Best Restaurants in Quito: Where to Eat in Ecuador’s Capital
Quito sits at 9,350 feet. The elevation dictates the food scene. You will find high-altitude hearty soups, volcanic soil produce, and fusion techniques that blend Andean ingredients with modern global trends. The city’s culinary landscape has evolved rapidly. While traditional markets still serve 50-cent hornado, a new wave of chefs is reclaiming pre-colonial grains like quinoa and amaranth. Whether you are looking for fine dining in a restored convent or a quick bite in La Floresta, this guide covers the best restaurants in Quito for every budget and palate.
Must-Try Dishes in Quito
Before you choose where to eat in Quito, you need to know what to order. These are the staple dishes that define the local palate.
- Locro de Papa: A thick, creamy potato soup served with avocado and a slice of local cheese. It is the ultimate mountain comfort food.
- Hornado: Slow-roasted pig marinated in chicha (fermented corn drink). It is typically served with toasted corn (tostado), potato patties (llapingachos), and a tart salad.
- Fritada: Succulent chunks of pork braised in spiced water until it evaporates, then fried in its own fat.
- Ceviche de Chochos: A vegetarian Andean take on ceviche. It uses lupine beans (chochos) instead of fish, mixed with lime, tomato, onion, and toasted corn.
- Canelazo: A hot, spiced cinnamon tea spiked with puntas (sugar cane alcohol). Essential for surviving the chilly Andean nights.
- Humitas: Sweet or savory steamed corn cakes wrapped in husks. Think of them as the softer, lighter cousin of the tamale.
Best Restaurants for a Splurge
When budget is not the priority, these establishments offer the most refined culinary experiences in the city.
Zazu (La Floresta)
Zazu is Quito’s only Relais & Châteaux restaurant. It sets the standard for contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine. The tasting menu focuses on "cradle to cradle" sustainability, sourcing ingredients from specific local micro-climates. You come here for the dry-aged meats and sophisticated seafood preparations like the stone-crab ceviche. The wine cellar is one of the most comprehensive in the country.
Nuema (San Marcos)
Ranked frequently on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Nuema is an intellectual exercise in Ecuadorian biodiversity. Chefs Alejandro Chamorro and Pía Salazar use the menu to showcase the country’s four regions: the Andes, the Amazon, the Coast, and the Galapagos. The flavors are avant-garde. The desserts, overseen by Salazar (voted World's Best Pastry Chef), are world-class.
Casa Gangotena (Historic Center)
Located inside a restored palatial mansion on Plaza San Francisco, this restaurant specializes in "Mestizo Cuisine." The dining room is opulent, featuring high ceilings and neoclassical decor. The menu elevates traditional homestyle recipes into fine-dining masterpieces. Try the Aspa de Ternera or the sophisticated take on locro. It is the best place to experience the history of the city through its food.
Best Casual Restaurants and Local Favorites
These are the reliable spots where locals go for a high-quality meal without the formality of a tasting menu.
Los Sanduches de la Almagro (La Mariscal)
This is an institution for sandwich lovers. Known simply as "The Sandwiches on Almagro Street," they specialize in pork sandwiches. The meat is juicy, the bread is fresh, and the spicy ají (hot sauce) is mandatory. It is a no-frills, high-volume operation that defines the casual Quito lunch.
URKO (La Floresta)
URKO bridges the gap between casual and fine dining. They focus on the concept of "Cocina Local," meaning they only use what is in season. The menu changes frequently to reflect the agricultural calendar. The vibe is hip, minimalist, and very YC-startup energy. It’s the perfect place to see how Quito’s youth are reimagining traditional ingredients.
Somos (La Carolina)
Somos calls its style "Ecuadorian soul food with a global twist." The space is large, colorful, and energetic. The menu features shared plates like wood-fired pizzas topped with local ingredients and creative takes on street food favorites. It’s a great spot for groups who want a lively atmosphere and modern presentation.
