Ecuador Food Tips for Luxury Travelers

By Christopher Minster

Upper-end travelers will greatly enjoy the quality of food in Ecuador's finest restaurants. In the larger cities, such as Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, there are world-class restaurants that boast fine cuisine and excellent service. Some of the cruise ships in Galápagos offer fine dining as well: Metropolitan's M/N Santa Cruz offers lobster thermidor and filet mignon. The best news is the price: even in the finest restaurants, it is uncommon to pay more than $60 or so for a dinner for two (not counting alcohol). Remember, when calculating price for a meal in Ecuador, add 22%: 10% for service (making a tip optional) and 12% for taxes.

Outside of the cities and cruise ships, fine international cuisine is difficult to find, but that's not all bad: it gives you an excuse to sample Ecuador's fine traditional plates. Nearly everywhere you go, there will be a local restaurant or two that is a cut above the rest: your guide or tour agency will see to it that you find your way into them for a good meal.