Ecuador offers unparalleled biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands, with colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca nestled in the Andes. This compact South American nation delivers volcanic landscapes, indigenous markets, and world-class wildlife encounters.
Ecuadorian cuisine reflects the country's extraordinary geographic diversity — from Pacific seafood ceviches and coastal rice dishes to highland potato soups and Andean grain bowls, and Amazon jungle specialties. The cuisine relies on native ingredients like quinoa, multiple potato varieties, plantain, corn, and locally caught fish. Quito's fine dining scene has gained international recognition for creative interpretations of indigenous Andean ingredients.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Ecuador.
Ceviche de Camarón
Ecuador's coastal ceviche differs from Peru's — shrimp is marinated in fresh citrus and tomato juice, served room temperature with toasted corn (canguil) and crunchy chifles (plantain chips). The tomato-orange base makes it sweeter and lighter than Peruvian style.
Where to try: Coastal restaurants in Guayaquil, Puerto López, or La Mar Cebichería in Quito
Price: $6-15
Locro de Papa
A thick, creamy potato soup made with native Andean potato varieties, fresh cheese, avocado, and ají pepper. This warming highland soup is the quintessential Ecuadorian comfort food and varies by region with different potato types and garnishes.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants throughout Quito and Cuenca; La Choza and Achiote Ecuador are excellent choices
Price: $5-12
Hornado
Slow-roasted whole pork, marinated overnight in beer, garlic, and spices then cooked in a clay oven for 8-10 hours until the skin crackles and the meat falls apart. Served with mote (hominy corn), llapingachos (potato cakes), and pickled onions.
Where to try: Markets throughout Ecuador especially Riobamba and Ambato; Octava de Corpus in Quito's Old Town
Price: $6-10
Encebollado
Ecuador's unofficial national dish — a robust fish and yuca soup with pickled red onions, tomato, and ají served with crunchy chifles. Traditionally consumed as a morning dish or late-night hangover cure and found in every Ecuadorian city.
Where to try: Any local market food stall in coastal cities; Lo Nuestro in Guayaquil for the definitive version
Price: $3-8
Seco de Chivo
A rich braised goat stew slowly cooked in beer, orange juice, garlic, and Andean spices until the meat becomes extraordinarily tender. Served with yellow rice, lentils, avocado, and ají hot sauce. A festive highland dish for celebrations.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in the Andes; excellent versions at La Choza and Theatrum in Quito
Price: $10-18
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
ZAZU
Relais & Châteaux awarded restaurant offering extraordinary gastronomic experiences with traditional Ecuadorian ingredients reimagined through modern techniques. Intimate setting with tasting menus that showcase local biodiversity.
Mariano Aguilera 331 y La Pradera, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Achiote Ecuador
Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with innovative twists and vegetarian options. Features organic ingredients, creative presentations, and warm atmosphere. Known for excellent service and authentic flavors with contemporary flair.
Juan León Mera N24-15 y Wilson, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Octava de Corpus
Casual eatery specializing in empanadas, hornado, and traditional comfort foods. Popular with locals for quick, delicious, authentic meals. Known for generous portions and friendly service.
García Moreno N7-25 y Mejía, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Mercado Central Quito
Historic market with dozens of food stalls serving authentic Ecuadorian breakfasts and lunches. Try fritada, hornado, ceviche, and fresh juices. Chaotic but authentic local experience.
Esmeraldas y Imbabura, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Café con Amor
Cozy Cuenca café roasting their own Ecuadorian beans. Offers pour-over, espresso drinks, and light breakfast options. Knowledgeable baristas and relaxed atmosphere perfect for remote work.
Hermano Miguel 8-41 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Nuema
Chef Alejandro Chamorro's restaurant earned Ecuador's sole spot on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list. Features seasonal tasting menus emphasizing sustainability, local ingredients, and creative presentations in a minimalist dining room.
Toledo N24-713 y Cordero, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Quitu Culinary Identity
Small intimate restaurant celebrating fresh, organic, authentic Ecuadorian ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Menu changes based on seasonal availability. Cozy atmosphere with personalized service.
