Ana María’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Our neighborhood is well known for its unbeatable view, and its unique safety as a prime district. It is next to Parque Metropolitano “A small taste of nature in the middle of the city”, while being at a central area, close to Quito’s main business and tourist destinations.
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El Batan
Our neighborhood is well known for its unbeatable view, and its unique safety as a prime district. It is next to Parque Metropolitano “A small taste of nature in the middle of the city”, while being at a central area, close to Quito’s main business and tourist destinations.
Breakfast
Wonderful spot to taste a typical Ecuadorian breakfast made with our beloved local ingredient: "Verde"
Mr. Verde
N34 Av. Eloy AlfaroWonderful spot to taste a typical Ecuadorian breakfast made with our beloved local ingredient: "Verde"
Food scene
Cultural Experience. Variety of fruits, and typical dishes on a low scale but popular ambience.
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Iñaquito-Markt
IñaquitoCultural Experience. Variety of fruits, and typical dishes on a low scale but popular ambience.
P. 02-254-2871; https://cafemosaicoecuador.com ; Samaniego N8-95 near Antepara; mains $10-17; h 4-11pm Mon-Wed, 1-11pm Thu-Sat, 1-10:30pm Sun) Serving up a mix of Ecuadorian and Greek fare near Parque Itchimbia, vine-covered Mosaico is famed for its magnificent views. The open-sided terrace is great for a sundowner. There’s a selection of vegan options available and live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30pm.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3617-3629).
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Cafe Mosaico
N8-95 Manuel SamaniegoP. 02-254-2871; https://cafemosaicoecuador.com ; Samaniego N8-95 near Antepara; mains $10-17; h 4-11pm Mon-Wed, 1-11pm Thu-Sat, 1-10:30pm Sun) Serving up a mix of Ecuadorian and Greek fare near Parque Itchimbia, vine-covered Mosaico is famed for its magnificent views. The open-sided terrace is great for a sundowner. There’s a selection of vegan options available and live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30pm.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3617-3629).
P. 02-295-1401; http://vistahermosa.ec ; Mejía 453, 5th fl; mains $13-29; h 1pm-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-8pm Sun) A much-loved spot in El Centro, Vista Hermosa (Beautiful View) delivers the goods with a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Old Town from its open rooftop terrace. Live music on Friday and Saturday from 10pm adds to the magic. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3699-3710).
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Vista Hermosa
Oe4-45 MejíaP. 02-295-1401; http://vistahermosa.ec ; Mejía 453, 5th fl; mains $13-29; h 1pm-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-8pm Sun) A much-loved spot in El Centro, Vista Hermosa (Beautiful View) delivers the goods with a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Old Town from its open rooftop terrace. Live music on Friday and Saturday from 10pm adds to the magic. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3699-3710).
La Purisima
E2-27 JunínLocal food, gourmet style. Local Favorite
Located at Quicentro Shopping. P. 02-250-0658; http://crepesywaffles.com.ec ; mains $7-14; h noon-10pm Mon-Sat, 9:30am-9pm Sun; W c ) Mouthwatering and stomach-enlarging sundaes, as well as more than two-dozen varieties of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads and more conventional vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes are on the menu at this South American chain with several other locations in Quito. It has an upscale feel with very warm and welcoming service.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3980-3994).
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Crepes & Waffles
N26-249 La OrellanaLocated at Quicentro Shopping. P. 02-250-0658; http://crepesywaffles.com.ec ; mains $7-14; h noon-10pm Mon-Sat, 9:30am-9pm Sun; W c ) Mouthwatering and stomach-enlarging sundaes, as well as more than two-dozen varieties of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads and more conventional vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes are on the menu at this South American chain with several other locations in Quito. It has an upscale feel with very warm and welcoming service.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3980-3994).
P. 02-256-3180; www.urko.rest ; Isabel La Católica N24-862 near Zaldumbide; small dishes $10-15, tasting menu per person $65; h 1-4pm & 7-11pm Tue-Sat, tasting menu 7-11pm Thu-Sat; W ) S Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is given a contemporary twist at this sophisticated new restaurant. Dishes from across the country are prepared with fresh, ethically sourced local ingredients, including herbs and veg from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. Order two small dishes per person in the casual downstairs ‘barra’, or book a spot upstairs to sample the tasting menu. Wash it down with a cocktail made with in-house licor de caña , a sugarcane-based liquor infused with local herbs.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4176-4192).
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URKO Cocina Local
449 y MallorcaP. 02-256-3180; www.urko.rest ; Isabel La Católica N24-862 near Zaldumbide; small dishes $10-15, tasting menu per person $65; h 1-4pm & 7-11pm Tue-Sat, tasting menu 7-11pm Thu-Sat; W ) S Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is given a contemporary twist at this sophisticated new restaurant. Dishes from across the country are prepared with fresh, ethically sourced local ingredients, including herbs and veg from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. Order two small dishes per person in the casual downstairs ‘barra’, or book a spot upstairs to sample the tasting menu. Wash it down with a cocktail made with in-house licor de caña , a sugarcane-based liquor infused with local herbs.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4176-4192).
