
Zazu
A renowned fine dining establishment in Quito, Zazu offers a creative fusion of Ecuadorian and Latin American flavors with impeccable wine pairings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Zazu

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A renowned fine dining establishment in Quito, Zazu offers a creative fusion of Ecuadorian and Latin American flavors with impeccable wine pairings.
Book in advance
Reservations are essential due to high demand; consider using WhatsApp if phone lines are busy.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu with wine pairing for a complete and memorable culinary journey.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Ecuadorian, Latin American, Fine Dining
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Creative Ecuadorian Cuisine
Experience innovative dishes showcasing the best of Ecuadorian ingredients with Latin influences, a true culinary adventure.

Exceptional Wine Pairings
Savor expertly curated wine pairings that elevate each dish, enhancing the flavors and overall dining experience.

Must-Try Signature Dishes
Indulge in standout creations like beef tartare, crab, foie gras, octopus, and the unique guinea pig three ways.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in advance
Reservations are essential due to high demand; consider using WhatsApp if phone lines are busy.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu with wine pairing for a complete and memorable culinary journey.
Lobster Season Delight
Visit in August for lobster season to enjoy chef-prepared variations of this delicacy.
Mind the Saltiness
Some dishes, like the tasting menu, can be quite salty; provide feedback if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in advance
Reservations are essential due to high demand; consider using WhatsApp if phone lines are busy.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu with wine pairing for a complete and memorable culinary journey.
Lobster Season Delight
Visit in August for lobster season to enjoy chef-prepared variations of this delicacy.
Mind the Saltiness
Some dishes, like the tasting menu, can be quite salty; provide feedback if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zazu is celebrated for its innovative Ecuadorian cuisine and exceptional wine pairings, offering a fine dining experience that often delights with unique dishes like beef tartare and crab. While the food and ambiance generally receive high praise, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service quality and occasionally find certain dishes to be overly salty. Despite minor critiques, it's widely considered a must-visit for an unforgettable culinary journey in Quito.
"We enjoyed a Christmas Eve dinner with our family of 4. We ordered 3 mains and I did the vegetarian menu with wine pairing. The food was flavorful and fresh. The wine pairing was outstanding with surprise likes ..chardonnay from ecuador and pinot from Argentina. All meat was cooked well preserving the flavor...chicken , duck and beef. Beef tartarand crab were huge hits. And chocolate desserts were amazing!! Great experience."
Rebecca Campbell
"We asked for a nice place to have dinner while in Quito, and Zazu was recommended. It was excellent! The atmosphere was upscale but relaxed. Service was great. The food was superb! My wife had the duck and it was cooked perfectly. I had the crispy fish and it was delicious. If you’re staying at the JW Marriott, it’s $10 round trip in a cab and you need to take the cab."
Adam Beams
"We went on a recent trip to Quito and the food did not disappoint. The platting was beautiful and the food was delicious. We did the vegetarian tasting menu with wine pairing and it was excellent. The service was okay and definitely not up to the same standard as the food but we had an amazing experience regardless. If you are in Quito, this is definitely worth the price tag!"
Craig L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended and can often be made via WhatsApp if phone lines are busy. It's best to book well in advance.
Many diners recommend the tasting menu with wine pairing for a comprehensive culinary experience that showcases the restaurant's creativity.
Standout dishes often include beef tartare, crab, foie gras crème brûlée, octopus, and guinea pig three ways.
Yes, vegetarian tasting menus are available and have been praised by diners.
August is lobster season in Ecuador, and Chef Rafael Perez prepares this delicacy in various exciting ways.
Given it's a fine dining establishment, it's recommended to dress smart-casual or more formally.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Best Restaurants In Quito Ecuador
After a brilliant career in the United States, Peruvian chef Rafael Perez brought his experience and unique talent to Zazu. The cuisine here can be described as contemporary with Latin influences: snow crab chevice, octopus parrilla and the excellent Pisco Sour cocktails are only some of the highlights of the menu. Chef Perez pays particular attention to using only the freshest fish and meats for his dishes, and during August – lobster season in Ecuador – he prepares this crustacean delight in a number of different ways ranging from carpaccio to risotto and all the way to tempura.