Jerónimo Carrión E7-133 y Diego de Almagro, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Café Mosaico
Hilltop café with spectacular panoramic views of Quito. Serves sandwiches, salads, desserts, and excellent coffee. Perfect for sunset drinks and casual dining with unbeatable vistas.
Manuel Samaniego N8-95 y Antepara, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
International Café
Tandana Café & Bar
Cozy café in Cuenca offering breakfast all day, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beers. Relaxed atmosphere with board games and friendly staff. Popular expat hangout.
Presidente Córdova 8-32 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
The Magic Bean
Long-standing backpacker favorite in Quito offering hearty breakfasts, vegetarian options, burgers, and excellent coffee. Rooftop terrace with mountain views. Relaxed traveler-friendly atmosphere.
Foch E5-08 y Juan León Mera, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Specialty Coffee
Coffee Tree
Modern coffee shop in Quito's La Floresta neighborhood focusing on Ecuadorian single-origin beans. Minimalist design, skilled baristas, and alternative brewing methods. WiFi and coworking-friendly.
Isabel La Católica N24-617 y Luis Cordero, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Caravana Coffee
Boutique coffee roaster and café showcasing Ecuador's diverse coffee regions. Offers tastings, brewing classes, and retail beans. Passionate staff educates customers about Ecuadorian coffee culture.
Reina Victoria N24-259 y Calama, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Traditional Ecuadorian
Los Milagros
Located in a historic chapel in Quito's oldest neighborhood, this restaurant revives traditional Ecuadorian ingredients and cooking techniques. Romantic setting with courtyard seating and focus on heritage recipes.
San Marcos E5-38 y Antonio de Ulloa, Quito 170150, Ecuador
La Choza
Long-standing Quito restaurant serving authentic regional dishes in a rustic hacienda-style setting. Extensive menu covers coastal, highland, and Amazonian specialties. Live music on weekends.
12 de Octubre 1821 y Luis Cordero, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Breakfast Café
Blue Banana Café
Popular breakfast and brunch spot in Cuenca serving smoothie bowls, pancakes, omelets, and excellent coffee. Healthy options and vegetarian-friendly. Bright, cheerful atmosphere.
Benigno Malo 9-67 y Gran Colombia, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Burgers & Sandwiches
La Bicicleta
Bicycle-themed casual eatery serving gourmet burgers, craft beers, and creative sandwiches. Fun atmosphere with bike décor and outdoor seating. Great for groups and casual dining.
Foch E4-150 y Av. Amazonas, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Café & Bakery
Café Eugenio de Santa Cruz
Cuenca bakery and café famous for homemade bread, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Multiple locations throughout the city. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or takeaway treats.
Benigno Malo 5-95 y Juan Jaramillo, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Ceviche Stand
Cevichería Tanya
Legendary Guayaquil ceviche stand serving fresh coastal ceviche since 1982. Simple plastic chairs and tables but incredibly fresh seafood. Locals swear by the shrimp and fish ceviche.
Av. Victor Emilio Estrada, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Chocolate & Coffee
Kallari Café
Amazon indigenous community-owned café showcasing Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee. Features chocolate drinks, desserts, and light meals. Profits support rainforest communities.
Wilson E4-264 y Juan León Mera, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Chocolate Café
Republica del Cacao
Premium Ecuadorian chocolate café chain with locations throughout the country. Serves chocolate drinks, desserts, ice cream, and gourmet chocolates. Perfect for chocolate lovers.
Multiple locations in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca
Coastal Soup
Encebollado Stands
Ecuador's national hangover cure - fresh tuna soup with yuca, pickled onions, and lime. Served from early morning at coastal markets and street stands. Rich, flavorful, and restorative.
Coastal cities, especially Guayaquil and Manta
Coastal Street Food
Bolon de Verde Carts
Green plantain balls stuffed with cheese or pork, fried and served hot. Common street food in coastal cities and Quito. Filling breakfast or snack.
