knowing about in Cuenca is this sophisticated spot below Hostal Posada del Angel, although it's more about artfully made pastas…
Northern Highlands
Right next to Rio Intag on Parque San Francisco, Robin Lea delights her expat clientele with piping-hot cinnamon rolls and scrumptious carrot cake, among…
The Oriente
This might be one of Ecuador's best pizzerias, with amazing burritos to boot. Sit out on the decking area, or inside to admire the great wine and pre-Inca…
Northern Highlands
A popular and modern spot serving up sandwiches, coffee and cake since 1945. Treat yourself to an ice-cream ($2 to $3) too. Jose, the third-generation…
Northern Highlands
Transport yourself south in this matchbox-sized cafe packed with ambience. Go for the excellent steaks and fries. Outdoor tables on the square expand the…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Occupying the 2nd floor of the hotel of the same name, this open-sided restaurant has a fine setting, though the food (seafood, meat, pastas, pizzas)…
Montañita
Tasty Colombian-style cookies, pastries and cakes – try the dulce de leche–filled pastry cones.
Tena
Believe the translation of this place (chicken without rival) if you believe no other sign in Ecuador. It's only open lunchtimes – until that roast…
North Coast & Lowlands
The 'Shak' serves up pizzas, burgers, filling breakfasts and plenty of rum cocktails to a fun-seeking foreign crowd. Its California dreamin' surf vibe is…
