The brainchild of Bill Letiery, one of Quito's most prolific restaurateurs, Carmine is housed in a gorgeous turn-of-century mansion with sweeping bay windows and ivy-covered walls. Inside, the restaurant is just as vast and grand. The comfy, art Nouveau “living room” functions as a full service bar, leading out into five different dining rooms, all in different parts of the house. On warm days, ask to be seated on the gorgeous terrace directly opposite the house; the airy wood-and-glass structure is the perfect place to have a meal in Quito.

Chef Erick Dreyer of Cire Capital opened this second location in the Cumbaya suburb of Quito, and it lives up to expectations. On the menu are traditional Ecuadorian dishes served with an innovative twist and utilizing fresh produce and local ingredients.

Insider Tip: Cumbaya is actually between the city and the airport, so if you have time, dine here en route to the airport for a terrific final meal in Ecuador.

Nestled in La Floresta, Quito’s central district, Clara is an exquisite blend of simplicity and eclecticism. As a restaurant and bar, Clara draws inspiration from diverse cuisines while staying grounded in local flavors. Conceived by friends Felipe, Angel and Ana, Clara offers a natural ambiance and friendly service.

The menu is a succinct showcase of culinary artistry. Highlights include a salad with fresh seasonal tomatoes, chochos and crispy pig’s ear—a contemporary twist on the traditional cevichocho; the “Seco de chivo” includes Zuleta’s goat with coconut and Andean pickles, served alongside glutinous rice; and the roasted duck cannelloni, enriched with pechiche (an Ecuadorian cherry-like fruit from the coast) and foie bechamel, is another masterpiece. Desserts, like the steamed flan with crème fraîche and Ecuadorian vanilla, showcase elegant simplicity.

Complementing the culinary delights is a curated wine list including a diverse selection by the glass for an accessible exploration of flavors. The bar serves avant-garde cocktails and classic options—be sure to try their martini, along with snacks like a contemporary pork sandwich.

This casual lunch spot is on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list—and with good reason. Helmed by a young female chef) the Isabella to the restaurant’s Bela) the food is absolutely delicious. Our favorites include the ceviche and risotto. If weather permits, we recommend enjoying your meal outside on the terrace.

For a long, leisurely and gastronomically exciting meal, look no further than Quitu in the La Floresta neighborhood. The restaurant’s exterior is deceptively unassuming for the creativity infused into each plate. From Chef Juan Sebastian, Quitu identidad culinaria is an intimate, chic, farm to table restaurant with a minimalistic vibe. The “new Ecuadorian cuisine” (served in eight- or 12-course tasting menus) incorporates native ingredients sourced responsibly from small producers throughout the country. The menu changes daily. The service is a tad slow, so order drinks early and settle in for the experience.

This café from popular chocolate label has a few outposts in Quito, one of which is right in the Old Town (for those staying at Casa Gangotena, it is less than a five minute walk from the hotel). Come here for chocolate pastries and mouthwatering ice creams—taste a few flavors before deciding which to order, as some may be a pleasant surprise.

Republica del Cacao also sells chocolate bars, cocoa products and coffees, as well as a unique chocolate-making experience during which guests can create their own chocolate bars.

Tucked away in a quiet ranch house, Zazu is one of the highlights in Quito's culinary scene. Peruvian chef Rafael Perez cooks unique, modern, beautiful food that has attracted the city’s toniest crowd. The dishes are a slice of foodie heaven and detailed to a tee: the crowd favorite lobster is delicately adorned with slices of tangerine, while cooked to perfection sea bass is garnished with tiny purple flowers.