Ecuador · tool
Quito food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Quito.
What to eat in Quito
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Locro de Papa
A hearty, creamy potato soup, often enriched with cheese and milk, and typically topped with avocado and aji (chili sauce). It's a comforting staple, perfect for Quito's cooler climate.
Hornado
Slow-roasted whole pig, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin. It's often served with llapingachos (potato patties), mote (hominy), and salad.
Cuy Asado
Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy. It's usually served whole, often marinated and roasted to a crispy finish. The taste is often compared to rabbit or dark chicken meat.
Llapingachos
Pan-fried potato patties stuffed with cheese, often served with a fried egg, chorizo, avocado, and peanut sauce. They are a popular side dish or a light meal on their own.
Empanadas de Viento
Light, airy fried empanadas filled with cheese and sugar, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile. They are typically dusted with sugar after frying.
Fritada
Pork pieces, typically belly and ribs, slow-cooked in their own fat with spices until tender and slightly crispy. It's often served with mote, llapingachos, and plantains.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Colonial charm meets culinary tradition, with many long-standing restaurants and cafes serving classic Ecuadorian dishes.
Bustling and diverse, offering everything from backpacker-friendly eateries to upscale international cuisine and lively bars.
Bohemian and trendy, known for its independent cafes, artisanal bakeries, and innovative restaurants focusing on local ingredients.
A vibrant, bustling public market where locals shop and eat, offering a huge variety of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods.
Dietary notes
Ecuadorian cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, with pork and chicken featuring prominently. Vegetarian options are becoming more common, especially in La Floresta and La Mariscal, but can be limited in more traditional establishments; often focusing on egg and cheese dishes. Gluten-free options can be challenging due to the prevalence of corn and wheat-based products, though many dishes can be adapted.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service, usually around 5-10% if not already included in the bill.
- •Cash is preferred in markets and smaller eateries, though credit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants and hotels.
- •Reservations are generally not required for casual dining but recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, often eaten between 1 PM and 3 PM, while dinner is usually lighter and eaten later, around 7 PM to 9 PM.
Plan the rest of your Quito trip
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