Best traditional Ecuadorian food restaurants

Discover top dining establishments specializing in authentic cuisine from Ecuador. Explore a rich variety of traditional dishes, including coastal seafood specialties like encebollado and ceviche, hearty mountain fare such as fritada and llapingachos, and popular street foods like bolones de verde and empanadas. Find restaurants offering classic Ecuadorian flavors, from savory soups and stews to delicious plantain-based meals and unique regional delicacies, perfect for experiencing the culinary heritage of South America.

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  1. 1

    Palacio de la Fritada (Quito, Pichincha)

    78 Global Votes
    • Specializes in traditional Ecuadorian dishes

      (+4)

    This restaurant is consistently packed with Ecuadorians ordering some of the best fritada in town, offering an authentic local experience. It's a must-visit for this popular pork-based dish.

  2. 2

    Fritadas Amazonas (Atuntaqui, Imbabura)

    68 Global Votes
    • Well-known and famous restaurant

      (+4)

    Fritadas Amazonas is known for maintaining the traditional flavor and aroma of fritada, making it a highly-rated spot for this staple Ecuadorian dish. It offers an authentic regional experience.

  3. 3

    El Marinero (Yonkers, NY, USA)

    67 Global Votes
    • Amazing food and service

      (+4)

    Praised for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and a wide variety of traditional dishes, El Marinero offers a genuine Ecuadorian food experience in the US. It's a top choice for expatriates and curious diners.

  4. 4

    Achiote Ecuador Cuisine (Quito, Pichincha)

    31 Global Votes
    • Features achiote or annatto in marinades

      (+4)

    Achiote Ecuador Cuisine serves traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a modern, innovative twist, including vegetarian options. It's a great choice for those who appreciate traditional flavors presented with a contemporary flair.

  5. 5

    Somos (Quito, Pichincha)

    30 Global Votes
    • Creative infusion of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a twist

      (+4)

    Somos is known for its authentic spirit and progressive approach, blending traditional Ecuadorian recipes with global cooking techniques. It makes Ecuadorian cuisine accessible on a global culinary stage, offering both tasting and open menus.

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  7. 6

    Quitu Identidad Culinaria (Quito, Pichincha)

    30 Global Votes
    • Excellent taste of Ecuador

      (+4)

    This intimate restaurant focuses on fresh, organic, and authentic Ecuadorian food, offering a tasting menu with explosive and surprising flavors. It uses local ingredients to evoke ancient cultures and culinary traditions.

  8. 7

    Casa Los Geranios (Quito, Pichincha)

    30 Global Votes
    • Highlights the best of Ecuadorian cuisine

      (+4)

    Located on the historic La Ronda Street, Casa Los Geranios is known for serving Quito staples and traditional drinks. It's a recommended spot for trying cuy (guinea pig) in a charming, historic ambiance.

  9. 8

    Cotoa – Ecuadorian Born. Globally Inspired (North Miami, Florida, USA)

    28 Global Votes
    • Blends traditional Ecuadorian recipes with global techniques

      (+4)

    Cotoa blends traditional Ecuadorian recipes and ingredients with global cooking techniques, creating food that is authentic in spirit but progressive. It aims to elevate Ecuadorian cuisine on the global culinary stage.

  10. 9

    Urko (Quito, Pichincha)

    24 Global Votes
    • Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

      (+4)

    Urko has been consistently recognized as the 'Best Restaurant in Ecuador' by the World Culinary Awards for two consecutive years. It excels in presenting historical Ecuadorian flavors with a contemporary approach in a beautiful setting.

  11. 10

    Picantería Valdano (Guayaquil, Guayas)

    24 Global Votes
    • Inimitable encebollado

      (+4)

    Picantería Valdano is highly recommended as 'the best place in the city for encebollado,' one of Ecuador's most iconic traditional dishes. It's a top choice for experiencing this beloved fish soup.

  12. 11

    Ceviches Gust Conchas (Guayaquil, Guayas)

    24 Global Votes
    • Known for traditional Ecuadorian ceviches

      (+4)

    This restaurant specializes in various ceviches, including conchitas asadas and ceviche de conchas negras ecuatoriano. It's a highly-rated spot for fresh and authentic Ecuadorian seafood ceviche.

  13. 12

    Casa Gangotena (Quito, Pichincha)

    22 Global Votes
    • Offers Cocina Mestiza, reinterpreting traditional Ecuadorian food

      (+4)

    Awarded as the Best Hotel Restaurant in Ecuador in 2023, Casa Gangotena explores and experiments with diverse Ecuadorian flavors and ancestral cooking techniques. It draws ingredients from all four regions of Ecuador to create unique fusion dishes.

  14. 13

    Nuema (Quito, Ecuador)

    17 Global Votes
    • Extremely creative dishes

      (+4)

    Nuema consistently ranks among the best in Latin America, offering a high-end, innovative take on traditional Ecuadorian flavors. Its chefs, Pía Salazar and Alejandro Chamorro, are recognized globally for their culinary excellence.

  15. 14

    La Canoa (Quito, Pichincha)

    10 Global Votes
    • Renowned for traditional Ecuadorian cuisine

      (+4)

    La Canoa is a respectable restaurant from Guayaquil that serves a wide range of Ecuadorian classics. It's an excellent place to sample various traditional dishes like fritada, caldo de morcilla, and bandera.

  16. 15

    La Choza (Quito, Pichincha)

    6 Global Votes
    • Marries traditional family recipes with contemporary flavors

      (+4)

    La Choza is a long-standing establishment known for its authentic ambiance and traditional dishes from the Ecuadorian highlands. It offers the best of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine in a typical, rustic Sierra decoration.