 |
Pan American experiences
|
------- |
Ecuador |
ECUADOR ------------------------------------------661[EXPERIENCE] | |||
Quito Through FlavorDiscover the city through its cuisine, from innovation to traditionBy Heydi Bernal for Ruta Pantera on 1/19/2026 6:37:59 AM |
||||
| Quito is best enjoyed with all the senses, and its gastronomy is the perfect gateway to explore it. The city blends creativity, technique, and local ingredients in every dish, offering experiences that range from the most innovative kitchens to the classic flavors that have stood the test of time. Each restaurant, neighborhood, and plate tells a unique story, making dining in Quito much more than a meal: it is a cultural and sensory journey that delights and captivates.
Nuum – Modern Creativity in Cumbayá Located in the upscale residential and gastronomic area of Cumbayá, Nuum is a destination restaurant where the experience unfolds without rush and every detail is carefully considered. Led by Spanish chef José Sogues, Nuum was born intuitively, growing through experimentation and a deep connection with local ingredients. The restaurant does not have a fixed menu. Daily creations are based on market availability, with a strong focus on responsibly sourced seafood. Signature dishes include ceviches featuring five to six different fish varieties, Anconcito oysters, and aged pangora crab, all prepared with contemporary techniques and elegant presentation. Awarded Best Restaurant in Ecuador at the Summum Awards, Nuum represents the pinnacle of fine dining in Quito. Osaka – Nikkei Excellence in La Floresta Osaka, located in Quito’s cultural district of La Floresta, brings Nikkei cuisine — a fusion of Japanese technique and Peruvian flavors — to a fine dining level. For over 20 years, it has maintained a balance of precision, creativity, and respect for ingredients. The kitchen follows international standards and is complemented by a signature cocktail program featuring pisco-based drinks with Japanese influences such as shiso, yuzu, and matcha. Osaka stands out for its consistency, elegance, and long-standing presence in Quito’s culinary scene. Clara – Contemporary Ecuadorian Creativity Also located in La Floresta, Clara opened in December 2023 with a philosophy of reinterpreting Ecuadorian cuisine through a modern lens. Led by chefs Felipe Salas (Ecuador), Ana Lobato (Spain), and Ángel De Sousa (Portugal–Venezuela), the restaurant offers innovative dishes such as Jipijapa-style tiradito, crispy pork ears, duck cannelloni, ribeye, and sour curry fish stew. In 2024, Clara was recognized as “One To Watch” by Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Casa Gangotena – Classic Elegance in the Historic Center Located in a historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, Casa Gangotena elevates traditional Ecuadorian ingredients through refined techniques and formal service, offering a timeless dining experience. Carmine – Italian Tradition in Quito Carmine is a classic Italian restaurant known for its consistency, tradition, and mastery of Italian staples such as pastas, risottos, meats, and sauces. Its appeal lies in familiarity and dependable quality. Chez Jérôme – French Culinary Heritage Chez Jérôme is Quito’s reference point for classic French cuisine, offering traditional techniques, formal service, and an intimate atmosphere rooted in culinary discipline. |
||||
|
Quito’s Gastronomic Districts
La Floresta: Creative restaurants, cultural atmosphere, contemporary cuisine. Historic Center: Classic restaurants in colonial mansions with refined dining. La Mariscal / República del Salvador: Vibrant nightlife and urban dining. La Carolina: Modern, casual, and diverse dining options. Cumbayá / Valle de los Chillos: Upscale restaurants, open spaces, and leisurely dining. Exploring Quito through its cuisine is a journey that blends history, culture, and creativity. From contemporary innovators like Nuum and Clara to timeless institutions such as Casa Gangotena and Chez Jérôme, every meal in Quito tells a story and turns dining into an unforgettable cultural experience. |
||||
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|
|
|
|
×
|
||||
|
References: References Nuum. (2026). Nuum Restaurant, Cumbayá, Quito [Instagram page]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/nuum.ec Osaka. (2026). Osaka Restaurant, La Floresta, Quito [Instagram page]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/osakaec Clara. (2024). One To Watch award, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants [Instagram page]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/clara.restaurante Casa Gangotena. (2026). Historic and gastronomic guide, Quito [Instagram page]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/casagangotena Carmine. (2026). Italian classic restaurant, Quito. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/carmine.ec Chez Jérôme. (2026). Classic French cuisine, Quito [Instagram page]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/chezjeromerestaurante Ecuador Travel Guide. (2026). Gastronomic districts of Quito: La Floresta, Centro Histórico, La Mariscal, La Carolina, Cumbayá. Summum Awards Ecuador & Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. (2026). Culinary awards coverage. Eater LATAM. |
||||
Please leave a comment about this article: 661 |
|
| Enter your email address: |
Your email will not be displayed. |
| Your nickname: | |
| Your comment: | |
| Was this article helpful to you? | |
|
|
|
Articles about exciting travel experiences in our hemisphere.
BEACH & SUN
Welcome to the World’s Largest New Year’s Celebration
For those traveling from North, Central, or South America, New Year's Eve in Rio offers a rich narrative about how a city can transform a universal holiday into a unique celebration, rooted in local traditions and open to the world.
|
Experiences Finder
(Search our catalog of articles here.) |
|---|
