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
$3–$6
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.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants and fondas in the historic center and La Mariscal
Hornado
$4–$8
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.
Where to try: Markets like Mercado Central and Mercado Artesanal, and dedicated hornado stands
Cuy Asado
$15–$30
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.
Where to try: Specialty restaurants in the historic center and rural areas surrounding Quito
Llapingachos
$2–$4
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.
Where to try: Fonditas and markets throughout the city, especially during lunch hours
Empanadas de Viento
$0.5–$1
Light, airy fried empanadas filled with cheese and sugar, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile. They are typically dusted with sugar after frying.
Where to try: Street food vendors, especially in busy plazas and markets
Fritada
$4–$7
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 to try: Markets and traditional eateries, particularly on weekends
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
Colonial charm meets culinary tradition, with many long-standing restaurants and cafes serving classic Ecuadorian dishes.
Traditional Ecuadorian foodHistoric ambianceBudget-friendly eats
La Mariscal
Bustling and diverse, offering everything from backpacker-friendly eateries to upscale international cuisine and lively bars.
International cuisineNightlifeCasual dining
La Floresta
Bohemian and trendy, known for its independent cafes, artisanal bakeries, and innovative restaurants focusing on local ingredients.
Artisanal coffeeFarm-to-tableBoutique dining
Mercado Central
A vibrant, bustling public market where locals shop and eat, offering a huge variety of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods.
Street foodLocal produceAuthentic market experience
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
Food guides elsewhere