Le Petit Pigalle
Le Petit Pigalle
Le Petit Pigalle (Jeronímo Carrión y 9 de Octubre, Quito) – travelers passing through Quito would not expect to find a fine French restaurant. Apparently, a romance that a French chef struck with an Ecuadorean woman (who’s also a chef) resulted in the opening of this restaurant. This couple has succeeded in bringing a slice of Paris to Quito – complete with a variety of French dishes, such as French onion soup, duck confit, steak tartar, along with “duo de atun” and the rack of (Uruguayan) lamb. For dessert, there’s the soufflé and crème brulet.
La Querencia
La Querencia
La Querencia (Eloy Alfaro 2530 e/Catalina Aldaz, Quito) – the local dishes served here range from humitas, to lamb stew, langostinos, seco de chivo, papas con cuero, and locro de queso. One can eat outdoors in the garden or watch the city go by from the comfort of the rustic fireside dining room.
Ananké
Ananké
Ananké (Almagro y Pinto, Quito) – located in the trendy La Mariscal district, this nightspot often hosts an eclectic line-up of live bands and artists (playing various genres of music, from Jazz to Salsa, Ska, Funk, Cumbia, and Reggae). This venue also has an outdoor courtyard. For those who get hungry, this place also serves wood-oven cooked pizzas.
Zoe
Zoe
Zoe (Borrero 7-61, Cuenca) – for those passing through Cuenca, this hip restaurant typically attracts a solid contingent of expats from USA and elsewhere. For local standards, this is a trendy “new age” restaurant which served a variety of local and international dishes. Along with the restaurant (which is ground level), there’s a bar on the second level.
Zazu
Zazu
Zazu (Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito) – located a short walk away from Parque La Carolina, this restaurant is best-known for its Ceviche (a popular dish in Ecuador and Peru made of raw fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juice, and topped with spices and peppers). Local dishes are also served there. The restaurant’s stylish façade and interior are geared toward attracting deep pocketed diners, and managed to get reviewed in the New York Times.
Tiesto’s Café
Tiesto’s Café
Tiesto’s Café (Juan Jaramillo 4-89 y Mariano Cueva, Cuenca) – this is another highly-recommended destination, for those visiting Cuenca. Local and international dishes are served here – in a cozy old world atmosphere (attracting a regular stream of international visitors). Specialties here range from sopa de camaromes (shrimp soup) to pollo al curry con macadamia (chicken with curry spice and macadamian nuts), and langostinos al tiesto.
Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar
Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar
Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar (Calle Manabi e/Guayaquil y Flores, Quito) – this restaurant, which serves mainly Mediterranean dishes (along with seafood) is popular for its location: the second floor of the Teatro Nacional Sucre. Diners are advised to check if any shows are being held before making reservations, since it will likely be booked-up during such evenings.
Resaca
Resaca
Resaca (Malecón 2000 e/Junin, Guayaquil) – located at the popular Malecón 2000 strip, this restaurant is ideal for seafood dishes (including crabs). Resaca’s seaside location is a natural draw for international visitors wishing to take in the view of this area.
Lo Nuestro
Lo Nuestro
Lo Nuestro (Victor Emilio Estrada 903 e/Higueras Urdesa, Guayaquil) – this fine restaurant (whose interior brings old world elegance back to life) specialty is Ceviche. A variety of local and international dishes is also served, such as Las Peñas Chicken (chicken with clams, olives, Spanish saugage, and white rice with saffron). Live music is also offered on Sundays.
TAXI
TAXI (Quito)
TAXI (Quito) – During the day, taxi drivers are required to use a taximetro (or meter) when they drive you around. When you climb in, the initial rate should be 35 cents. Always ask for the taximetro, which is typically located just in front of the emergency brake, between the driver and front passenger seats. You should always be able to easily see the meter and should check the amount as you arrive at your destination (before the taxista turns it off).
Most daytime trips around the city cost between $1.50 and $3. Given the distance, trips to the airport cost a lot more. The price of taxis to the airport are calculated by a fixed price chart (not a taximetro) which is based on the neighborhood you are departing to/from. For the most part, a trip to the airport will cost around $25-30 from most places in Quito (and vice versa). At night, within the city itself, rates increase by $1 (since few other public transportation services are available) and taxi drivers do not use their meters. Make sure to negotiate a price before you get into a cab. If the price is too steep, ask for a more reasonable rate or hail a different taxi. Drivers charge per ride, not per person.
There are a number of taxi companies in Quito that are available via phone:
Auto Express: +593 2 292 2922
City Taxi: +593 2 253 3333
Radio Taxi Rio Coca: +593 2 334 2727
Taxi Ejecutivo Quito: +593 2 222 2222
Taxi Phone: +593 2 222 2999
Urgentaxi: +593 2 222 2111
Tappsi App (www.tappsi.co): Tappsi is an e-hailing mobile app conceived for Latin American cities. Built around the unique needs of the Latin American markets, where safety, convenience and ease-of-use are paramount, Tappsi is a real solution to the difficulties of hailing a safe cab on the streets. Launched in Colombia in 2012, Tappsi has reached over one million users and great traction among the taxi drivers in just a few months. Currently available in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru.
