Trip for · Food lovers

Quito for food lovers

Hearty highland food and excellent fruit; the food is best at markets and cafés.

Only items the guide tags or describes for food lovers; each shows the field it came from. Prices and hours: check before you go.

Key facts

A 4-day outline

Grouped by walking cluster where the guide gives one. Order inside a day is loose: the timed day plans check opening hours and walking.

Old-town food tour
Why it fits: Learn what to order and what things cost in the market and small cafés in one morning.
From: Experience · tour
Hornado stalls
Why it fits: Roast pork with mote, potato cakes (llapingachos) · $4–6. The classic highland weekend lunch.
From: Eat guide · Budget tier
Ecuadorian restaurants in the Historic Centre
Why it fits: Locro de papa, seco de chivo, encebollado · $8–15. Sit-down lunches near the sights.
From: Eat guide · Mid-range tier
Vegetarian and vegan cafés
Why it fits: Bowls, soups and Andean grain dishes · $6–12
From: Eat guide · Mid-range tier

Chocolate workshop
Why it fits: Ecuador's cacao is a real export; a good indoor plan and easy gifts for home.
From: Experience · class
Bolones and empanadas
Why it fits: Plantain balls with cheese or pork; fried pastries · $1–3. Breakfast with coffee or hot chocolate.
From: Eat guide · Budget tier
Cafés and restaurants on the Guápulo ridge
Why it fits: Wine, dessert or a dinner with a view · $8–20. Book a car back.
From: Eat guide · Mid-range tier
Chef-led restaurants in La Floresta and La Carolina
Why it fits: Ecuadorian tasting menus · $40–90. Book days ahead; some restaurants add service and IVA.
From: Eat guide · Splurge tier

Mercado Central
Why it fits: hot set lunches at a price locals pay.
From: Good for · food lovers
Heladería San Agustín
Why it fits: helado de paila for a sweet stop.
From: Good for · food lovers
Cafetería Modelo
Why it fits: Empanadas de viento and coffee · $2–5. Old-town café near Plaza Grande.
From: Eat guide · Budget tier
Hotel dining rooms
Why it fits: Andean-inspired multi-course menus · $30–70. For the setting more than the food.
From: Eat guide · Splurge tier

Restaurants around Plaza Foch
Why it fits: the widest choice of dinners.
From: Good for · food lovers
Fritada and choclo
Why it fits: Fried pork with corn · $4–6. A heavy lunch; combine it with a walk.
From: Eat guide · Budget tier
Ceviche and seafood restaurants
Why it fits: Ecuadorian ceviche with corn nuts or popcorn · $8–15. Coastal style; choose a busy place for fresh fish.
From: Eat guide · Mid-range tier

What the guide flags for food lovers.

Hearty highland food and excellent fruit; the food is best at markets and cafés. (Good for · verdict: ok)
Eat where locals queue and the turnover is fast; a busy market stall has fresh stock. (Eat guide · rules)
Ají (chilli sauce) usually comes on the side: try a drop first and ask for 'sin ají' if in doubt. (Eat guide · rules)
Menus with IVA and service added: check the total; keep small change for the tip. (Eat guide · rules)