In Quito, Ecuador, Peruvian Chefs
Zazu (Mariano Aguilera 331 at la Pradera; 593-2-254-3559; zazuquito.com; dinner for two, about $60), an early adopter that kicked off the trend back in 2005, is tucked into a luxury ranch house that wouldn’t seem out of place on the Malibu coast. Despite that, a seven-course tasting menu is only $35; dishes on a recent version included sashimi-style tuna encrusted in smoked chili powder and raw sole tiradito in a Parmesan-cream sauce.
Top 5 trendiest restaurants in Quito
Zazú restaurant – Creative Ecuadorian cuisine Zazú, founded by Chef David Picco, was the first restaurant from the Z group, a gourmet restaurant group specializing in fine cuisine. Zazú with its quiet ambience and impeccable design offers seven-course tasting menus, as well as a la carte options such as ceviche, soups, fish and more. This contemporary creative cuisine inspired by Ecuadorian culinary traditions, is not only one of the trendiest restaurants in Quito, but it also has been internationally acclaimed, featured in CNN and Andrew Harper Traveler, amongst other top publications as a must-try when visiting Quito.
Top 10 best restaurants in Quito you MUST visit
Once you have decided to visit Quito and to learn about the exquisite meals this city has to offer, it is also extremely possible that you already self-started the quest of looking for the best restaurants in Quito. Whether that’s your case or not, you should definitely visit Zazu, which is a fine dining restaurant, associated to Relais & Chateaux, that offers an unrivaled gastronomic experience influenced by Ecuadorian culture and tradition. You will be amazed by the quality, creativity and flavor of their dishes, as well as the exclusive and cozy atmosphere of the place.
Meilleurs restaurants à Quito – Meilleurs restaurants de la capitale de l’Équateur
ZAZU, lauréat d'un Trophée Relais & Châteaux 2024, est un restaurant gastronomique situé au cœur des affaires de Quito, promettant une expérience gastronomique extraordinaire inspirée des saveurs traditionnelles et locales. Wilson Alpala, chef équatorien arrivé chez Zazu après avoir passé les premières années de sa carrière en France, sert une cuisine contemporaine aux influences latino-américaines. La cave à vin, avec son spectaculaire plafond de 25 pieds de haut, est l'une des plus belles de l'Équateur.
los mejores restaurantes en la capital de Ecuador
ZAZU, ganador del Trofeo Relais & Châteaux para 2024, es un restaurante de alta cocina ubicado en el corazón empresarial de Quito, que promete una extraordinaria experiencia gastronómica inspirada en sabores tradicionales y locales. Wilson Alpala, un chef ecuatoriano que se unió a Zazú después de pasar los primeros años de su carrera en Francia, sirve cocina contemporánea con influencias latinoamericanas. La bodega, con su espectacular techo de 25 pies de altura, es una de las mejores del Ecuador.
The Best Of Quito in a Luxury Trip To Ecuador
Zazu Quito is a highly acclaimed dining destination located in the trendy La Floresta neighborhood of the capital of Ecuador. This restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, Rafael Perez, is known for its innovative cuisine that blends traditional Ecuadorian flavors with modern techniques and global influences. The menu changes frequently to showcase the freshest local ingredients, and the wine list features a carefully curated selection of South American and European wines.
Best Restaurants in Quito– Top Eateries in Ecuador’s Capital
ZAZU, recipient of a Relais & Châteaux Trophy for 2024, is a fine dining restaurant located in the business heart of Quito, promising an extraordinary gastronomic experience inspired by traditional and local flavors. Wilson Alpala, an Ecuadorian Chef who joined Zazu after spending the first years of his career in France, serves contemporary cuisine with Latin American influences. The wine cellar, with its spectacular 25-foot-high ceiling, is one of the finest in Ecuador.
Recommended restaurants in Quito and Guayaquil
The elegant, formal setting that is Zazu has been a firm favourite on the upmarket restaurant scene in Quito for many years. Using produce grown from its own gardens, the dishes are befitting of a Relais & Chateaux restaurant. To make the most of the occasion, try the tasting menu with wine pairing; the stone crab with cucumber and green apple is a fresh, delicate starter before you get into the meatier mains of oxtail and cuy (Ecuador’s famous guinea pig).
