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Ecuadorian food is one of South America’s best-kept secrets — a mix of Andean, coastal, and Amazonian flavors shaped by altitude, climate, and centuries of tradition. In Quito alone, you can eat fresh Pacific ceviche for breakfast, a hearty highland seco de chivo for lunch, and grilled tripa mishqui from a street cart at night. This guide covers the traditional Ecuadorian dishes you need to try and exactly where to find them in Quito, with real prices from someone who’s been eating at these spots for over 15 years.
What makes Quito food special is the collision of Ecuador’s four regions on a single plate. Coastal cevicherías sit next to highland fritada joints, and Amazonian ingredients like chontacuro grubs show up at adventurous spots in La Floresta. Whether you’re after a $3 market lunch or a memorable sit-down meal, the food in Quito Ecuador is some of the most diverse and affordable you’ll find anywhere in South America.
Must-Try Highland Ecuadorian Food (Sierra)
The Ecuadorian highlands — the Sierra — produce the most comforting food you’ll eat in South America. Potatoes, corn, pork, and slow-cooked stews define this cuisine, and Quito sits right at the heart of it.
Locro de Papa — Ecuador’s Signature Potato Soup
Thick, creamy potato soup topped with avocado slices and fresh cheese. Every Ecuadorian grandmother has her own recipe, but the best versions in Quito use three types of potatoes cooked until they dissolve into the broth. Mama Clorinda in La Mariscal serves one of the best — around $3.50 a bowl. You’ll find it on practically every almuerzo menu as the starter course.
Llapingachos — Stuffed Potato Patties
Mashed potato patties stuffed with cheese, pan-fried until golden, served with peanut sauce, fried egg, chorizo, and a side of curtido (pickled onion salad). These are a weekend breakfast tradition in the highlands. At Mercado Central in Quito’s old town, you can get a full plate with all the fixings for about $3.00. The ones at Hasta la Vuelta Señor are particularly good — crispy outside, melted cheese inside.
Seco de Chivo — Slow-Cooked Goat Stew
A rich stew of goat meat (or chicken, in the seco de pollo version) cooked in beer and naranjilla juice with garlic, cumin, and cilantro. Served over rice with maduro (fried sweet plantain) and avocado. The naranjilla gives it a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat. Tradición Restaurant near Parque El Ejido does a solid version for about $6.00.
Coastal Ecuadorian Food You Can Try in Quito
You don’t need to fly to the coast to eat Ecuador’s best seafood. The food in Quito Ecuador includes dozens of cevicherías and coastal restaurants run by families from Esmeraldas, Manabí, and Guayas who brought their recipes to the capital.
Encebollado — Ecuador’s National Hangover Cure
If Ecuador had an official national dish, encebollado would win by a landslide. It’s a fish soup made with fresh albacore tuna, yuca, pickled red onions, tomato, and cilantro, served with chifles (plantain chips) and a squeeze of lime. Ecuadorians eat it for breakfast — especially after a long night out. In Quito, the best spot is Corvinas de Don Jimmy at Mercado Central. A big bowl runs about $4.00, and it’s worth every cent.
Bolón de Verde — The Plantain Power Ball
A fist-sized ball of mashed green plantain mixed with cheese or chicharrón (pork cracklings), then fried or baked. It’s coastal street food that became a breakfast staple across Ecuador. Crispy on the outside, soft and salty inside. At La Floresta neighborhood markets, you’ll find them fresh off the grill for $1.50–$2.00 each. Get the chicharrón version — the pork fat makes it.
Ceviche Ecuatoriano — Different from What You Know
Ecuadorian ceviche is nothing like Peruvian ceviche. The fish or shrimp is cooked (not raw), then marinated in lime juice with tomato sauce, red onion, and cilantro. It’s served in a bowl almost like a soup, with popcorn, chifles, or tostado on the side. Cevichería Cedeños on Avenida Amazonas is a reliable pick — a shrimp ceviche plate goes for about $5.00. Go on a Saturday when they make the mixed seafood version.
Cuy — Yes, Ecuadorians Eat Guinea Pig
Let’s address the elephant in the room — or rather, the guinea pig on the plate. Cuy has been eaten in the Andes for over 5,000 years, long before it became a household pet in Europe. In Ecuador, it’s roasted whole over an open flame until the skin turns crackling-crispy, then served with potatoes and ají sauce.
