A Gastronomic Journey through Quito’s Top Restaurants

Welcome to Quito, the vibrant capital city of Ecuador, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. As you explore the city’s rich heritage and iconic tourist attractions, allow yourself to be immersed in the flavors of Quito’s culinary scene. In this blogpost, Expedition Ecuador we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the five best restaurants in Quito, each offering a unique blend of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and innovative culinary concepts. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why Quito is not only a cultural hotspot but also a food lover’s paradise!

Zazu: A Fusion of Flavors

Located in La Pradera street, Zazu is a culinary gem that seamlessly combines Ecuadorian traditions with international influences. This renowned restaurant offers a dining experience that is truly exceptional. The modern and sophisticated ambiance sets the stage for a memorable journey through the flavors of Ecuador traditions. At Zazu, the menu is a carefully crafted progression of rare and beautiful ingredients, where texture, flavor, and harmony take center stage. Wilson Alpala, the visionary chef behind Zazu, has a deep appreciation for nature’s diversity and a limitless curiosity that drives his endless experimentation in the kitchen.

Prepare to be captivated by the Wilson Alpala Menu, where each dish is a testament to his passion and creativity. From delicate ceviches bursting with freshness to perfectly grilled seafood, the menu showcases the depth and diversity of Ecuadorian cuisine. The ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from local producers, ensuring that every bite is an homage to the country’s rich culinary heritage. With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a dining experience guided by Wilson Alpala’s vision, Zazu offers an unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Quito’s La Pradera street.

Cyril: A Sweet Symphony

Located in the dynamic north of Quito, Cyril Boutique stands as a culinary gem specializing in French sweet gastronomy. Nestled among modern buildings, this boutique offers a delightful experience that brings together the sweet and chocolatey flavors in the city of Quito. Step into Cyril Boutique and be captivated by the meticulous attention to detail in every creation. From pastries and cakes to cookies, macarons, and ice creams, each delicacy showcases a harmonious blend of natural flavors reminiscent of renowned perfumes.

Cyril Boutique also features a variety of French breads, artisan jams, and an extensive range of chocolates, bonbons, truffles, snacks, carved sculptures, and figures. Since its opening in 2011, Cyril Boutique has earned recognition from the Republic of France as an international benchmark for French sweet gastronomy, solidifying its position as the “pearl of sweet gastronomy” on a national level. You can find this restaurant between the streets Irlanda and Seis de Diciembre.

Nuema: A True Culinary Adventure

Located in the trendy La Coruña sector, Nuema offers a truly unique dining experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional cuisine. This Ecuadorian restaurant has made its mark on the culinary world, securing a spot on the prestigious list of the 100 best restaurants in the world by The World’s 50 Best. With this recognition, Nuema has proven to be one of the finest dining establishments globally, having previously entered the list of the best in Latin America. At Nuema, culinary artistry blends with storytelling, resulting in each dish being a masterpiece inspired by Ecuadorian folklore and natural wonders.

The menu features endemic ingredients, such as Galapagos crayfish and mashua—an Andean tuber—crafted into delicious dishes. Situated in the north center of the capital, Nuema finds its home in a house adorned with an Ornament Award, offering a cozy setting for up to 45 people. Nuema aims to showcase the richness and excellence of Ecuadorian gastronomy, which has been acclaimed as one of the best in the world, as stated by Salazar, the visionary chef behind Nuema. You can find Nuema between La Coruña Avenue and Bello Horizonte Street, perfectly situated to provide an unforgettable gastronomic journey you should include on your Quito tour.

Somos Ecuador: Celebrating Local Cuisine

Nestled in the north of Quito, Somos Ecuador is a celebration of the country’s culinary heritage. This vibrant restaurant embraces the motto “Born in Ecuador, Inspired by the World,” which reflects the creative journey of chef Alejandra Espinoza. Born and raised in Quito, Espinoza’s passion for culinary arts was nurtured during her time living in France studying at Lyon’s prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse. At the core of her vision for Somos Ecuador is the fusion of international influences with Ecuador’s incredible culinary traditions. She sought to showcase the richness of Ecuador’s culinary expression and elevate it to new heights. From hearty soups and traditional stews to succulent roasted meats, each dish reflects the essence of Ecuadorian cuisine, allowing you to savor the diverse culinary heritage of the country!

Colorful murals by the renowned Ecuadorian artist Apitatan pay homage to the Ecuador traditions and cultural rites. The ambiance is further enhanced by the soothing sounds of Andean music remixes. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create an atmosphere that centers around food, conversation, and human connection. Somos Ecuador is located on Eloy Alfaro Avenue in the north of Quito, easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike. Check out our Quito day tours here!

De La LLama: Grilling Perfection

De La LLama is a destination that promises an exceptional grilling experience with a unique twist. De La LLama specializes in serving Ecuadorian cuisine with a different twist, combining flavors and influences from Asian cuisine and Andean ingredients. The emphasis is on using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both contemporary and rooted in Ecuador traditions. Read some fun facts about Ecuador here!

From Asian-influenced ceviches bursting with flavors to seafood locro and other innovative creations, the menu offers a range of unique recipes that cannot be found anywhere else. The talented chefs at De La LLama take pride in crafting each dish with precision and creativity, ensuring a culinary experience like no other. Indulge in tender cuts of beef, succulent ribs, and juicy poultry, all expertly cooked over an open flame to perfection. To complement your meal, De La LLama offers a selection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails, allowing you to enhance your dining experience and enjoy the lively ambiance of the restaurant. De La LLama can be found on Calle Suiza in the north of Quito, offering a convenient location for diners to indulge in the unique flavors and contemporary cuisine that the restaurant has to offer. This is another great option to include in your Ecuador holiday.

To sum things up

As your Ecuador travel guide, we can tell you that Quito offers a vibrant culinary scene that combines tradition with innovation. From Zazu’s fusion of flavors to Cyril Boutique’s French sweet gastronomy, Nuema’s culinary adventure, Somos Ecuador’s celebration of local cuisine, and De La LLama’s grilling perfection, these top restaurants showcase the diverse and exceptional flavors of the city. Let us arrange your Ecuador tour, allowing you to explore Quito’s rich history, cultural attractions, and indulge in the culinary delights of these remarkable establishments. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable gastronomic journey on your Quito tour!