Ecuadorian cuisine never fails to amaze those eager to dive into the country’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, and Quito, the vibrant capital, is the perfect starting point to experience South American flavors at their best.
Local chefs embrace organic ingredients from all over Ecuador—whether from the Galápagos, the Amazon, the highlands, or the coast. Through inventive techniques, they blend local and international influences, creating a dynamic array of unique dishes across Quito.
With its booming culinary scene, Quito offers endless dining options. Here, we’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Quito that you won’t want to miss.
Diosolopay
Locro de Papa
Diosolopay, located just across the street from the Metropolitan Cultural Center, offers a delightful al fresco dining experience in its charming courtyard. The menu draws inspiration from Ecuadorian culinary traditions while adding a unique twist. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted as incredible as it looked, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to savor Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine with a creative edge.
We highly recommend trying their Fanesca—a hearty stew filled with beans, corn, and potatoes, topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs, mini empanadas, fried plantain, and pieces of fish. This dish is both flavorful and beautifully layered, offering a true taste of Ecuadorian tradition.
Nuema
Nuema, led by husband-and-wife team Alejandro Chamorro and Pia Salazar, offers an exceptional dining experience with an exclusive tasting menu. Starting at $85, the menu features at least seven thoughtfully crafted dishes. We recommend asking your server about local natural wine pairings for each course or exploring the cocktail menu, where each drink is masterfully made with only three ingredients.
Nuema is a wonderful example of modern cuisine and high-end dining combined with traditional ingredients and dishes.
Ciré
Located on the outskirts of the peaceful Parque de Cumbayá, this restaurant offers a visually captivating setting with its eclectic decor, including chandeliers and vibrant modern art. For those who enjoy dining with a view, the top-floor patio is hard to beat—it’s one of the best spots in Quito, providing a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Chef Erick Dreyer presents his own creative adaptations of traditional dishes, like succulent suckling pig, Ecuadorian Black Angus steak, and locally sourced potatoes. Cire offers a memorable dining experience with not only incredible dishes but also stunning views—all for an average of $36 USD per person, a fantastic value for the quality and ambiance you’ll enjoy.
ZFood
Zfood combines a fresh fish market and restaurant experience. You can choose to buy the catch of the day from their counter or sit down to enjoy a wide selection of seafood appetizers and main dishes. The restaurant offers both beautiful outdoor seating and a nautical-themed, white-walled indoor dining area, allowing you to choose your preferred ambiance before indulging in their delicious seafood offerings.
The best thing about Zfoods is that they promise to be responsible for marine conservation and sustainable consumption while causing no harm to the environment. Without a doubt, this is exactly what the world needs in the seafood sector!
Somos
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Somos masterfully balances Ecuadorian and French cuisine, thanks to the creative vision of chef-owner Alejandra Espinoza. Drawing from her Ecuadorian roots and her culinary training in France, Espinoza brings together flavors and techniques from both worlds, creating a unique and harmonious dining experience.
While you’re here, we recommend trying their guinea pig, a traditional Ecuadorian dish reimagined with creative twists like dumplings and shredded pork. Besides the exceptional cuisine, Somos adds a playful touch with its colorful menu, featuring witty descriptions that bring a smile to every customer’s face.
Zazu
Zazu, led by Chef Wilson Apala, thrives on a deep appreciation for nature’s diversity and his experimental approach to cuisine. The menu features modern dishes with subtle Latin influences, showcasing unique ingredients that highlight texture, flavor, and harmony in every dish. Each plate is a thoughtful composition, offering a distinctive culinary experience.
Zazu is one of the few restaurants in Ecuador that belongs to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network. Known for its stylish, modern ambiance, Zazu delivers inventive and delicious cuisine that stands out in Quito’s dining scene. A reservation is highly recommended to secure a spot at this sought-after restaurant.
Urko
Urko, with its elegantly casual dining spaces, is a standout in Quito’s culinary landscape. Chef Daniel Maldonado’s innovative approach combines creative techniques with a commitment to ecological sourcing, making it a favorite for food enthusiasts.
Maldonado has crafted a dining experience inspired by the cycles of nature, where the menu evolves with the four seasonal phases: harvest, fertility, sowing, and flowering. This seasonal approach not only reflects the rhythms of nature but also brings a fresh, dynamic touch to each visit.
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Tasting menus at Urko start at $80 per person and have showcased unique dishes like Andean grains, clams paired with chocolate, smoked Amazonian salmon, and even guinea pig entrails. Each course offers a daring and refined exploration of Ecuadorian flavors.
El Salnés Gastro – Picantería
This restaurant, Ecuador’s first gastro-picanteria, is a serene, plant-filled oasis with a modern touch. Overseen by Chef Mauricio Acuńa, it elevates Ecuadorian cuisine with the finest local ingredients and a menu designed for a unique dining experience.
Start with appetizers like fish broth infused with wild mushrooms, and don’t miss the house specialties: handcrafted cold cuts such as spicy chorizo, country-style chicken, or succulent suckling pig. Each dish is crafted with fresh Ecuadorian delicacies and organic vegetables, often garnished with vibrant purple potatoes or pink flowers, making each plate as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Cafetería Modelo
Cafeteria Modelo, one of Quito’s oldest cafes, is a must-visit for sampling traditional Ecuadorian treats like empanadas de verde (plantain dough empanadas), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings), and tamales.
It’s also a beloved spot for ice cream, and the nostalgic, slightly kitschy decor—reminiscent of Ecuador’s past—adds a quirky charm that keeps the wait for your food entertaining.
Vista Hermosa
Vista Hermosa, aptly named “beautiful view,” is a popular spot in El Centro with an incredible 360-degree view of the Old Town from its open rooftop patio. Known for Ecuadorian specialties like Seco de Chivo (goat stew), it’s an enchanting place to dine, especially with live music on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 p.m. We found it best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure a prime spot.
There’s also a second Vista Hermosa in Parque Itchimbia, offering similar dishes and equally stunning views.
Bottom Line
Quito offers a fantastic array of dining options, with every neighborhood boasting a restaurant or café worth exploring.
Ecuadorian cuisine is truly a culinary delight, and experiencing the local flavors is a must. Be sure to try the unique dishes and visit these top restaurants during your stay in Quito—you won’t be disappointed!