The meat tastes somewhere between rabbit and dark chicken — gamey, rich, and surprisingly delicious once you get past the presentation. In Quito, the best cuy comes from restaurants outside the city (Sangolquí and the Otavalo area), but Mama Clorinda serves a solid version on weekends for about $12–$15 per whole cuy. You won’t find this dish anywhere outside South America, so consider it a once-in-a-lifetime food experience.
Where to Eat Traditional Ecuadorian Food in Quito
Now that you know the dishes, here’s where to actually eat them. The best Quito Ecuador food comes from family-run restaurants and market stalls where Quiteños go — not tourist traps. I’ve been eating at most of these spots for over a decade, and the quality stays consistent because the recipes don’t change.
Mama Clorinda
With an excellent location, the Mama Clorinda restaurant is located in the La Mariscal sector, on Reina Victoria and Calama streets. Here you can try one of the dishes that our Andean ancestors enjoyed. The cuy (a kind of rodent rodent, accompanied by potatoes in peanut sauce and salad), seco de chivo, llapingachos (fried chorizo, fried egg and potato tortillas, added of a salad), fritada (fried pork), mote con chicharrón, ceviches (seafood with lemon juice), corvina frita(fried fish), guatita, locro, among other traditional Ecuadorian dishes. The price average are between 8 and 15 dollars.
Tradición Restaurant
If your weakness is chugchucaras (fried pork, mote, potatoes, ripe banana, toasted corn, popcorn, and empanadas), in the “Linear park” sector, on Amazonas Avenue and Tortuga Island street. You will find the best food in the capital. In a restaurant with 38 years of history. Which is liked not only by Quiteños, but also by Ecuadorians. You can also try the traditional barbecue and a large amount of very fresh seafood. For reference, with $16 dollars they will be able to satisfy the appetite of two people since the amounts are abundant.
Miskay Restaurant
If what you are looking for is a modern and personalized gastronomic experience with traditional Ecuadorian flavors and attractive vegetarian food options. Miskay is the right place, located on Joaquín Pinto street, “Plaza Foch” sector. They rescue the typical food that has been relegated by time and transforms them into delicious traditional gourmet dishes. When you have, you will be able to understand the history of the country. Through the flavors and surrounded by murals decorated with a lot of history. In addition, Miskay has high-quality standards. The price average is from $ 8 to $ 25 dollars.
La casa de la Humita
If your plan is a little quieter and in the afternoon you crave a good coffee, but you would like to accompany it with something traditional from Ecuador. On Selva Alegre and Arellano streets in the North of Quito you will find “La Casa de la Humita”. With a spectacular view of the city, a good viewpoint, a cozy and quiet place where you can taste the best humitas. Tamales lojanos, bolones, quimbolitos, among others accompanied for coffee time. Including healthy vegetarian food options. With a budget of $4 dollars per person you can taste a varied menu. We recommend you visit it before 7pm since due to the influx of people, some dishes tend to finish soon.
What are the best typical food restaurants in the center of Quito?
Hasta la vuelta señor
A restaurant in the heart of the capital, located in the “Plaza Grande” sector. On the third floor of the Archbishop’s Palace on Chile and Venezuela Street. Created from the most famous legends of Quito. Therefore, if what you are looking for is a place with history “Hasta la Vuelta señor”, is your best option. Here you can taste chugchucaras, fritada (fried pork), mote with chicharrón, locros (creamy soups made with potatoes and cheese). And a great variety of dishes that will make you travel to the Ecuadorian roots. In this restaurant, the prices are between $12 to $20 dollars.
Corvinas de Don Jimmy
In the Mercado Central, near to the old town of Quito, is “Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy” restaurant. A business that started very small and now due to its quality of service and flavors it has awards and one more branch. It is an excellent choice if you want to live a complete experience when tasting the most popular flavors of Quito and live an experience with quality. Although they offer dishes such as ceviches, banderas and guatita. Their specialty is the rich fried corvinas ( sea bass fish, accompanied by french fries and a portion of ceviche). Prices between $6 to $12 dollars.
The best restaurants of traditional coastal food in Quito
Cevicheria Cedeños
On a sunny afternoon in the capital and you want something refreshing and delicious to eat. Here you can feel like the coastal region of Ecuador and try not only a traditional ceviche. But they are prepared Jipijapa style, that is, with a rich peanut and avocado. We know that many of the Ecuadorians are fans of encebollado (soup of a type of fish called albacore, onions, yucca, tomato, and coriander). Don’t worry if you don’t like onions you can also order it without onion, and the flavor is not going to change. Located in the La Carolina sector in the Coca River sector on La Rosseau and Av. Shyris streets.