Best Restaurants in Quito, Ecuador
Zazu is a Relais & Châteaux-recognized destination restaurant that puts the food first; bringing an international flavor to the farm-to-table concept in Ecuador. It’s the Quito restaurant to celebrate, relax, choose a bottle from the astonishing tunnel of a wine cellar or a decadent cocktail, and watch the city’s slickest let their hair down. Leave the cargo pants and hiking sandals at the hotel for this one – people come here to see and be seen.
Quito Travel Guide and Tips
Zazu is one of the restaurants in the capital of Ecuador that ushered in the current age of fine dining in the city. It’s on the top of the list for many a Quito travel guide-being one of a few Relais and Chateaux rated establishments in the country, and for good reason. From their extensive wine list, to dishes including octopus, shrimp, and calamari ceviche; duck carbonara, and pork confit-everything is above the bar.
Quito: Pushing Culinary Boundaries in South America
Zazu stands as a beacon of fine dining in Quito, offering an upscale culinary experience that has been celebrated for over a decade. The Relais & Chateaux restaurant offers a bright main dining room with a buzzy, laidback international feel and a clientele to match. Contemporary gourmet food offers Latin flavors that feature an impressive cava selection and Chef’s tasting menu and dishes, like local stone crab.
Top 10 Quito Restaurants: A Culinary Exploration
Zazu is a modern and vibrant restaurant that has become a favorite among Quito’s culinary enthusiasts. The menu combines Ecuadorian flavors with international influences, creating a gastronomic experience on your palate; you will find ceviches, cuy, traditional soups, and vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek, contemporary design and lively atmosphere create a dynamic and memorable dining experience.
Restaurants in Quito, Ecuador
It’s called Zazu and it’s established itself as a fine dining destination in the city. The space is sophisticated with subdued lighting and a chic palette of grey, white, and silver and the food is equally sophisticated. We had a seven-course tasting menu which started with an amuse bouche of house-made bread, including a delicate quinoa bread, and a glass of Spanish Cava.
A City Of Ecuadorian Cuisine
Quito's culinary scene is elevated by Zazu Restaurant Quito, a contemporary eatery that seamlessly blends local flavors with international flair. You'll find this gem in the heart of the city, where the atmosphere is as stylish as the dishes. Zazu reviews consistently praise the restaurant's creativity and attention to detail, thanks to the expertise of its skilled chefs.
Best Restaurants in Quito, Ecuador
Zazu, led by Chef Wilson Apala, thrives on a deep appreciation for nature’s diversity and his experimental approach to cuisine. The menu features modern dishes with subtle Latin influences, showcasing unique ingredients that highlight texture, flavor, and harmony in every dish. Each plate is a thoughtful composition, offering a distinctive culinary experience.
Quito: Ecuador's mile high capital
🌟 Zazu - One of the top 3 tasting menus I had in South America. The restaurant itself was a tad bit shabby for a fine-dining establishment, and the immediate neighborhood is not the prettiest, but the food and service more than made up for it. If they offer it, don't miss the Fois Gras creme brûlée, which had a nicely balanced richness and texture.
Probably Quito's most sophisticated restaurant, Zazu serves exquisite seafood, including salmon, lobster, and finely prepared ceviche. There's also Uruguayan steaks, tuna tartare and some inventive pasta-based dishes. The dimly lit interior, wide range of wines and immaculate service make Zazu the perfect choice for a romantic evening.
The Best Gourmet Restaurants in Quito I Latin Adventures
The chef Wilson Apala uses nature’s diversity and his experimentation that is the driving force of the restaurant Zazu. The cuisine here is synonymous with contemporary, with hints of Latin influences in the meals. It is a progression of rare ingredients and focuses on bringing texture, flavor, and harmony to the food that is served.
