Le Petit Pigalle (Jeronímo Carrión y 9 de Octubre, Quito) – travelers passing through Quito would not expect to find a fine French restaurant. Apparently, a romance that a French chef struck with an Ecuadorean woman (who’s also a chef) resulted in the opening of this restaurant. This couple has succeeded in bringing a […]
La Querencia (Eloy Alfaro 2530 e/Catalina Aldaz, Quito) – the local dishes served here range from humitas, to lamb stew, langostinos, seco de chivo, papas con cuero, and locro de queso. One can eat outdoors in the garden or watch the city go by from the comfort of the rustic fireside dining room.
Ananké (Almagro y Pinto, Quito) – located in the trendy La Mariscal district, this nightspot often hosts an eclectic line-up of live bands and artists (playing various genres of music, from Jazz to Salsa, Ska, Funk, Cumbia, and Reggae). This venue also has an outdoor courtyard. For those who get hungry, this place also serves […]
Zoe (Borrero 7-61, Cuenca) – for those passing through Cuenca, this hip restaurant typically attracts a solid contingent of expats from USA and elsewhere. For local standards, this is a trendy “new age” restaurant which served a variety of local and international dishes. Along with the restaurant (which is ground level), there’s a bar on […]
Zazu (Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito) – located a short walk away from Parque La Carolina, this restaurant is best-known for its Ceviche (a popular dish in Ecuador and Peru made of raw fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juice, and topped with spices and peppers). Local dishes are also served there. The restaurant’s stylish façade […]
Tiesto’s Café (Juan Jaramillo 4-89 y Mariano Cueva, Cuenca) – this is another highly-recommended destination, for those visiting Cuenca. Local and international dishes are served here – in a cozy old world atmosphere (attracting a regular stream of international visitors). Specialties here range from sopa de camaromes (shrimp soup) to pollo al curry con macadamia […]
Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar (Calle Manabi e/Guayaquil y Flores, Quito) – this restaurant, which serves mainly Mediterranean dishes (along with seafood) is popular for its location: the second floor of the Teatro Nacional Sucre. Diners are advised to check if any shows are being held before making reservations, since it will likely be booked-up […]
Resaca (Malecón 2000 e/Junin, Guayaquil) – located at the popular Malecón 2000 strip, this restaurant is ideal for seafood dishes (including crabs). Resaca’s seaside location is a natural draw for international visitors wishing to take in the view of this area.
Lo Nuestro (Victor Emilio Estrada 903 e/Higueras Urdesa, Guayaquil) – this fine restaurant (whose interior brings old world elegance back to life) specialty is Ceviche. A variety of local and international dishes is also served, such as Las Peñas Chicken (chicken with clams, olives, Spanish saugage, and white rice with saffron). Live music is also […]
TAXI (Quito) – During the day, taxi drivers are required to use a taximetro (or meter) when they drive you around. When you climb in, the initial rate should be 35 cents. Always ask for the taximetro, which is typically located just in front of the emergency brake, between the driver and front passenger seats. […]