P. 02-254-3559; www.zazuquito.com ; Aguilera 331; mains $16-43, 5-/7-course tasting menu $50/70; h 11:30am-3pm & 6:30-11pm Mon-Fri, 6:30-11pm Sat) One of Quito’s best restaurants, Zazu serves beautifully prepared seafood dishes, grilled meats and ceviches in a stylish setting of light brick, ambient electronica and an inviting, backlit bar. The menu showcases the best of Ecuadorian cuisine with dishes such as Andean grains and veg, confit guinea pig empanada and seafood tamal.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4238-4250).
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Zazu
331 Mariano AguileraP. 02-254-3559; www.zazuquito.com ; Aguilera 331; mains $16-43, 5-/7-course tasting menu $50/70; h 11:30am-3pm & 6:30-11pm Mon-Fri, 6:30-11pm Sat) One of Quito’s best restaurants, Zazu serves beautifully prepared seafood dishes, grilled meats and ceviches in a stylish setting of light brick, ambient electronica and an inviting, backlit bar. The menu showcases the best of Ecuadorian cuisine with dishes such as Andean grains and veg, confit guinea pig empanada and seafood tamal.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4238-4250).
This historic hotel’s terrace provides front-row seats to Plaza San Francisco.
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Casa Gangotena Posse
CuencaThis historic hotel’s terrace provides front-row seats to Plaza San Francisco.
Great for a Walk or a Jog at the Running Track. Ask for the Public CrossFit Gym, the Lake, or you can join a Basketball or Soccer play if feeling confident!
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La Carolina
Great for a Walk or a Jog at the Running Track. Ask for the Public CrossFit Gym, the Lake, or you can join a Basketball or Soccer play if feeling confident!
www.facebook.com/cafeteriamodelocentrohistorico ; Sucre 391 near García Moreno; mains $4-6.25; h 8am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun) Opened in 1950, Modelo is one of the city’s oldest cafes and a great spot to try traditional snacks such as empanadas de verde (empanadas made with plantain dough), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings) and tamales. It’s also a popular spot for ice cream.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3451-3461).
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Modelo
Oe4-85 C. Sucre www.facebook.com/cafeteriamodelocentrohistorico ; Sucre 391 near García Moreno; mains $4-6.25; h 8am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun) Opened in 1950, Modelo is one of the city’s oldest cafes and a great spot to try traditional snacks such as empanadas de verde (empanadas made with plantain dough), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings) and tamales. It’s also a popular spot for ice cream.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3451-3461).
This is a restaurant with seafood that has many locations around the city.
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Los Cebiches de la Rumiñahui
MañoscaThis is a restaurant with seafood that has many locations around the city.
Drinks & Nightlife
P. 02-256-2846; www.zincquito.com ; Rivet N30 near Whymper; mains $13-22; h noon-midnight Tue-Thu, noon-2am Fri, 7pm-2am Sat, 10:30am-3:30pm Sun) Equal parts restaurant and bar, Z(inc) features a multi-level industrial-chic interior of untreated timber, dark metals, exposed brick and a well-dressed clientele. Sip a lychee-infused cocktail on the front patio before heading inside for brick-oven flatbread pizza, burgers, tempura prawns and other dishes ideal for sharing.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4118-4129).
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Zinc
N30-136 Avenida Paúl RivetP. 02-256-2846; www.zincquito.com ; Rivet N30 near Whymper; mains $13-22; h noon-midnight Tue-Thu, noon-2am Fri, 7pm-2am Sat, 10:30am-3:30pm Sun) Equal parts restaurant and bar, Z(inc) features a multi-level industrial-chic interior of untreated timber, dark metals, exposed brick and a well-dressed clientele. Sip a lychee-infused cocktail on the front patio before heading inside for brick-oven flatbread pizza, burgers, tempura prawns and other dishes ideal for sharing.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4118-4129).
Ananké
781 Cam. de OrellanaAnanké In bohemian Guápulo, a splendid setting for a night out.
Vértigo Rooftop
N34-349 del SalvadorA new Rooftop with excellent reviews, close to home.
Arts & Culture
( % 02-226-1965; www.casadelamusica.ec ; Valderrama N32-307 near Mariana de Jesús; h box office 9am-1:30pm & 2:30-5pm Mon-Fri) Top-flight orchestras, including Quito’s own philharmonic, and musicians from around the world perform at this contemporary hall with great acoustics.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4561-4568).
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The House of Music
170509 Av. Mariana de Jesús( % 02-226-1965; www.casadelamusica.ec ; Valderrama N32-307 near Mariana de Jesús; h box office 9am-1:30pm & 2:30-5pm Mon-Fri) Top-flight orchestras, including Quito’s own philharmonic, and musicians from around the world perform at this contemporary hall with great acoustics.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4561-4568).
Ochoymedio Ecuador
ValladolidAlternative local and international film house
Parks & Nature
This is our natural refuge within the city for our trail running and mountain biking activities.
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metropolitano Park
This is our natural refuge within the city for our trail running and mountain biking activities.
Essentials
Megamaxi
Avenida 6 de DiciembreMajor Grocery Store Around
Panificadora Ambato
San SalvadorNearby store for necessities.