Where to Dine: The 13 Best Restaurants in Old Town Quito

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Best restaurants in Quito’s Old Town become the heart of the city as the sun sets around 5:30 p.m., casting a golden glow over the equatorial capital. Amidst the historic center’s charming cobblestone streets and steep ascents, numerous bars and restaurants begin to welcome guests, offering an array of exquisite meals, cocktails, and entertainment. This vibrant scene provides the perfect backdrop to experience the best of Quito’s nightlife and culinary offerings in Old Town.

Discover the Best Restaurants in Quito’s Old Town

Vista Hermosa Cafe Mirador

Streets: Mejia and Garcia Moreno

Right in the heart of the Old Town, this rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding historic buildings, domed churches, and soaring Andes Mountains There is a choice of South American wines plus premium tequilas, vodkas, and whiskeys, along with snacks like nachos and empanadas to accompany your drink of choice. Live music typically begins after nightfall, and serves as the perfect complement to the twinkling lights of the Center at night.

Casa Gangotena Bar & Restaurant

Location: Simon Bolivar Street, beside San Francisco Plaza

The third-floor, panoramic terrace of Casa Gangotena offers an unparalleled dining experience in the city, perfect for enjoying a sunset cocktail. During the much-hallowed golden hour, guests are treated to a visual feast, with views of Quito’s iconic monuments like the spiked towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the domed La Compañia church, the Virgen del Panecillo, and the striking architecture of the Yaku Water Museum. This one-stop sight-seeing tour is complemented by an exquisite selection of Argentinian or Chilean wine from Casa Gangotena’s extensive wine cellar, or one of the signature cocktails crafted by the hotel’s expert bartender using local ingredients, premium liquors, and innovative techniques, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Not to mention, Casa Gangotena is ranked among one of the best restaurants in Quito to experience a wonderful medley of Ecuadorian cuisine with innovative twists.



Cafe Mosaico

Streets: Manuel Samaniego y Antepara

Cafe Mosaico, situated in the La Tola neighborhood near Itchimbia Park, stands out as one of the best restaurants in Quito’s Old Town, offering a romantic setting with breathtaking views. Its balconies provide a panoramic view of the Old Town and landmarks like the Virgin del Panecillo. As evening falls, guests can enjoy the cozy ambiance by the fireplace, savoring drinks and dishes that, while delightful, are second to the stunning vistas it offers.

best restaurants in Quito's old town
Best restaurants in Quito’s old town

El Ventanal Restaurant

Streets: Carchi y Nicaragua

This restaurant elevates the concept of fine dining by blending classic international dishes such as sushi and pasta with traditional Ecuadorian fare. Set within an abandoned cable car station perched on the San Juan hillside, it stands out as one of Quito’s premier dining destinations, offering a view that is simply unforgettable. The dining room, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor terrace, provides guests with a panoramic cityscape. Coupled with fantastic cocktails, this setting allows diners to prolong their exquisite meal experience, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a memorable dinner with friends.

Fabiolita  

Streets: Eugenio Espejo and Venezuela 

Tucked directly under the Metropolitan Cathedral that stands right next to the Main Plaza, Fabiolita welcomes hungry patrons with a mouthwatering selection of scrumptious sandwiches and burgers, along with gluten and dairy free options, too! This restaurant makes for a great spot to relax and enjoy some people watching at ground-level. If you’re looking for a quick bite, then this may very well be the best restaurant in Quito to get one!

La Purisima

Restaurant located: Junin and Ortiz Bilbao

This cozy restaurant is the home of exemplary Ecuadorian food and goes to great lengths to source local ingredients. With beautiful presentation and fantastic service, the restaurant manages to serve up unforgettable plates—that place among the best restaurants in Quito—such as seabass ceviche and grilled meats with added extras like maize tortillas.

Best Restaurants in Quito's Old Town
Enjoy the amazing views of downtown Quito at Vista Hermosa Cafe Mirador.

Sereno Moreno

Streets: Esmeraldas and Vicente Leon

Come here to try a range of Ecuador’s artisanal beers and traditional snacks, including empanadas, yucca fries, and deliciously fritada (fried pork). The hip Sereno Moreno Bar is adored by the city’s youth and is a popular venue for DJs that play reggae and dance music.

La Vid Restaurant 

Streets: Chile and Venezuela 

Regarded as another one of the best restaurants in Quito, La Vid offers exquisite cuisine paired with a romantic view that faces and overlooks the Main Plaza of Old Town. The restaurant offers numerous dining options, along with signature drinks that will help you relax in an atmosphere that is both beautiful and tastefully decorated.  

La Oficina

Jose de Antepara y Los Ríos

La Oficina, a pub-style bar in Old Town’s traditional San Blas neighborhood, is worth the visit for the mural alone. Painted by muralist Erin Yoshi, the incredible artwork incorporates Ecuador’s ecosystems, nature, and culture in order to create a space that is representative of the local community. The space is frequented by craft beer enthusiasts and is also the spot for musical concerts and cinema screenings of independently- and locally-produced movies. Thursday night is salsa night, when a live DJ fills La Oficina with tropical music and enthusiastic dancers.

Bandidos Brewing

Streets: Olmedo and Fermin Cevallos

Bandido Brewing, nestled in the historic La Tola neighborhood of Quito’s Old Town, stands out not just for its top-ranking pizzas but also as the original microbrewery in the area. Its popularity among locals, expats, and tourists alike is undeniable, with its unique setting in a 19th-century church and lively atmosphere enhanced by live music and the innovative “Most Wanted” board. This gastro-pub epitomizes the vibrant culinary scene, making it a must-visit on the list of the best restaurants in Quito’s Old Town.

Altamira Gastronomic Experience

Streets: Rocafuerte and Venezuela

This restaurant in Quito’s Old Town invites you to embark on a culinary experience like no other, offering you the chance to partake in an actual cooking class as part of your time here! Altamira offers a relatively large, open dining and cooking space where you’ll get the hands-on chance to learn about several traditional dishes from Ecuador, serving as an exquisite preamble to experiencing the Quito nightlife that resides in Old Town, right around Altamira.

Hervidos El Tropical

Streets: Maldonado and Quijano

Over 60 years ago, a man from Rio Bamba and a woman from Quito invented a hot, steaming, boozy thirst-quencher made with naranjilla fruit, known as “hervido.” Today, from their cozy spot just off La Ronda in the Old Town, the Quiteña’s daughter, Ruth Borja, and her husband, Carlos Idrovo, continue to serve up the drinks with the same secret recipe. According to Carlos—who dons his sportswear and shows off his thick beard while on duty every night—the beverage is not only delicious, but has health benefits too, helping with digestion and colds. The cavernous bar has a diner-like charm to it, with retro furniture and offers the chance to meet some of the city’s most idiosyncratic residents.

People in downtown Quito in La Ronda dancing.
Enjoy Quito’s nightlife dancing in La Ronda.

La Ronda

Location: Calle La Ronda

This emblematic street, known as a nightlife hotspot in Old Town Quito, has evolved from its historical Inca roots into a vibrant hub for locals and tourists. Today, it stands as a prime location to discover some of the best restaurants in Quito’s Old Town, offering an eclectic mix from light bites to elegant dining, alongside bars, karaoke spots, and intimate venues with live music. Amidst the lively atmosphere and street performers, this street captures the essence of Quito’s rich cultural and culinary scene, making it a must-visit destination for an authentic night out.



Travelers exploring the unique landscape near Finch Bay, showcasing the luxury experiences offered by the Gangotena Boutique Hotel network in the golden triangle.
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