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The cuisine Casa Gangotena’s restaurant is born as a celebration of the encounters that, over centuries, have shaped Ecuador’s identity. Our concept of cocina mestiza goes beyond a simple fusion of European and native traditions: it is a constant dialogue between the flavors of the Old World, the ancestral wisdom of the Andes, and the vibrant African heritage that enriches our territory. From this melding of worlds emerges a living cuisine — constantly changing while deeply rooted in its origins.
“Our cuisine is a constant exercise in reinvention and creativity, where the traditional and the modern, the popular and the refined, the local and the foreign coexist.”
— José Tamayo, Executive Chef at Casa Gangotena
Plaz San Francisco: Crucible of Ecuador’Gastronomy
Our story is deeply tied to place: Plaza San Francisco, Quito’s historic heart and the epicenter of its culinary heritage. Here, the first Franciscan friars planted wheat, vines and peach trees, teaching locals how to bake bread, prepare meats and brew beer. Centuries later, the Gangotena family kept that legacy alive, serving refined and European-inspired drinks and dishes to their guests. Today, on the same ground where history and memory interweave, we continue that legacy — transforming it into experiences that evoke mestizaje and the evolution of the city itself.
Conscious Ambassadors of Ecuador’s Culinary Heritage
For us, true luxury lies in the quality and origin of our ingredients. Every dish’s creation is an act of respect for Ecuador’s diversity, its people, and its lands. We reinterpret Quito’s traditional classics such as locro or hornado employing contemporary techniques and fine-dining presentations, without ever losing the popular soul that inspires them.
We also explore new combinations of flavors and ingredients that spark unique sensory experiences — conscious of our role as ambassadors of our country. Our culinary philosophy embraces the origin of every product, the identity of those who cultivate it, and the stories each preparation has to tell.
A Story Told one Dish at a Time
More than a restaurant, we seek to create a contemporary vision of Ecuador for our guests. For us, Cocina Mestiza is a way of looking at the past with respect, the present with creativity, and the future with a deep sense of responsibility.
We invite you to discover Ecuador through its flavors, to embark on a journey with us through centuries of exchange, resilience and creativity. Every service, for us, is a way to tell our shared story — one dish at a time.
Want to discover more about the roots, inspiration,concept and ingredients of Cocina Mestiza? Download our PDF.
