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Quito, besides its tourist attractions, has a wide variety of establishments for enjoying food and drinks.
North Quito
We start in the north of the city, by the monument Mitad del Mundo, one of the most interesting tourist sites. Surrounded by mountains, you will find the restaurant Equinoccio, with an appetizing selection of typical Ecuadorian food such as mote (cooked white corn) with chicharrón (pork crackling), accompanied by chicha (a delicious beverage of fermented corn). Also on the north side, within the limits of the city in the Plaza de Toros Quito neighborhood, you will find places such as the Mayflower, serving chaulafan and many other typical Chinese dishes, and Rosa Mejicano, a little taste of Mexico with its fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and more. The Swiss restaurant Raclette with its classic fondues, is located in front of La Carolina, on Avenida Eloy Alfaro. To the south of the Parque La Carolina, next to the Mall El Jardín, you will find various chain offerings. If you wish to enjoy an excellent view of the city, go up to the highest part of the residential Avenida González Suárez neighborhood, where, in front of Hotel Quito Best Western, you will find Barlovento, one of the most exclusive restaurant-bars of the city. Make a stop here to savor their delicious meat specialties. Further south, along Diego de Almagro Street is Rincón la Ronda, with three pleasant dining areas and a menu that includes such typical dishes as fritada (fried pork meat with plantains and corn), and chugchucara (combination of pork meat, roasted corn, pork skin, and boiled white corn).
Central North
The central-north area of Quito has the most variety of restaurants. Crepes & Waffles, for example, serves excellent sweet and savory pancakes, as well as salads, ice creams and juices. Nearby is La Bodeguita de Cuba, which offers traditional Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja (a kind of meat stew, the name means "old clothes") and drinks like the mojito (rum and mint). Mamá Clorinda has Ecuadorian specialties such as locro de papas (a delicious soup made with milk, cheese and potatoes) and menestra (stewed beans or lentils) with steak. For vegetarians, El Maple has colorful and appetizing dishes in an airy, plant-filled setting. You can try meatless meals like la sorpresa china (the Chinese surprise!) or spaghetti with oyster mushrooms accompanied by fresh natural juices and salads. If you like Mexican food, try "El coyote", the house specialty at the Guarida del Coyote, made with rice, beans, steak, guacamole and cheese. Wash it down with a yardas, a giant glass of beer. Pizzeria El Hornero has home-made pizza and lasagna. On one of the busiest corners of the central north area is where you will find the Magic Bean, a North American-style restaurant with a coffee-house and hostel. Their exotic breaded eggplants are delicious. Excellent seafood is served at Marenostrum, close to Avenida Colón, and well-prepared French cuisine at the Rincón de Francia. For an intimate dinner for two, head to Palladinos, on the top floor of a large building on Avenida Patria. Here you can get an excellent lobster with cheese sauce.
Historic Center
The Historic Center of Quito, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gorgeous and popular tourist destination within the city. Because of this, it is inevitable that the Historic Center contains many quality eateries to enjoy. The Marqués de Jerez serves up Ecuadorian and Spanish specialties, tapas style, with cozy ambiance. Mea Culpa is one of the finest restaurants in the city with amazing views of this historic old city. Cafe Mosaico serves up Greek cuisine in a comfortable, upscale atmosphere. The café also features a free WiFi connection and a telescope for stargazing at night. Another great restaurant is located on the second floor of the
Teatro Sucre, the Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar offers diners delicious Mediterranean cuisine in another of Quito’s finest restaurants. El Rincón de Cantuña specializes in Spanish and international cuisine at the Hotel Patio Andaluz.
Nearby Valleys
Outside the city, in the nearby valleys, are located a number of restaurants. Equinoccio, located in the nearby Middle of the World, resembles an old colonial house and serves up the best of local cuisine as well as international dishes. Café de la Vaca specializes in breakfast, but serves up delicious food all day long, and on weekends local artisans display and sell their goods. Chez Jérôme serves up classic and classy French cuisine, décor and atmosphere while Sake Restaurant offers up exotic Japanese meals.
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