Puyo
The best food in the Oriente may be at this ambient house by the river inside the charming hotel of the same name, 1km north of town. Award-winning chef…
Must-see restaurants in The Oriente
Tena
Everyone in town seems to drop by this superpopular Swiss-run riverfront joint, whether it’s for the wide choice of breakfasts, delicious batidos (fruit…
Puyo
With panache to punch above its weight in Quito's coolest neighborhoods, EscoBar makes palapas (rustic, palm-thatched dwellings) seem chic. Sample…
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…
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…
Puyo
It may not look like much, but this cafe emanates a certain elegance and boasts one of the Oriente's few espresso machines – and knows how to use it. They…
The Oriente
On the main plaza, this is a great place to try maito – an Ecuadorian jungle specialty where tilapia (river fish) or chicken are wrapped in a jungle leaf…
Papallacta
Almost everyone comes to this unassuming restaurant for an excellent fillet of trout and shots of aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol). They also have rooms …
The Oriente
Macas' only proper cafe, La Julieta serves great coffees (including an interesting maple coffee), cheesecakes and brownies, salads and sandwiches with…
Tena
With a locked front door opened by formally attired staff, classical music and attentive service, this is the most formal restaurant for miles around…
The Oriente
Over the bridge about 200m up the road to La Punta, El Jardín is a beautiful addition to the local dining scene. In a flower-festooned garden, you can…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Coca
Down towards the river, this popular spot is the place for a bowl of frothy ceviche and a cold beer.
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…
Tena
The pizza here is as good as you'll get in the Oriente and as a riverfront melting pot of local families, businessmen and tourists it's the most buzzing…
The Oriente
The owner of Tisho's spent some years in the States, and here are the results: big thick-crust pizzas and even Philly cheese-steak sandwiches. Some pizzas…
The Oriente
A block off the main plaza, Tisho’s Pizzeria offers American dishes inspired by the owner’s years in the States, including Philly cheese-steak sandwiches…
The Oriente
On the main square, atmospheric Los Pinchos is a bar which serves the eponymous pinchos (skewered grilled meat and vegetables) street-side for a dollar a…
Tena
Right on the malecón across from the southern footbridge, this friendly spot serves up decent, topping-laden pizzas, chicken wings, sandwiches and juices.
Lago Agrio
The pizza is probably the thing to go for here. The basic menu is nevertheless pretty good by Lago Agrio standards.
