Jon Jared
Want to get away from the tried and true and a little worn out from expensive restaurants when you are visiting Quito? Take a look at the Bucketlist, Ecuador's list of finds around town for an international taste of Italian, Mexican, fusion and the best burgers and wings in town.
For truly inspiring Italian food at a fraction of the cost of the chain restaurants catering to tourists, head out to Republica del Salvador near Parque Carolina. Romolo E Remo keeps it classy. The small menu has real pizza, incredible gnocchi and pasta as well as big salads, tasty deserts and a splendid selection of wine. It's good food at good prices with real ingredients which can be bought out of the glass cases at the counter. Go early as it gets packed and stay for the afternoon. Be aware that it is located in Quito's business district so they are closed on weekends. Other franchises have been springing up around town, so never fear, but nothing beats the original!
Kings Cross near La Nina and Reina Victoria is a skip and a hop from Plaza Foch is the place to let your hair down while chatting with the friendly staff and owners. There are two items on the menu which have been their sole offerings since they opened twenty some years ago, wings and burgers.
Recently moved around the corner to some swanky new digs, the restaurant's patrons are the hipsters, rockers, television hosts, presidential candidates and the occasional gringo who pack the seats at the end of every week waiting for a classic cocktail and a filling meal.
The food can't be beat and most agree that the burgers and wings are the best in town. The new space still retains the charm of its predecessor but offers more room to stretch you legs and an air of refinement to the rock and sport posters hanging on the wall.
Cosa Nostra is located on the edge of the Mariscal on Diego de Almagro walking towards Colon. The charming restaurant is a local's favorite, with long tables and the outdoor patio filled with hungry patrons on most nights of the week.
The highlight here is the food. The Italian-Family that own and run the joint know how to cook Italian. Beef carpaccio, a classic selection of thin crust pizza, a well rounded assortment of pasta, and weekly specials own up to the name on the door.
Its the place to go on a Sunday night while everywhere else is closed to enjoy a relaxed evening with good friends, good food and fun people.
A few years ago the G spot knocked down the wall between its neighbor, Mexicali, built a big bar, revamped their menu and put a few tv's on the wall to replace the old grafetti.
Today its the place to watch sports, find expats and enjoy some of the best Mexican food this side of Otavalo including fish tacos, huge burritos and chimichangas as well as bbq wings as hot as you order them.
Weekly special on Tuesdays for tacos and on Thursdays for wings pack the house and the 3 for 2 margaritas make leaving a challenge. If they have the chance to make them, Quito's best chili dog and jalapeno poppers are on the menu as are platters and party sized portions which provide enough food and variety for any large group.
Ananke is located in the neighborhood of Guapulo which sits down a winding road past Hotel Quito. The suit yourself vibe, the small, crafted menu and the steaming hot canelazos warm up any rattled soul who walks through the door.
Baked Camembert with apples and bread, an collection of the restaurants signature dishes consisting of french fries, cheese, meat or chicken and spicy veggies bring people each weekend to jocky for a table on the terrace overlooking the main square and lighted church of Guapulo.
Craft beers and reasonably priced house wine seal the deal. Go early from Thursday onwards and be ready to see Quito's off the beaten track hipster scene in full effect.
