Guayaquil
Housed in a century-old mansion complete with wooden shutters and period furniture, Lo Nuestro is one of the most atmospheric places in Guayaquil to feast…
Must-see restaurants in South Coast
Montañita
In the epicenter of town, Montañita's best restaurant has an eclectic menu of global dishes (fajitas, falafels, homemade burgers, sesame-crusted shrimp,…
South Coast
The best dining option in town is this inviting air-conditioned place specializing in grilled meats. The seco de pollo (passion-fruit chicken) is…
South Coast
Look for this truly delicious eatery with no name on the 2nd floor (the 1st floor is a different restaurant) of the orange and white house at El Morro's…
Ruta Spondylus
In Salango, it's worth stopping in at the under-the-sea-themed Delfin Mágico, which serves outstanding seafood. Order everything from cherna and grouper…
Guayaquil
The best restaurant for traditional Ecuadorian specialties also has traditionally dressed waiters. Sit at the tables with wooden benches and share several…
South Coast
This new edition is one of the coolest hangout spots in town. A converted VW campervan food truck fronts onto a sleek patio with fairy lights and wooden…
Guayaquil
This unassuming place on main road Av del Periodista (San Jorge) has white walls, black benches and simple chalkboards with funny slogans and cute…
South Coast
Away from the main tourist drag, one block inland from Chipipe Beach, you'll find this inexpensive local empanada shop with plastic chairs, selling fine…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
South Coast
Inside this clean, modern building with big windows and sleek furniture (including pale green chairs, white walls and spotlights), businesspeople schmooze…
Montañita
Always packed with locals, this cafe has zero atmosphere (it's very basic with simple tables and chairs), but is the place to get a satisfying and…
South Coast
This welcoming waterfront spot serves good seafood plates, including ceviches, risottos, tasty encocados (seafood stew with coconut milk), and octopus…
South Coast
This simple little cafe with white walls and chunky pine tables serves hand-prepared pizzas. Order a classic margherita, salami and ham, tuna and onion,…
South Coast
Nautical-themed Pepe's is a local favorite, with with dark wood features, shipping memorabilia on the walls, and outdoor seating right next to the pier…
Guayaquil
Across from the San Marino Mall, this elegantly set dining room is a showcase for some of Guayaquil's best Peruvian cooking. The expansive menu features…
South Coast
A 10-minute walk downhill to the left from Plaza de la Independencia you'll find Zaruma's top restaurant. Part coffee shop and part Ecuadorian eatery,…
South Coast
Cevicheria Lojanita is a large, yellow complex with a foodcourt-style setup. Ceviche portions are large and fresh, and come in various flavors. Other…
Guayaquil
One of the top Japanese restaurants in town, Sushi Isao is a small, casual spot that's popular with Japanese expats. Ingredients are fresh and dishes are…
Guayaquil
Bringing a taste of the coast to the big city, La Culata serves excellent ceviches, encocados (shrimp or fish cooked in a rich, spiced coconut sauce) and…
Guayaquil
This lovely shaded eating spot sits alongside a small duck pond. Tuck into Ecuadorian eats, ceviches, salads, meat and fish dishes, or stop in for a pasta…
Guayaquil
Ecuador's answer to Starbucks is a popular dark-wood cafe with excellent cakes and quiches (the torta de jamón y queso is quite good); there are many…
Guayaquil
One of the most atmospheric places downtown is this old-school cafe with swirling overhead fans and black-and-white photos of Guayaquil. Stop in for…
South Coast
Restaurant Gran Chifa is one of the many family-style Chinese restaurants scattered throughout town. Dishes include sautéed chicken with vegetables, sweet…
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…
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…
Guayaquil
Barbecue, seafood and steak restaurant serving up South American and Ecuadorian flavors with modern decor and punchy cocktails. Meat dishes come…
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…
Montañita
Tasty Colombian-style cookies, pastries and cakes – try the dulce de leche–filled pastry cones.
Guayaquil
Two-story upscale cafe and Spanish-style delicatessen (ham and cheese is the specialty), serving good sandwiches. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Guayaquil
One of the few restaurant options for meat-free Italian and Ecuadorian dishes, this simple spot has Hindu-style art on the walls. Cash only.
South Coast
You can't beat the value of these sandwiches, wraps, lasagna, lunch specials and breakfasts, served in a narrow modern dining room.
Guayaquil
A modern and inviting cafe in Urdesa that draws people of all ages who come for coffee, decent pastries, quiches and cakes.