Various locations, Guayaquil and Quito
Creative Ecuadorian
LaMaría Cocina Libre
Unapologetically Ecuadorian food made with love and organic products featuring fun, whimsical twists on traditional recipes. Artistic presentations and creative flavor combinations in a cozy setting.
Tarqui 10-69 y Gran Colombia, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Ecuadorian
Raymipampa
Cuenca institution serving authentic Ecuadorian cuisine with traditional dishes and modern interpretations. Features locro de papas soup, churrasco, and empanadas de viento. Warm atmosphere with live music on weekends.
Benigno Malo 8-59 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Empanadas
Empanadas de Morocho
Famous Quito street stand selling cheese empanadas made with morocho (hominy) dough. Crispy, savory, and addictive. Long queues but fast service. Perfect snack.
Mejía y García Moreno, Quito 170150, Ecuador
European
Cyrano Café & Wine Bar
Sophisticated café in Quito's historic center serving excellent coffee, wines, crepes, and French-inspired light meals. Elegant atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking Teatro Sucre.
Manabí Oe1-60 y Flores, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Experimental
Zero Lab
Laboratory-style restaurant emphasizing sustainability and seasonal ingredients with molecular gastronomy techniques. Ever-changing menu explores Ecuadorian biodiversity through innovative preparations. Educational dining experience.
Wilson E6-320 y Diego de Almagro, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Farm
Urko Cocina Local
Showcases ingredients from small Ecuadorian producers with ever-changing menu based on seasonal availability. Rustic-elegant atmosphere with open kitchen and knowledgeable staff explaining dish origins.
García Moreno N8-95 y Bolívar, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Fusion
La Purísima
Trendy Quito restaurant blending Ecuadorian flavors with international techniques. Known for creative cocktails, shareable plates, and vibrant atmosphere. Popular with young professionals and food enthusiasts.
Foch E4-271 y Av. Amazonas, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Gourmet Ecuadorian
Casa Gangotena Restaurant
Elegant dining room in historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco serves creative Ecuadorian cuisine inspired by the nation's diverse regions. Extensive wine list and impeccable service in colonial grandeur.
Bolívar OE6-41 y Cuenca, Quito 170150, Ecuador
International
El Crater Restaurant
Dining on the rim of Pululahua volcanic crater offers spectacular views with gourmet international cuisine. Features organic ingredients, wood-fired specialties, and a unique setting 3,000 meters above sea level.
Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua, Km 4 Via Calacali-La Independencia, Ecuador
Italian
Pizzeria Il Forno
Authentic wood-fired pizzas in Cuenca's historic center. Italian owners ensure traditional preparation with quality imported and local ingredients. Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating.
Hermano Miguel 5-34 y Honorato Vásquez, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Market Food
Mercado 10 de Agosto
Cuenca market with traditional food stalls serving mote pillo, caldo de gallina, and other regional specialties. Authentic local dining at rock-bottom prices.
Calle Larga y General Torres, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Mexican
La Guarida del Coyote
Authentic Mexican restaurant in Quito serving tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas. Vibrant décor, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Popular with expats and locals alike.
Av. República del Salvador N35-75 y Suecia, Quito 170135, Ecuador
Modern Ecuadorian
Tiestos Cuenca
Combines traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with contemporary presentation using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Menu features ceviche, seco de pollo, and guatita alongside creative seasonal specials.
Calle Larga 7-69 y Luis Cordero, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Modern Latin
Somos
Upscale restaurant in La Carolina neighborhood features contemporary Latin American cuisine with emphasis on Ecuadorian ingredients. Sophisticated atmosphere, creative cocktails, and attentive service make it a special occasion destination.
Av. Eloy Alfaro N29-161 y Av. De los Shyris, Quito 170135, Ecuador
Street Vendors
Plaza Foch Food Carts
Evening food carts around Plaza Foch serve choripán, hamburguesas, and salchipapas. Popular late-night eating after bar-hopping. Cheap, satisfying, and social atmosphere.
