Top Restaurants in Quito

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.

Mayo 68

Mayo 68 is a classic cafe-bar with a dance floor where you can have a great time, with sounds that range from Cuban to classic rock. In addition, at midnight you there are concerts with the best popular guitarists. You shouldn't miss these performances, whilst you have a few drinks in this cozy bar, located on a corner of the well-known nightlife area. The prices are very reasonable and it is recommended to arrive early, since the place is small.

La Taberna Piemonte

Enjoy the exclusive atmosphere of this place and the amazing view of the city from this restaurant. Found in Quito's northern residential quarter, it has big windows and is a cozy place with rustic wooden tables and chairs, carefully arranged with white tablecloths and flower vases, that make a perfect contrast and complement your dinner. The restaurant has two large dining rooms, one for family or business meetings and the second, more intimate, to enjoy the company of your partner. Here, you can try the delicacies of the traditional cuisine of the Pie Monte region in the north of Italy. Special dishes such as the rizotto are accompanied by sausages and a glass of wine from the best vintage.

El Rincón de Cantuña

Located at the Hotel Patio Andaluz The El Rincón de Cantuña serves Spanish and International cuisine with great flair. This fantastic Andalusian styled place has an old world Spanish charm and the interiors are reminiscent of the colonial period. Famous for dishes such as Pescaito Frito, Tortilla de Patata and Paella, this restaurant is a must-visit for those who enjoy spicy Spanish cuisine. Apart from these regional specialties, the restaurant also serves a variety of International dishes.

Damasco

Long for some Middle Eastern cuisine while on a trip to Quito? Head straight for Damasco in the La Mariscal neighborhood of the city. This fine Arabic restaurant is the perfect retreat to enjoy a tranquil ambiance while seated in interiors reminiscent of the East along with the lovely cuisine that it is famous for. Try out famous Arab-Syrian dishes such as kibbeh nayyeh, kebabs, shanklish, mujaddara, dolma and baba ghanoush out here. The delicacies are made from authentic spices and carry the typical flavors of the region. The prices here are very affordable and it makes for a great place to enjoy a cheap lunch or dinner.

Il Risotto

Italian cuisine is famous throughout the world and even the city of Quito in Ecuador has its share of Italian restaurants. But few match up to the quality of Il Risotto restaurant in the La Floresta neighborhood of the city. Walk into this swanky restaurant and inhale the sweet aroma of Olive oil cooked delicacies and herbs. The interiors and decor are very appealing and make for a great place to enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner. Try out world famous Italian dishes such as Raviolli, Lasagna, Smoked Salmon, Spaghetti and a variety of Pizzas available here. An alfresco dining option at the balcony and a buffet are added features of this Italian joint.

Los Troncos

Los Troncos, near Parque La Carolina, serves the choicest steaks in town. Grilled meat at its best can be enjoyed here. Close to the business district of Quito, the restaurant is frequented both by businessmen and families alike. A live grill area welcomes patrons at the entrance, while the pleasant smell of simmering meat covered in spices envelops the place. The restaurant prides itself on serving charcoal-smoked meat in the typical South American style. Prices are reasonable and portions sizable. Los Troncos is open daily 12 pm onwards.

Cactus Coffee & Salad Bar

Cactus Coffee & Salad Bar believes in delivering great service and even better food. Starting off with the first outlet near the University in Quito, it became a popular student hangout. The present location is the second branch of Cactus, and it serves the same delicious menu. A huge menu for a small place, the focus is on health as much as on taste. The restaurant serves up some typical fast food fare with a slight South American flair. Panini, calzone, quesadillas, wraps and salads are some of the most popular items on the menu. The vibrant atmosphere at Cactus is so infectious, that it is hard to feel blue while dining here. What's more, one can enjoy live jazz performances every Friday.

Bambu Bar

Tired of the typical American steaks a la Wolfgang Puck? Head to the Bambu Bar to sample an Ecuadorian seafood and steak menu, which will leave you smacking your lips after each bite. On the pricier side compared to other local restaurants, Bambu Bar is worth every extra buck you pay. Dishes are prepared in the local traditions and spices that make for a memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is pleasantly relaxing, yet quite formal. Dressy casuals are recommended.

El Criollo

The best way to sample local cuisine is to dine at small cozy joints rather than upscale dining restaurants. One such place to dig into Ecuadorian cuisine is El Criollo. Aptly named 'criollo'—the term for local cuisine, the restaurant specializes in chicken dishes. Ecuadorian food is known for its diversity in tastes and unique ingredients. The menu at El Criollo is rich in potatoes, lentils, rice, bananas and fish, which are the mainstay of all food in Ecuador. El Criollo is located close to several tourist attractions of Quito, which makes it a great dining place to head to after a day's sightseeing.