Restaurants with traditional vegetarian food in Quito?
El Maple Restaurant
If you are looking for healthy options, but with Ecuadorian flavors, “El Maple” restaurant offers you a varied menu of vegetarian food in Quito. A place where you can feel peace while enjoying your food. With prices between $3 and $6 dollars you can enjoy delicious dishes such as empanadas de morocho, ceviches and stews. Located in the La Mariscal sector on Joaquín Pinto and Diego de Almagro streets.
El Rincón del Gaucho
But if you are a beef lover and your companion prefers vegetarian food, “El Rincón del Gaucho” is the best option for you.
The discussions with your friends over food preferences are over, here you can find vegetarian, vegan. But also meat options. You can try the best meats in the Rincón del Gaucho. Here you can live an incomparable gastronomic experience with dishes such as grills, steaks, ribs, and a great variety of cuts of meat. But also the vegetarian food options are stuffed avocados, soups, and creams. Prices range from $ 6 to $ 30. Located on Amazonas avenue and Isla Baltra street.
The best night food plaza in Quito
La Floresta park
If you have little time and you want to try a great variety of Ecuadorian dishes in one place. In the La Floresta park you can eat dishes from the regions of the Coast and Sierra of Ecuador.
You can find empanadas, morocho, buñuelos, the famous tripa mishqui, fried fish, llapingachos, guatita. All in one place and at affordable prices since $1 dollars. In addition, there are usually folk groups dancing in the park. Which will make you enjoy a pleasant experience. These places start opening after 5 pm afternoon to 10 pm night. Encourage yourself to enjoy this experience and the best flavors of Ecuadorian food in Quito. Because your palate also deserves to be pampered and what better than in the gastronomic capital.
Fritada
Is a traditional dish of pieces of crispy pork with corn (mote, choclo) and potato tortillas. If you are near La Mariscal, visit ¨Mama Clorinda¨ restaurant, there you can try the best Fritada and so many different traditional foods. Located in Plaza Foch in Reina Victoria N24-150 & José Calama. With a budget between $8 and $15, you can eat very well.
Tripa Mishqui – Street Food
Grilled cow intestines chopped with mote (corn) and cooked potato. The best and most popular place in Quito, where you can taste Tripa Mishqui is in La Floresta in Navarro Park. Where you can experience real Ecuadorian life with the cheapest dishes because sometimes there are groups of people dancing Ecuadorian folk music. With a budget of $3 dollars, you can eat very well.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a typical food of the Ecuadorian coast. Prepared with fish, shrimp or shell, lemon juice, salt, onion, chili peppers, also with popcorn and chifles. Zazu Quito is the best Ecuadorian fusion restaurant with Michelin stars, they also prepare seafood, grilled and beef dishes. Located near La Carolina Park, Aguilera 331. La pradera, New Town. Prices between $15 and $30 dollars.
Where can you taste local cuisine in the old town Quito?
If you want to eat in a different place with history ¨San Agustin¨ restaurant is the best option. San Agustin is decorated with religious icons of the colonial area. And you have several options to tastwe the most popular Ecuadorian dishes. Like: guatita, seco de chivo (goat), corvina frita (fried sea bass fish) , llapingachos (chorizo, fried egg, salad and potato tortillas). Juices with several fruits like naranjilla, mora, babaco and tomate de arbol and the famous paila icecreams. Located in Guayaquil N5-59 and Mejía Ec 170130, near La Independencia Square. With a budget between $6 and $18 dollars, you can eat very well.
How Much Does Ecuadorian Food Cost in Quito?
One thing that surprises most visitors is how affordable Quito food really is. A full almuerzo (set lunch) at a local restaurant costs between $2.50 and $4.00 — soup, main course, juice, and dessert included. Quito Ecuador food is some of the best value in South America, and even at the more popular spots, you’ll rarely spend more than $8 per person for a generous plate of fritada or seco de chivo.
Street food runs even cheaper. A plate of tripa mishqui at La Floresta night market goes for $2.00–$3.00. Empanadas de morocho cost $0.50 each. Fresh ceviche from Mercado Central? About $3.50 for a big bowl. Compare that to the $15–$25 you’d pay at tourist-oriented restaurants in La Mariscal for essentially the same dishes.
