El Pobre Diablo (Isabel la Católica E12-06, e/La Floresta, Quito) – located a walk away from the popular Mariscal district, this is a laidback nightpot that plays live jazz music (on Wednesdays & Saturdays), and serves decent food. The crowd that shows up here tends to be mature (30 and above).
El Aguijón (José Calama E-7-35 y Reina Victoria, Quito) – located just blocks from Parque la Alameda, this nightspot plays a mix of Salsa and other Latin rhythms mainly to a local crowd. On some nights, there’s karaoke singing with a back-up live band.
Café Habano Bar – Divina Nicotina (Escalinata “Diego Noboa y Arteta”, Escalón 10, Guayaquil) – this is one of the first nightspots that tourists run into while exploring both the Cerro Santa Ana area, and the nearby Malecon 2000 (a.k.a. Malecon Simon Bolivar). The interior’s rustic décor (tavern-like vibe, wooden tables) is easy to spot, […]
Café Libro (Calle Leonidas Plaza N 23-56, entre Wilson y Veintimilla, Quito) – this is an artsy nightspot which occasionally books poetry readings and other book events. Aside from that, a mature (over 30) crowd is encouraged to party here on Friday & Saturday evenings (to a variety of music – from Jazz to Tango, […]
Bungalow 6 (Diego de Almagro N24-151 y José Calama, Quito) – located in Quito’s Mariscal district, Bungalow 6 is a magnet for visiting foreigners. A mix of international pop & rock music, as well as Salsa, Reggae, and other musical genres are often played here. Wednesday night there is “Ladies Night”, which always draws in […]
Voila Bistro Jardin (Av. Coruña #30-88 y Ernesto Caamaño, Quito) – food lovers will be attracted to this restaurant, due to the fact that it serves something rarely found elsewhere: Swiss fondue! This restaurant has been highly rated by international travelers (for its food, ambiance, and service) on travel websites such as TripAdvisor.com To no […]
Trattoria Sole e Luna (Whimper N31-29 y Av. La Coruña, Quito) – this is a popular Italian restaurant located near one of Quito’s northern districts. Items there range from pastas & spaghetti, to seafood items like Shrimp Scampi Tilapia alla Siciliana. Traditional Italian desserts like Tiramusi are also available here. This restaurant was awarded a […]
Octava de Corpus (Junín E2-167, San Marcos, Quito) – this restaurant, located in a colonial house in the historic center of Quito, is noted not only for its fine dining, but the cozy atmosphere that it provides. Its wine selection is also recommended. Diners feel as if they’re dining in someone’s home (as opposed to […]
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 […]
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.