From its dimly lit ambiance to its medieval castle-like design, this intimate Spanish-style restaurant oozes elegance and class. Seafood lovers will salivate at Mare Nostrum's delectably diverse dishes, arguably the most exquisite, and expensive, in Quito. Specialties include parrillada de mariscos Nostrum and langostinos en salsa de almendras, but the entire menu is delicious. Try the coconut shellfish, Chilean mussels, or garlic-buttered sea bass. The restaurant is comprised of three distinct dining sections catering to business professionals, couples and families.
Location:
Foch E10-5 and Tamayo
La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
Restaurant Types:
Ecuadorian, Seafood
Prices: High End
Credit cards accepted
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa
Price Description: Entrees: $6-$25entree, main dish, wine and dessert: $40
Bar Features:Wine / beer
Regulations: No
Reservation: Not necessary
Park Options: No
Contact Information:
Phone: 592-2-252-8686

| Academia Latinoamericana - Learn Spanish in Quito, Ecuador All levels. The most effective methods. University credit through New Mexico State University. Reasonable rates & more www.latinoschools.com |
| 4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel |
Mare Nostrum, located at Mariscal Foch E10-5 and Tamayo in La Mariscal, is quite simply Quito's best-kept dining secret. Take a yellow cab to the corner ("la mera esquina") of "Foch y Tamayo". It is the ivy-covered brick house on the northeast corner of the intersection. Nod at the armed guard as you pass him, ring the bell and be admitted.
The house was built during Quito's colonial period, with a back wing that was added during the late 2oth century. As you step in, take a moment to choose the room where you will dine. From the foyer, the first room to your left is quiet, cool and romantic; the stairs in here lead to a second story room that is reserved for large parties. Continuing through a narrow passageway, you will find a warmer, more popular room. This is the recent addition, but the structure retains a congruous feel.
Returning to the foyer and heading in the other direction, you will find an intimate bar, another series of dining rooms (generally unoccupied by diners, but populated nonetheless by impeccably dressed tables), and the restrooms, which are clean and well-stocked.
There is no wine list, but my companion and I were very pleased with the house's Sauvignon Blanc. He ordered the Mariscos Au Gratin; a savory blend of clams, mussels and delicate mushrooms capped with imported cheeses. I chose the giant prawns ("langostinos jurasicos") in champagne sauce, served with freshly steamed vegetables. They were each about four inches long after cutting off the heads. Delicious!
The service was friendly and unhurried, yet attentive. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the restaurant's menu, history and architecture.Good food, 40 usd per person, entree+maindish+dessert+wine, we were 7...very good food i repeat.
Have been to Mare Nostrum several times. This is a upscale place, a bit pricy for Quito, but very good food and service. You will not leave hungry as the plates are quite filling. Give the Parrillada de mariscos Nostrum a try. One note, if you do not like sea food this is not the place for you as they do not serve beef or poultry.
Top Quito Restaurants | Quito Restaurants by price | Top Quito Hotels
To see in Quito | Other Quito pages
|