Central Highlands
Contemporary furnishings have transformed a historic building dating from 1668 into a chic restaurant. Along with good-quality beef steaks and dishes such…
Must-see restaurants in Central Highlands
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Baños
It may be difficult to get a table at this tiny tapas restaurant. The selection of small dishes is excellent, ranging from perennial favorites like…
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Baños
Named for owner Ray Hood, a long-standing gringo-in-residence, this excellent cafe has cheap almuerzos (set lunches) and a menu of Asian and South…
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Central Highlands
Half a block downhill from Parque Simón Bolívar, Los 7 Santos offers all that you would expect from an artsy cafe in a much larger city. There’s breakfast…
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Central Highlands
A great place to sample an Ambato specialty, a kind of porridge-like milky drink made with the morocho grain, which is ground with spices, soaked in water…
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The Quilotoa Loop
This comparatively swanky restaurant is located right up on the crater rim. Offering classics like locro de papas (potato soup with avocado and cheese)…
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Central Highlands
In the Roka Plaza’s central courtyard, this wonderful restaurant serves grilled meats, fresh juices, international dishes and good sushi. The presentation…
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Central Highlands
We really liked Kipi's family vibe and healthy portions (literally) of natural food based on local grains and veggies (and the occasional cuy!). The to-go…
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Central Highlands
Pop in for delicious rotisserie chicken served with rice, potatoes and chicken soup. Half a chicken with fries and salad ($7) should be plenty for two…
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Central Highlands
This cafeteria has all its tasty quiches, sandwiches and cakes on display out front, and you can order them to go right from the street. Take a seat…
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Baños
Mariane’s French-Mediterranean cuisine is a real standout in Baños. The cheese-and-meat fondues are a lot – even for two people – and the pasta and meat…
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Central Highlands
On weekend afternoons, you will almost certainly have to wait to dine alongside carloads of Quito day-trippers at this restaurant painted like a black-and…
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Central Highlands
The 2nd floor of Ambato’s indoor market has particularly good llapingachos (fried pancakes of mashed potatoes with cheese), served with eggs, avocado…
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Central Highlands
Overlooking a courtyard fountain in a pretty colonial building, El Gringo y La Gorda serves hearty breakfasts, huge sandwiches, salads and a good…
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Central Highlands
There are several chugchucara restaurants on Quijano y Ordoñez, a few blocks south of downtown. They’re all family friendly, but La Mama Negra is one of…
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Central Highlands
The only Mexican joint in town, this small, well-conceived spot has a wide variety of Mexican standards like quesadillas, nachos (without cheese!) and…
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Central Highlands
Facing the main plaza, Casa Nostra serves freshly baked pizzas loaded with Salinas' famous cheese, as well as a few pasta dishes and other mains. There's…
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Alausí
This small eatery on the north end of Avenida 5 de Junio was recently bought by a native Ecuadorian daughter returning from the wilds of Orlando, Florida…
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Central Highlands
Close to Parque Bolívar, La Bohemia serves breakfast, almuerzos (set lunches; $4), sandwiches and bigger mains in a laid-back but attentive atmosphere…
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Baños
A good place for fresh fruit shakes, ceviche and other local dishes like llapingachos (potato pancakes stuffed with cheese), and to pick up fruit and…
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Baños
The Good serves better-than-good breakfasts and veggie dishes with wholesome brown rice as well as some chicken and fish. The beef dishes, like pepper…
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Central Highlands
Cooked in a wood-fired brick oven, this is probably the best pizza in town – though some find it to be a bit doughy. Locals enjoy the cuts of meat here as…
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Central Highlands
In its namesake hotel, Rodelu serves early breakfast as well as wood-oven, medium-crust pizzas, sandwiches and pasta. The good value almuerzos (set…
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Baños
This small bistro’s cow fetish is evident in its decor and delicious Swiss and European specialties, which include fondue, steaks, big, fresh salads and a…
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Central Highlands
This warm and inviting pizzeria serves up savory pizza pies, pasta dishes and fresh salads. The split-level dining room features crooked pictures of the…
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Baños
This little spot serves breakfasts, cakes and coffee, but everyone comes for the ‘Ponche Suizo,’ a trade secret treat that’s a cross between a shake and a…
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Alausí
The railroad-inspired Cafetería La Higuera serves breakfasts, sandwiches and simple mains. Conveniently located next to the tourism office.
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