Central Highlands
The 2nd floor of Ambato’s indoor market has particularly good llapingachos (fried pancakes of mashed potatoes with cheese), served with eggs, avocado…
Must-see restaurants in Ecuador
Guayaquil
This festive two-story spot on the malecón serves filling Ecuadorian classics like ceviche and shrimp soup, plus salads and mixed meat and rice dishes. It…
Quito
This restaurant in the San Juan neighborhood, on the lower slopes of Volcán Pichincha, is one of the best spots to see the city's lights come on. The…
Puerto López
If your idea of raw fish isn't ceviche, this hipster hangout for New Yorkers, Argentinians and – oh yes, Ecuadorians – offers a decent selection of rolls,…
Central Highlands
Overlooking a courtyard fountain in a pretty colonial building, El Gringo y La Gorda serves hearty breakfasts, huge sandwiches, salads and a good…
North Coast & Lowlands
Don't be fooled by its name – the only thing on the menu that costs $1 is a serving of rice. Nevertheless, this cozy seafood restaurant packs in the…
Guayaquil
This modern Ecuadorian chain on the malecón is a good option if you need a quick inexpensive fix while promenading the waterside. It serves typical dishes…
Otavalo
Gran-sized portions of good Ecuadorian versions of Chinese fare, plus a small 'fusion' section of street food like salchipapas (sausage and fries) are…
Montañita
A prime people-watching spot is Karukera, a small open-sided cafe serving pasta, lasagna, breaded shrimp, cakes and coffees. Note: it's only open in high…
Northern Highlands
Pull up a bench at this friendly, barn-themed eatery. Baguette sandwiches are the specialty, but if you’ve got dining companions, try the multi-person…
Central Highlands
There are several chugchucara restaurants on Quijano y Ordoñez, a few blocks south of downtown. They’re all family friendly, but La Mama Negra is one of…
Quito
This respectable restaurant from Guayaquil is a good place to try Ecuadorian classics: there’s fritada con mote y chicharrones (slow-cooked pork with…
South Coast
Right next to the church, Tertulia has the best location in town with outdoor seats facing Plaza de la Independencia. Inside, the small cafe has a stylish…
Quito
Proudly serving 100% vegetarian cuisine, the Krishna devotees here whip up tasty, fresh lunch plates, plus yogurt and granola, juices and sweets. Food is…
North Coast & Lowlands
This basic comedore on the main drag, across from Farmacia Rogers, no longer has sweet seaside views, but it remains a dependable choice, with filling…
Guayaquil
The best and most popular of the neighborhood's Chifas doesn't look like much (with a cafeteria feel and red plastic chairs), but 8-28 serves up hearty…
Quito
Cevicherias are few and far between in this part of town, and Puerto Azul's maritime-themed dining room makes for a pleasant place to enjoy a good cazuela…
Northern Highlands
A cavernous joint with a big-screen TV that caters to tourist groups. Serves typical Ecuadorian dishes in portions big enough to feed a busload. Our…
Central Highlands
The only Mexican joint in town, this small, well-conceived spot has a wide variety of Mexican standards like quesadillas, nachos (without cheese!) and…
Northern Highlands
This block-long, well-ordered covered market is an excellent place for a meal. Order from one of the comedores and get a fruit juice from a vendor in…
Montañita
You’ll find Tex-Mex, Ecuadorian, seafood, paella and an excellent variety of sweet and savory crepes at Papillon. It's got a rustic feel with chunky…
Quito
On a pedestrian lane dotted with restaurants facing the Teatro Bolívar, this casual spot with sidewalk seating bakes up satisfying medium-crust pizzas as…
Quito
Filling breakfasts, sandwiches, empanadas, ceviche and scrumptious fruit salads are among the offerings at this popular and casual eatery. There's another…
Coca
The best views in town (and therefore the main hang-out for tourists waiting for their Yasuni boat to come in), with open-sided patios perched over the…
Quito
The restaurant at the Hotel Quito offers buffet breakfasts and lunches as well as a menu of classic Ecuadorian fare, all served in a formal dining room…
Central Highlands
Facing the main plaza, Casa Nostra serves freshly baked pizzas loaded with Salinas' famous cheese, as well as a few pasta dishes and other mains. There's…
Alausí
This small eatery on the north end of Avenida 5 de Junio was recently bought by a native Ecuadorian daughter returning from the wilds of Orlando, Florida…
Quito
In business for 27 years, this postage-stamp-sized place is ideal for people-watching on always-busy Plaza Grande. Grab an espresso, a slice of homemade…
Central Highlands
Close to Parque Bolívar, La Bohemia serves breakfast, almuerzos (set lunches; $4), sandwiches and bigger mains in a laid-back but attentive atmosphere…
Quito
Inside the Parque Itchimbia, this popular, slightly upscale chain has fantastic views over the city. Enjoy tasty traditional Ecuadorian fare, plus…
Baños
A good place for fresh fruit shakes, ceviche and other local dishes like llapingachos (potato pancakes stuffed with cheese), and to pick up fruit and…
Guayaquil
A longstanding hideaway perched over the Río Guayas, Artur’s serves ordinary Ecuadorian fare, but it's a lively starting point spot for a nighttime…
Quito
Yet another sign that the Peruvians are taking over (at least when it comes to cooking), this innovative modern-dining restaurant is a good place to…
Cuenca
Cuenca's coolest heladeria (ice-cream shop) will freeze you in shock at some of the weirder offerings from its tubs, but we can vouch for the oreo cookie…
Northern Highlands
Spiffily dressed waiters in black vests and ties serve up basic Chinese fare in an upscale (for Tulcán), split-level dining room. Located on the ground…
Baños
The Good serves better-than-good breakfasts and veggie dishes with wholesome brown rice as well as some chicken and fish. The beef dishes, like pepper…
Quito
Bouncy Bollywood music and sizzling platters of tikka masala make up the soundtrack to this good, inexpensive and unadorned Indian restaurant. Choose from…
Central Highlands
Cooked in a wood-fired brick oven, this is probably the best pizza in town – though some find it to be a bit doughy. Locals enjoy the cuts of meat here as…
Quito
Only five tables, indoors and on a little outdoor patio, make up this shop selling good coffee, pastries and chocolate made from organically grown local…
Quito
One of Quito’s top steakhouses, San Telmo is an elegant, multilevel, mostly gents' affair with a sizzling grill firing up a wide range of cuts. It has a…
