Restaurants in Zona Norte La Mariscal (Quito)

The Magic Bean

Found in the middle of the city's financial district, this place serves as a restaurant, coffee shop and a hostel. Its exceptional location means that there is a constant stream of customers every day, forcing the management to constantly review its levels of service. It is a cozy and quiet place frequented by loads of North American and European tourists. The building has two floors, one of which is open air, so you may eat outside if you prefer. In a cozy environment, you can enjoy an ice-cold beer, a wide range of natural juices or a soda. There is a wide choice of North-American food and you can make friends from all parts of the world.

La Paella Valenciana

La Paella Valenciana is located in the north of Quito, in a commercial area very close to one of the main shopping malls in the city, Mall el Jardín. It is a comfortable and modern two-story building, whose interiors show distinction and an Italian flair. You will experience excellent service in both of its two sections: the family section, with big tables; and the business section, very appropriate if you want to talk with your partners or close a deal while enjoying good food. It has large windows and plenty of light and at night the fireplace creates an ideal space for romance.

La Boca del Lobo

Calle Calama is one of the busiest streets in the city, for it is a place with a large variety of cyber cafés, bars and restaurants. One of these is La Boca del Lobo. This two-story building is an alternative gay bar, although it would be more accurate to say it was mixed, since the clientele is probably half gay, half straight. The most outstanding feature of the decor is the darkly painted central dome, which has finely painted representations of all the little lambs that the wolf ate (a reference to the name of the club, which translated, means "The wolf's mouth"). The menu is made up of local and international cuisine, served on splendid dishes. The amazing desserts are definitely not for those on a diet. The list of drinks to accompany the delicious food includes local and imported wines and spirits.

Varadero

Varadero is a typical Cuban restaurant and bar located in the heart of the night club area of the city. It is a simple place divided into two areas, with a central and a side bar. Varadero is a very busy place during the weekends, popular with young locals and foreigners. The restaurant's house band has a repertoire of Afro-American and Caribbean rhythms and plays frequently at this establishment.

Restaurante Japonés Fuji

Very close to the commercial area of the city, this is a cozy place and a favorite spot for lovers of Asian food. It is decorated in traditional Japanese style with Japanese objects on the walls and in the passageways. The whole place has an oriental feel, so that you can imagine you are being transported to those far away lands as you eat. The clientèle that usually visit this restaurant are connoisseurs of this type of cuisine and have demanding tastes. This type of food is not generally eaten by most of the people from Quito. The Fuji special is the most popular dish. It has a variety of fish from Ecuadorian waters, some raw, some smoked and others boiled, accompanied by fresh vegetables. It is served in a tray but comes in individual portions. Other specialty of the house is the Teppanyaki, which is a combination of different types of roasted meat accompanied by vegetables. If you prefer, you can try the Teriyaki which is delicious barbecued meat. And of course there is the unmistakable and traditional Japanese Sake or the exclusive Japanese beer that they serve in this restaurant.

La Bodeguita de Cuba

This restaurant, which is located in the very heart of the night life district, is surrounded by bars, discos and fast food carts. It is a cozy place with wooden chairs laid on two levels, each with a different atmosphere. There is a bar in the center, from where all the orders are controlled and sent to the tables, where customers are served directly. You can enjoy typical Cuban food in a typical Cuban atmosphere of 'Son and Sabor'. Thursday nights, from 10p onwards, you can listen to Cuban artists singing the best of Cuban music.

Rincón de Francia

This restaurant is located in the north of the city very near to the financial quarter, and one of the city's main arteries (Avenida 9 de Octubre). This exclusive venue offers traditional French cuisine in an elegant and tasteful atmosphere. The place is fully carpeted with tables for small and large parties, all beautifully decorated. Visitors can also enjoy the live piano music while they savor their meal. In the Rincón de Francia (The French Corner), you can enjoy Carapachos rellenos (filled shells), Corvina flameada al pernot (flamed sea bass), Charolais a las tres pimientas (Three peppered Charolais), and other very special "a la carte dishes" prepared by expert chefs. There are excellent French wines to be tasted or if you prefer you may have champagne. If you do not like wine or spirits, you may order a juice or a soda.

La Guarida del Coyote

This is a restaurant offering a typical Mexican environment, its decor reflecting the culture of that country. It is a modest place with large tables and capacity to accommodate 70-90 people comfortably. You can taste a wide range of typical Mexican dishes while listening to the unmistakable Mariachi voice of Pedro Infante in the background. This is the right place for those who like the 'Charro'(Mexican) style. The specialty of this restaurant is the Coyote dish which consists of rice, beans, barbecued pork, two slices of cheese, a taco, guacamole, lettuce and cream. You can't miss the enchiladas (corn tortilla) filled with roasted meat. You can also order a Lomo al Coyote that is served with beans, rice, vegetables, ham and cheese. To drink, there is Mexican tequila or you can order a Piña Colada, or of course, tropical fruit juice or a soda.

Tex Mex

Founded in 1982, this Mexican restaurant maintains the style of the central region of Mexico. The decor goes perfectly with the type of food served here; charro hats, colorful ponchos, tequila bottles, and typical musical instruments complement an ideal setting to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is fairly accessible, for it is very close to two of the main avenues in the city - Amazonas and 6 de Diciembre. The service is excellent and you can also watch cable TV or Sports TV.

Mamá Clorinda

Located in the middle of the city's commercial and banking quarter, this is the spot to eat as the locals do. It serves some of the best local cuisine in town, and spices up the ambiance with live harp music. Traditional Guatita (side of beef cooked with peanuts and potatoes) and steamed tongue are popular choices, not to mention the well-known set menus that combine soup (cow-foot soup, 'yahuarlocro' and others). It is also has other exotic offerings like guinea pig and more recognizable entrees like quarter chicken.

Don Vittorio

This restaurant is located in the heart of the city's nightlife quarter. They serve typical Italian cuisine, in a cozy atmosphere with soft and romantic music in the background. It is a bright, large and friendly place, personally attended by the owners. The decor is simple, with long tablecloths on the tables and perfectly folded napkins to match. The walls are decorated with Italian motifs and objects.

Café Pichincha

The Restaurant-Bar Pichincha is located inside the Hotel Reina Isabel. Its black and white decor creates a kind of chess table atmosphere on the central bar, which is attended by expert bartenders. Half of its customers are foreigners, and the other half are locals. With a background of classical music, you will be delighted by the many exquisite dishes.