In the last couple of years, Quito has boasted with a variety of world class restaurants. Sober, elegant, modern, trendy: you name it! Nowadays, Ecuador’s capital can pride itself in its superb international cuisine offer. Varied menus, creative presentations, tasteful decorations, great service and mouthwatering specialties can be enjoyed in several restaurants in Quito. In most of these, the chef and / or owners themselves tend to their guests, providing a familiar ambiance.
 
As for the food, Ecuador has an excellent advantage. As diverse as is the country’s landscape, are the crops that this privileged land produces. Thus, Ecuadorians have a variety of grains and potatoes, vegetables, and of course an array of delicious tropical fruits. Ecuador is a main shrimp exporter and Quito receives at hand a selection of fresh seafood. This diversity of rich ingredients allows chefs´ creativity to flourish.

Typical Ecuadorian food varies in the different regions. In the Andes, soups, rice and several grains are a must on the table. Coastal delicacies, unsurprisingly, are about seafood. Green plantain, lemon and coconut are often combined with seafood to make the best of its taste. Ecuador’s mega diversity is reflected in the variety of flavors of the country’s crops and typical dishes.
 
As the world globalizes rapidly, dishes from several locations can be tasted in distant geographies. However, as cooking is human, the tastes are oftentimes influenced by the person and by so, the culture. The gastronomical offer of each restaurant is always complemented with the unique touch of its chef and the whole experience created by the ambiance and service.

Bon appetit!

Important tips about dining out in Quito:

• Service fee and taxes are included in the bill, tips are not compulsory but are welcome when the service is to the guests’ satisfaction.
• Restaurants usually receive guests for dinner before 9:00 pm.
• Order natural fruit juices as they are delicious and made with absolutely safe water in our recommended restaurants.
• Call your preferred restaurant for a reservation and point out any specific needs (vegetarian or others).
• Some restaurants close either Sunday or Monday. We recommend you call before attending.
• Lunch - almuerzo – is the largest and most important meal for Ecuadorians, however, there is a growing habit in Quito to dine out.
• Many Quiteños make business appointments in restaurants sometime between 1 and 5 pm.
• Although it is understood that foreigners oftentimes travel with informal attire, people in Quito are a bit more formal (no shorts or flip flops are recommended).
• The weather in Quito drops dramatically at nighttime. Make sure you wrap up warm
• All our recommended restaurants take credit cards.
• It is better to arrange taxi service with the help of the restaurant’s personnel rather than taking one on the street.

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