My rule of thumb: if locals are eating there, you’re paying the right price. The best Ecuadorian food in Quito isn’t at fancy restaurants — it’s at family-run spots where the señora has been cooking the same recipe for 30 years.
Traditional Ecuadorian Drinks You’ll Find in Quito
Canelazo — The Andean Warm Cocktail
On a cold Quito night — and they do get cold at 2,850 meters — there’s nothing better than a canelazo. It’s made with aguardiente (sugarcane liquor), cinnamon, sugar, and naranjilla fruit juice, served steaming hot. You’ll find it at La Ronda street bars and at the Fiestas de Quito celebrations in December. Most bars charge $2–$3 per glass. Fair warning: it goes down smooth but hits harder than you’d expect.
Colada Morada — Ecuador’s Ritual Purple Drink
This thick, purple berry drink is traditionally served around Day of the Dead (November 2) alongside guaguas de pan (bread babies). Made from black corn flour, blueberries, blackberries, naranjilla, pineapple, and cinnamon, it tastes like a spiced fruit compote in liquid form. While it’s seasonal, a few bakeries in Quito’s old town serve it year-round — ask for it at Panadería San Juan.
Fresh Fruit Juices — The Real Ecuadorian Experience
Ecuador grows fruits most travelers have never heard of — naranjilla, tomate de árbol, guanábana, taxo. Every almuerzo spot serves fresh juice with lunch, included in the price. At markets like Mercado Central or Mercado Iñaquito, you can get a fresh-squeezed glass for $0.75–$1.50. Try tomate de árbol first — it’s Ecuador’s signature flavor, tart and tropical at the same time.
FAQ — Ecuadorian Food
What is the most popular Ecuadorian food?
Encebollado is widely considered Ecuador’s national dish — a tuna and yuca soup topped with pickled onions, served for breakfast across the country. In the highlands around Quito, fritada (fried pork with mote corn) and locro de papa (creamy potato soup) are the most common everyday dishes. You’ll find all three at markets and family restaurants for under $5.
What food is Quito Ecuador known for?
Quito is known for highland comfort food — fritada, llapingachos (stuffed potato patties with peanut sauce), locro de papa, and hornado (whole roasted pig). The city also has great coastal food restaurants serving ceviche and encebollado, plus street food like tripa mishqui (grilled beef intestines) at night markets in La Floresta.
Is Ecuadorian food spicy?
No, traditional Ecuadorian food is not spicy at all. The dishes are well-seasoned but mild. The heat comes from ají sauce — a condiment served on the side at every restaurant. You control how much spice you add. Ají is made from hot peppers blended with onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Ask for it if it’s not already on your table.
How much does a typical meal cost in Quito?
A full almuerzo (set lunch with soup, main course, juice, and dessert) costs $2.50–$4.00 at local restaurants. Street food plates run $2–$3. A sit-down dinner at a mid-range traditional restaurant is about $6–$10 per person. Fine dining in Quito ranges from $15–$30. Market food is the cheapest and often the tastiest option.
What is cuy and should I try it in Ecuador?
Cuy is roasted guinea pig — a traditional Andean food eaten in Ecuador for over 5,000 years. It’s roasted whole over an open flame until the skin is crispy. The meat tastes like a cross between rabbit and dark chicken. It’s a cultural experience worth trying at least once. In Quito, Mama Clorinda serves it on weekends for about $12–$15 per whole cuy.
What is the difference between Ecuadorian and Peruvian ceviche?
Ecuadorian ceviche uses cooked seafood (boiled or poached), while Peruvian ceviche uses raw fish cured in lime juice. Ecuadorian ceviche is served in a tomato-based broth almost like a cold soup, with popcorn, chifles, or tostado corn on the side. Both are delicious but they’re completely different dishes despite sharing the same name.
Where can I take a food tour in Quito?
The best food tours in Quito visit Mercado Central in the old town, La Floresta night market, and local neighborhoods in the south of the city where tourists rarely go. Most tours run 3–4 hours and cost $40–$65 per person including all tastings. Book through a local operator — they know which vendors are worth visiting and which ones just cater to tourists.
What traditional Ecuadorian drinks should I try?
Three drinks you can’t miss: canelazo (hot cinnamon cocktail with aguardiente, perfect for cold Quito nights), fresh tomate de árbol juice (Ecuador’s signature fruit, tart and tropical), and colada morada (thick purple berry drink traditionally served in November for Day of the Dead). All cost $1–$3 in markets and local bars.