La Purísima (Historic Center)
Tucked near the Teatro Bolívar, La Purísima serves traditional Ecuadorian recipes with a slightly modern, artistic flair. It is casual but refined. The focus here is on "Grandmother’s recipes," but plated with precision. Their seco de chivo (goat stew) is widely considered one of the best in the city.
Best Cheap Eats and Street Food
You don't need a reservation or a lot of cash to find the best restaurants in Quito's informal sector.
Mercado Central
For the most authentic "where to eat in Quito" experience, head to the second floor of Mercado Central. Look for the stalls selling Corvina Frita (fried sea bass). It comes with potatoes and a mountain of ceviche-style shrimp for just a few dollars. The energy is chaotic, loud, and quintessentially Quiteño.
Las Tripas de la Vicentina
Head to the Parque de la Vicentina in the evening. You will find several stalls smelling of smoke and grilled meat. They specialize in tripa mishqui—grilled chitterlings marinated in spices. It is a local delicacy. If you aren't feeling adventurous, most stalls also sell morocho, a thick, sweet corn drink.
Panaderia San Juan
Cheap eats aren't just for dinner. Visit this historic bakery for pan de suelo (bread baked on the oven floor). It is incredibly cheap and best paired with a piece of local cheese. It’s a simple, carb-heavy snack that telah kept the neighborhood fueled for decades.
Mercado Iñaquito
Located in the north, this market is the best place to find Hornado. Various vendors compete for your attention with samples of crispy pork skin. Pick the stall with the longest line. You can get a massive plate of pork, mote, and llapingachos for under five dollars.
Best Breakfast and Brunch
Start your day with high-altitude caffeine and traditional Andean grains.
Ananké (Guápulo)
Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Guápulo, Ananké offers incredible views of the valley. Their breakfast menu includes traditional humitas, tamales, and strong Ecuadorian coffee. The cobblestone streets and the view of the sanctuary below make it one of the most atmospheric morning spots in the city.
Jervis Cafe (La Floresta)
This is the go-to for the digital nomad and tech crowd. Jervis specializes in specialty coffee and modern brunch staples. Think sourdough toasts, poached eggs, and house-made granola. The WiFi is fast, the coffee is expertly roasted, and the atmosphere is conducive to getting work done.
Galletti (Historic Center/Various)
Galletti is a leader in the Ecuadorian specialty coffee movement. While they serve excellent breakfast pastries and light lunches, the draw here is the bean. They work directly with farmers across Ecuador. It’s the best place to understand the nuances of high-altitude coffee production while grabbing a quick, high-quality bite.
Best Rooftop or View Dining
Quito is built into a canyon. Use that to your advantage at these elevated spots.
Vista Hermosa (Historic Center)
The name translates to "Beautiful View," and it delivers. Located on a rooftop in the Old Town, you get a 360-degree look at the illuminated domes of the colonial churches. The food is traditional Ecuadorian—heavy on the soups and meats. Go for a sunset drink and stay for the locro de papa.
Secret Garden Rooftop (San Blas)
While it is part of a hostel, this rooftop bar and restaurant offers one of the best views of the Panecillo (the winged virgin statue) and the city skyline. The menu is casual—think burgers, pastas, and snacks—but the value for the view is unbeatable. It is a popular social hub for travelers.
Best Food Neighborhoods to Wander
If you don't have a specific destination, head to these areas and follow your nose.
- La Floresta: The culinary heart of modern Quito. It is home to upscale tasting rooms, craft breweries, and the famous evening food stalls at the main plaza. It's walkable and packed with variety.
- Guápulo: A steep, winding neighborhood that feels like a separate village. Great for small cafes, hidden bars, and pizza spots with sweeping views.
- San Marcos: A quiet, artistic neighborhood in the Historic Center. It is becoming a hub for boutique dining experiences like Nuema and small, family-run bistros.
- La Mariscal: While known for nightlife, the area around Plaza Foch has dozens of international options, from Lebanese to authentic Italian, mixed with traditional lunch spots.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements change frequently; check local listings or social media before visiting.