What to Eat in Quito: A Food Guide

What to eat in Quito

• Locro de papa

  Andean potato-cheese-avocado soup — Ecuador's comfort classic.

• Encebollado

  Tuna + onion + yuca soup — Ecuador's morning hangover cure.

• Hornado

  Slow-roasted suckling pig with mote (hominy) + llapingacho potato cakes.

What to drink

Bottled water only. Canelazo (warm cinnamon + aguardiente cocktail) is Quito's cold-night staple; Pilsener + Club the local beers.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Tip 10% at sit-down (rarely included — check bill for 'servicio').

• Almuerzo lunch menu US$3–5 at neighbourhood restaurants — best value + local experience.

Where to eat in Quito

• Centro Histórico (Old Town)

  UNESCO colonial core — Plaza Grande, Cathedral, La Compañía, San Francisco — Casa Gangotena (Quito's flagship), Illa Experience Hotel, Casa El Edén.

• La Mariscal + La Floresta

  Backpacker + expat + nightlife (Mariscal) meets bohemian + film-cafés (Floresta) — mid-range boutiques + Airbnb dominate; safety varies at night.

• La Carolina + Iñaquito

  Modern financial + park district — Swissôtel, JW Marriott, Hilton Colón, EB Hotel Quito Airport hub.

• González Suárez

  Upscale ridge overlooking Guápulo valley — Le Parc Hotel, Dann Carlton, Casa Aliso boutique.