The 12 Most Famous Restaurants In Quito, Ecuador
Zazu is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution in Quito. Renowned for its innovative Latin American cuisine, Zazu has become a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant sports a sophisticated ambiance with an impressive wine cellar that includes over 200 labels from across the globe.
michelin star restaurants in quito, ecuador
Quito Tourism Quito Hotels Bed and Breakfast Quito Quito Holiday Rentals Quito Holiday Packages Flights to Quito Zazu; Nuema is owned by husband and wife duo, Alejandro Chamorro and Pia Salazar. Verified guests have rated this hotel out of a possible score of 20. This restaurant is worth traveling to just eat here.
The 10 Best Places to Eat in Ecuador
We love a great return to origin story, and Zazu is one excellent example. Chef Rafael Perez spent a great deal of his successful career in the United States, but he eventually decided to go back to South America and add flavor to the Ecuadorian plate. Zazu serves up contemporary Latin dishes with a tasty flair.
Quito & Cumbaya Guide
Enter the world of contemporary Latin cuisine with the Peruvian chef Rafael Perez. Octopus parrilla and the excellent Pisco Sour cocktails are only some of the highlights of the menu. Also, this is one of the few restaurants in Ecuador that are a part of the “Relais Château” fellowship.
Restaurants in Quito
Fresh, local ingredients and elegant white and grey interiors are what's on hand at Zazu, which has consistently been ranked as one of Quito's top restaurants since its 2007 opening. Now headed by Peruvian chef Rafael Peréz, who arrived after a successful career in the United States,…
Best Restaurants in Quito, Ecuador – EZ Global Adventures
Our favorite dishes we tried in Quito included the foie gras crème brûlée and “egg” at Zazu as part of the full Zazu experience, the passionfruit Wahoo crudo and chocopop desert at Somos, and the berries dish at Urko. These are just a few highlights from many great experiences.
Zazu, Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito, Telefono +593 2-254-3559
There is no doubt that if Michelin did a guide for Ecuador, Zazu would earn at least one star. I am trying to be conservative because I do not want to overstate, and my impression is the inspectors make you earn your stripes as a one-star before they will award you two stars.
Romantic getaway: Ideal places for couples in Quito
With innovative and creative cuisine, “Zazu” is a high-end restaurant that combines local ingredients with modern cooking techniques. Located in a restored 18th-century mansion, this establishment offers a unique gastronomic experience in an intimate and elegant setting.
TOP 6 Restaurants in Quito
Zazu: owned by a Peruvian chef, this modern and stylish restaurant serves sophisticate typical food. During lobster season, which is in August in Ecuador, lobster is the king of the menu and is cooked in many unique ways for you to enjoy it at another level!
17 Top Things To Do In Quito, Ecuador: A Travel Guide
This fine-dining restaurant is located just south of Parque La Carolina. Zazu offers an incredible gastronomic experience, with the head chef, Wilson Alpala, focusing on Ecuador’s astonishing abundance of diverse locally grown food.
Quito, Ecuador - What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Zazu – often rated as the best restaurant in Quito, we thought it was pretty good, but expensive. I preferred going here for lunch as opposed to dinner. Their chocolate dessert is to die for, and their tomato soup is quite good.
10 restaurantes en Quito para una cena romántica
Es un restaurante de comida internacional, el que ofrece opciones de comida vegetariana y vegana. Está ubicado en la Mariano Aguilera, paralelo a la Av República, en el sector cercano a Movistar. Restaurante Zazueta Facebook
Quito nightlife Places
Zazu is another rooftop bar that offers a sophisticated setting with a view. The bar’s modern decor and extensive drink menu make it a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a night out with friends.
Vietnamese restaurants in Quito - Ecuadorian restaurant ※2023 TOP 10※ near me
Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more. Address: Mariano Aguilera 331, Quito 170517, Ecuador. Telephone:+593 2-254-3559
Nomadicing list of must try restaurants in Quito
A favorite spot for the Ecuadorian high class, Zazu offers a tasting menu of Ecuadorian delights and wine pairing that changes regularly. Worthy of a Michelin star or two.
Best Latin American Restaurants in Quito
Hip and eclectic, this restaurant gets just about everything right. Chef Rafael Peréz uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, and flavour always takes precedenc
🌎 On Top of the World in Quito, Ecuador!
Zazu Quito offers a unqiue and beautifully presented Andean themed tasting menu. For casual dining, many eateries are sprinkled throughout the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit