Good to know
Good to Know
- Eat at busy market stalls with high turnover for the safest street food experience.
- Lunch (almuerzo) is typically served 12:30–2:00 PM at markets and casual spots; arrive during peak hours for best selection.
- Quito is one of South America's most affordable food cities: markets cost $2.50–3.50, casual restaurants $5–12, mid-range $15–25, fine dining $40–85.
- A 'hueca' is a tiny family-run restaurant known for one signature dish; found by word of mouth rather than maps, offering very authentic experiences.
- Fine dining reservations (Zazu, Nuema, Urko, Theatrum, Chez Jérôme) should be made 2–3 days in advance, especially weekends.
- La Floresta neighborhood is best for modern and international cuisine; Centro Histórico (Old Town) offers traditional Ecuadorian food at bargain prices.
- Mercado Central and local markets offer the most authentic almuerzo experience; look for stalls with the longest lines as your quality filter.
- Colada morada (purple corn drink with fruits and spices) is a beloved traditional beverage worth trying.
- Ecuador's currency is the US Dollar—prices shown are in USD.
Supermarkets
Supermaxi
- Neighborhood
- Multiple locations (La Floresta, La Mariscal, Northern Quito)
- Note
- Wide selection of groceries, local and imported goods
Mi Comisariato
- Neighborhood
- Multiple locations city-wide
- Note
- Hypermarket format with groceries and general merchandise
Santa María
- Neighborhood
- Multiple locations
- Note
- Supermarket chain with standard groceries and household items
Megamaxi
- Neighborhood
- 6 de Diciembre y Julio Moreno (near Historic Center)
- Note
- Larger format store with groceries, department goods, and food court
Food Delivery
Uber Eats
- Note
- Wide variety of restaurants, delivery to doorstep
Budget
Mercado Central
- Price Range
- $2.50
- Neighborhood
- Centro Histórico
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Traditional Ecuadorian almuerzo (set lunch)
High Altitude Flavors
- Price Range
- $5.00
- Neighborhood
- Centro Histórico
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Ecuadorian breakfast (humitas, bolones de verde, hot chocolate)
Mercado Santa Clara
- Price Range
- $3.00
- Neighborhood
- La Floresta
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Market food stalls, traditional Ecuadorian dishes
High End
Zazu
- Price Range
- $70
- Neighborhood
- La Mariscal
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Contemporary Ecuadorian with French influences, 8-course tasting menu
URKO Cocina Local
- Price Range
- $75
- Neighborhood
- Northern Quito
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Regional Ecuadorian seasonal tasting menu (12 courses)
Nuema
- Price Range
- $85
- Neighborhood
- Northern Quito
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Gourmet Ecuadorian with exotic Amazonian produce (7+ courses)
Casa Gangotena
- Price Range
- $80
- Neighborhood
- Centro Histórico
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Fine dining, regional Ecuadorian ingredients, tasting menu
Mid Range
Achiote
- Price Range
- $18
- Neighborhood
- La Floresta
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Traditional Ecuadorian with modern twist, vegetarian options
Miskay
- Price Range
- $16
- Neighborhood
- La Mariscal
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Ecuadorian specialties with modern twist, vegetarian focus
Somos
- Price Range
- $25
- Neighborhood
- Bellavista
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Ecuadorian-inspired fusion with international influences
Café Dios No Muere
- Price Range
- $12
- Neighborhood
- Centro Histórico
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Burgers, gumbo, jambalaya, casual dining
Must Try Dishes
Llapingacho
- Description
- Potato omelet topped with fried egg, beet, avocado, salad, chorizo, and salsa
Ceviche
- Description
- Ecuadorian version typically made with shrimp, served in juice broth for soup-like consistency
Fritada
- Description
- Deep-fried chunks of pork served with boiled potatoes, plantain, hominy, and salad
Encebollado
- Description
- Hearty fisherman's soup with tuna, yuca, and onions
Mote Con Chicharrón
- Description
- Corn and hominy topped with shredded fried pork and salsa
Seco De Chivo
- Description
- Braised goat stew, traditional Quito specialty
Cuy
- Description
- Guinea pig, typically roasted whole on a wooden stick or prepared gourmet-style
Humitas
- Description
- Corn husk-wrapped dish with local corn, onion, egg, and cheese
Empanadas De Viento
- Description
- Fluffy fried cheese empanadas topped with sugar
Locro De Papa
- Description
- Potato soup made with milk, cheese, onion, achiote, cumin, and garlic
Michelin Guide Restaurants
Casa Gangotena
- Cuisine
- Ecuadorian fine dining, regional ingredients
- Recognition
- Michelin Key (2025)
Zazu
- Cuisine
- Contemporary Ecuadorian with Latin American influences
- Recognition
- Approaching Michelin Star level
URKO
- Cuisine
- Regional Ecuadorian seasonal tasting menu
- Recognition
- World Culinary Awards - Best Restaurant in Ecuador (twice)
Vegan And Vegetarian Dining
- Overview
- Quito has a growing vegan and vegetarian scene with dedicated restaurants offering plant-based versions of traditional Ecuadorian dishes alongside international cuisine.
Restaurants
El Maple
- Price Range
- $10
- Neighborhood
- Northern Quito
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Vegan and vegetarian Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Ecuadorian dishes
Tandana
- Price Range
- $12
- Neighborhood
- Guápulo
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Vegan cuisine, falafel, risotto, chickpea burgers, empanadas, pizzas
Donde Gopal
- Price Range
- $11
- Neighborhood
- La Floresta
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Vegan Ecuadorian and international, vegan fritada, ceviche, pizzas
Mile Time
- Price Range
- $4.00
- Neighborhood
- La Mariscal
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Budget vegan and vegetarian, Asian-inspired with tofu, soups, spring rolls
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this food & dining research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Quito
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.