Quito is a magical city. It not only provides a rich history, culture with varied adventures, but the amazing food scene will please your stomach too. It is an excellent place for any foodie (regardless of budget) to fulfill their deepest culinary desires. Along with the warmest customer service, you will experience the taste of simple, decadent gastronomic pleasures. I encourage you not to leave Quito without visiting the following 5 Unique Eats.
“Cedrón restaurant” at Casa Gangotena
Located in the heart of Quito and inside Casa Gangotena, Cedrón restaurant offers a fine dining experience serving not only traditional Ecuadorian dishes, but also gourmet treats that will make your mouth water. The ambiance is relaxed, while still being distinguished, and offers breathtaking views of Plaza San Francisco and of Cuenca Street. Hint: Make sure to stop by the rooftop for the best picture opportunities.
The chef, Andrés Dávila, creates unique dishes with a twist. The dishes are simple but delightful. The restaurant offers fine dining on a budget. For appetizers, you must try their trio of breads, and their empanadas, which come with a variety of homemade sauces and spreads. The highlight for me, of all of his dishes, was his unique creation, Spring Lama Rolls. I would never have imagined myself eating Lama but these were outstanding. There is an extensive, and exclusive, variety of wine selected by their sommeliers. The restaurant also offers delectable desserts, such as fig cheesecake, chocolate molten lava cake, as well as different kind of cheeses and other specialties of the day.
El Cráter restaurant
Have you ever eaten in the middle of an active volcano? Well, this is your chance! This restaurant is situated exactly on the rim of the volcano, Pululahua. It’s 20 minutes from the heart of Quito, right around the Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world). The restaurant is adjacent to the hotel El Crater and, if you look down, you will see the crater of the volcano and a whole village of people living there. It makes for a unique experience and for a selfie proving that you survived “el crater.” When I was there, taking that selfie, and tweeting about it earned me a free glass of sangria. Check the information on your table to see if they still have that or other promotions.
El Cráter restaurant is not only in a very unique location, but the stunning views enhances the outstanding Ecuadorian food. Their potato soup with roasted corn and avocado was delicious (locro soup) and their fritattas (sliced fried pork dish with sweet plantain and corn arepa) are must-tries. They also have fresh juices of Guanabana (Soursop) mixed with pomegranate and other fresh ingredients resulting in tastey juices and shakes. You won’t be disappointed.
Octava De Corpus
Located in the historic side of Quito, in a beautiful house, Octava de Corpus is an exceptional restaurant with a distinctive environment. With a wonderful host named Mr. Jaime Burgos, you feel as if you have been invited to someone’s home for dinner. Reservations are required because it is a very exclusive place, only serving a certain number of people per day. As a wine enthusiast, I was impressed with their variety and selection of wines. They have an impressive cava [an impressive cava?] featuring wines from almost every part of the world.
What a great ambiance, and even more excellent food! Everything is simple but flavorful. They offer different seafood dishes, steak, and other gourmet plates. Overall, this establishments offers a very charming experience that you cannot get anywhere else.
Cruz Verde Snacks / Colaciones
If you want to sustain a tradition that is only kept alive by one person in Quito, you must visit Cruz Verde Snacks. Luis Banda patiently mixes peanut, lemon, essential herbs and sugar in a 100- year old pan, just as his father did, making “colaciones” (or “snacks”), a typical Quito sweet. The inviting aroma and friendly demeanor of Don Luis brings us closest to glimpsing Quito’s soulful past.
I even had the opportunity to try and do Mr. Banda’s “job” after a short training, but it did not work out well. It is much harder to make than it seems from just watching. The snacks are sweet and tasty. You should give it a try and feel good about supporting a generational business.
Achiote
To round out your culinary experience, why not take a cooking class? Achiote Restaurant arranges cooking classes for groups big and small. My class learned how to make traditional Ecuadorian ceviche and llapingachos (potato patties). It was great to get to eat your own creation, plus to enjoy their fabulous menu, which features everything from seafood, great variety of wines, fresh fruit juices, ceviche, and even CUY (Guinea Pig) for those with a more adventurous palate.
As a bonus, I suggest a visit to the Gourmet Gallery where you can go for some Ecuadorian coffee and chocolate tastings. The best part is that you can purchase your favorite to take back to your sweet home, or as a souvenir.
Ecuador really has it all…Que Viva Ecuador!
Olga Maria Czarkowski is a New York City based travel and lifestyle Latina Writer. Follow her @dreamsinheels.