Plaza Foch, Quito 170143, Ecuador
Traditional Bakery
Dulcería Colón
Historic Quito bakery since 1940 serving traditional pastries, cakes, empanadas, and coffee. Nostalgic atmosphere with recipes passed through generations. Famous for quesadillas (sweet cheese pastries).
Colón E8-09 y Versalles, Quito 170150, Ecuador
Traditional Snacks
Humitas Street Vendors
Steamed corn cakes wrapped in corn husks sold by street vendors throughout Ecuador. Sweet or savory versions available. Traditional Andean comfort food.
Various locations throughout Ecuador
Vegetarian
El Nuevo Paraiso
Cuenca vegetarian restaurant serves heaping plates of tigrillo for breakfast and traditional Ecuadorian dishes adapted for plant-based diets. Casual atmosphere with generous portions and affordable prices.
Hermano Miguel 6-48 y Presidente Córdova, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador
Food tours & tastings in Ecuador
Eat your way through Ecuador with a guide.
Browse food experiences in EcuadorWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Llapingachos
Fried potato patties stuffed with cheese and shaped into discs, pan-fried until golden and crispy outside with a creamy cheese center. Served with chorizo, fried egg, avocado, and salsa de maní (peanut sauce). The ultimate Andean street snack.
Find it at: Market stalls throughout highland Ecuador, particularly in Quito, Ambato, and Riobamba
Empanadas de Viento
Light, airy deep-fried empanadas filled with fresh cheese and dusted with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten at breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee. The puffed dough creates air pockets giving them their distinctive lightness.
Find it at: Bakeries and street carts throughout Quito's Old Town and Cuenca
Choclo con Queso
Fresh Andean corn on the cob (much larger and starchier than sweet corn) grilled or boiled and served with a slab of fresh white cheese and ají. Simple, filling, and deeply Ecuadorian — found at roadside stalls along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Find it at: Roadside stalls along the Pan-American Highway through the highlands
Jugo de Naranjilla
Fresh-pressed juice from naranjilla, Ecuador's unique tangy citrus fruit that resembles a small orange with green flesh and extraordinary flavor that defies description — somewhere between rhubarb, passion fruit, and citrus. Available only in Ecuador.
Find it at: Market juice stalls throughout Ecuador; Mercado Central in Quito offers the freshest
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado Central de Quito
Quito's main covered market in the Old Town is the best place to experience authentic Ecuadorian food culture, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and tropical fruits to hot cooked meals including encebollado, hornado, and seco de pollo at remarkable prices.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00-18:00, Sunday 6:00-14:00
Mercado de San Francisco, Cuenca
Cuenca's traditional market is a sensory feast of fresh highland produce, prepared foods, medicinal herbs, and handmade goods. The food section serves excellent traditional Cuenca dishes including mote pillo (hominy corn scramble) and filling almuerzos.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00-18:00, Sunday 7:00-14:00
Otavalo Saturday Market Food Section
Alongside the famous artisan market, Otavalo's Saturday market has an extensive food section selling fresh Andean produce, indigenous foods like cuy (guinea pig), chicha de jora, and traditional Imbabura dishes from indigenous vendors.
Hours: Saturday 6:00-14:00 (main day); daily market 8:00-17:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (almuerzo) is the main meal in Ecuador — $3-5 set menus at local comedores include soup, main course, rice, and juice, offering excellent value from 12:00-14:00
Dinner is lighter and later — most Ecuadorians eat from 19:00-21:00; upscale restaurants often don't fill up until 20:00
Check if servicio is already included in the bill before adding a tip — many Quito restaurants add 10% service charge automatically
Vegetarian options are expanding in Quito and Cuenca but can be limited in smaller towns — communicate dietary requirements in advance
Fresh fruit juices (jugos) are made to order from real fruit at most restaurants — try naranjilla, tomate de árbol, and guanábana
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $4-8/meal | Set almuerzo at local comedor, market stalls, empanadas and street food |
| Mid-range | $12-25/meal | Sit-down restaurant with starter, main course, and drink |
| Upscale | $50-130/meal | Fine dining tasting menus at ZAZU, Nuema, or upscale hotel restaurants |