Must-see restaurants in South Coast

  • Lo Nuestro

    Guayaquil

    Housed in a century-old mansion complete with wooden shutters and period furniture, Lo Nuestro is one of the most atmospheric places in Guayaquil to feast…

  • Tiki Limbo

    Montañita

    In the epicenter of town, Montañita's best restaurant has an eclectic menu of global dishes (fajitas, falafels, homemade burgers, sesame-crusted shrimp,…

  • Zona Refrescante

    South Coast

    The best dining option in town is this inviting air-conditioned place specializing in grilled meats. The seco de pollo (passion-fruit chicken) is…

  • El Morro Restaurant

    South Coast

    Look for this truly delicious eatery with no name on the 2nd floor (the 1st floor is a different restaurant) of the orange and white house at El Morro's…

  • Pique & Pase

    Guayaquil

    The best restaurant for traditional Ecuadorian specialties also has traditionally dressed waiters. Sit at the tables with wooden benches and share several…

  • Oui Chef

    South Coast

    This new edition is one of the coolest hangout spots in town. A converted VW campervan food truck fronts onto a sleek patio with fairy lights and wooden…

  • Maverick

    Guayaquil

    This unassuming place on main road Av del Periodista (San Jorge) has white walls, black benches and simple chalkboards with funny slogans and cute…

  • Pedro's Empanadas

    South Coast

    Away from the main tourist drag, one block inland from Chipipe Beach, you'll find this inexpensive local empanada shop with plastic chairs, selling fine…

  • Pigro

    Montañita

    For an upscale dining experience that won't break the bank, head to Pigro for homemade creamy risottos, tasty seafood pastas, hearty lasagna and other…

  • Zentro

    Guayaquil

    Inside the bohemian Manso Boutique Hotel, this colorful cafe serves up tasty organic and vegetarian fare, including quinoa tortillas, satisfying bean…

  • Palo Ceviches

    Guayaquil

    Fresh, tangy ceviches are served up in glass tankards (with a garnish of plantain chips) at this casual, modern spot in Urdesa. Tuck into shrimp, fish,…

  • Red Crab

    Guayaquil

    The iconic crustacean is prepared in more than a dozen different ways at this popular and festive restaurant. The theme is underwater world, with bad…

  • Casa Grill

    South Coast

    With big glass windows and a shiny new porch overlooking the waterfront, Casa Grill is a carnivore's heaven. The best-value option is to order the grill…

  • Cocolon

    Guayaquil

    Not far from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil and Mall del Sol, Cocolon has a modern, fun interior with bright-red chairs and photos decorating the walls…

  • Lui e Lei

    South Coast

    This simple spot does pancakes and continental breakfast in the morning; by night, it's all about seafood. Specials include Lui e Lei shells (shells with…

  • Nuevo Eden

    South Coast

    Inside this clean, modern building with big windows and sleek furniture (including pale green chairs, white walls and spotlights), businesspeople schmooze…

  • Restaurant Surf Food

    Montañita

    Always packed with locals, this cafe has zero atmosphere (it's very basic with simple tables and chairs), but is the place to get a satisfying and…

  • Luv 'n' Oven

    South Coast

    This welcoming waterfront spot serves good seafood plates, including ceviches, risottos, tasty encocados (seafood stew with coconut milk), and octopus…

  • Pizza Pimini

    South Coast

    This simple little cafe with white walls and chunky pine tables serves hand-prepared pizzas. Order a classic margherita, salami and ham, tuna and onion,…

  • Pepe's

    South Coast

    Nautical-themed Pepe's is a local favorite, with with dark wood features, shipping memorabilia on the walls, and outdoor seating right next to the pier…

  • La Alameda de Chabuca

    Guayaquil

    Across from the San Marino Mall, this elegantly set dining room is a showcase for some of Guayaquil's best Peruvian cooking. The expansive menu features…

  • 200 Millas/Cafe Zarumeno

    South Coast

    A 10-minute walk downhill to the left from Plaza de la Independencia you'll find Zaruma's top restaurant. Part coffee shop and part Ecuadorian eatery,…

  • Cevicheria Lojanita

    South Coast

    Cevicheria Lojanita is a large, yellow complex with a foodcourt-style setup. Ceviche portions are large and fresh, and come in various flavors. Other…

  • Sushi Isao

    Guayaquil

    One of the top Japanese restaurants in town, Sushi Isao is a small, casual spot that's popular with Japanese expats. Ingredients are fresh and dishes are…

  • Picanteria La Culata

    Guayaquil

    Bringing a taste of the coast to the big city, La Culata serves excellent ceviches, encocados (shrimp or fish cooked in a rich, spiced coconut sauce) and…

  • Victoria Cafe

    Guayaquil

    This lovely shaded eating spot sits alongside a small duck pond. Tuck into Ecuadorian eats, ceviches, salads, meat and fish dishes, or stop in for a pasta…

  • Sweet & Coffee

    Guayaquil

    Ecuador's answer to Starbucks is a popular dark-wood cafe with excellent cakes and quiches (the torta de jamón y queso is quite good); there are many…

  • Dulceria La Palma

    Guayaquil

    One of the most atmospheric places downtown is this old-school cafe with swirling overhead fans and black-and-white photos of Guayaquil. Stop in for…

  • Restaurant Gran Chifa

    South Coast

    Restaurant Gran Chifa is one of the many family-style Chinese restaurants scattered throughout town. Dishes include sautéed chicken with vegetables, sweet…

  • Romero's

    South Coast

    Romero's has no sign, so can be tricky to find, but you'll be pleased if you do. The basic eatery serves up tasty grilled meats by night and inexpensive…

  • Puerto Moro

    Guayaquil

    Barbecue, seafood and steak restaurant serving up South American and Ecuadorian flavors with modern decor and punchy cocktails. Meat dishes come…

  • Donde Garci

    Montañita

    Tasty Colombian-style cookies, pastries and cakes – try the dulce de leche–filled pastry cones.

  • Café El Español

    Guayaquil

    Two-story upscale cafe and Spanish-style delicatessen (ham and cheese is the specialty), serving good sandwiches. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

  • Lorenabo

    Guayaquil

    One of the few restaurant options for meat-free Italian and Ecuadorian dishes, this simple spot has Hindu-style art on the walls. Cash only.

  • El Paraiso de la Vida

    South Coast

    You can't beat the value of these sandwiches, wraps, lasagna, lunch specials and breakfasts, served in a narrow modern dining room.

  • Sweet & Coffee

    Guayaquil

    A modern and inviting cafe in Urdesa that draws people of all ages who come for coffee, decent pastries, quiches and cakes.

  • Mi Comisariato

    Guayaquil

    This cavernous grocery is the most convenient downtown option for self-catering. Looks like a clothing store from outside.

  • Chesco Pizzeria

    South Coast

    Hearty, piping-hot pizzas, plus pasta and hamburgers, in a packed fast-food-like setting (order at the counter).

  • Nutripan

    South Coast

    For midday snacks, nothing beats the piping-hot sweet rolls or dulce de leche–smothered pastries served here.

  • Sweet & Coffee

    Guayaquil

    A top spot for coffee, pastries and savory snacks, while strolling along 9 de Octubre.