In the past, vegetarian and vegan travelers in Ecuador had little to choose from. Restaurants only offered dishes with rice, beans, eggs, potatoes, and whatever vegetables were on hand. Fortunately, in Quito, there is a growing crop of vegan restaurants that are filling the market.
Best vegetarian restaurant in Quito
1. Milla de tiempo restaurant
If you’re looking for cheap, cheerful and hearty vegetarian and vegan food, Mile Time’s lunch menu is a fun find in the heart of New Town’s Marshal district. Asian menu items including tofu dishes, savory soups, spring rolls and a selection of healthy juices make it off the beaten path. The friendly, English-speaking owners are often on hand to help navigate the menu if they’re concerned with ingredients and preparation.
2. Tandana restaurant
For a well-crafted vegan menu that feasts on delicious food from falafel and risotto to soups, chickpea burgers, empanadas, calzones, and thin-crust pizzas, Tandana hits the spot. The hot spot is located at the top of the Guápulo neighborhood, with views of the picturesque church below and the neighboring valley of the city in the distance. It’s a great place to spend an evening enjoying the surroundings both inside and out. He also serves as the public front for Libera, a non-profit group dedicated to protecting wildlife and preserving the environment in Ecuador.
3. Formosa restaurant
A local favorite for steaming Taiwanese vegan food dishes served cafeteria-style, Formosa has the right mix of flavor and creative options for a cheap and cheerful meal. Lunches are paired with the right soups with soups, noodle and vegetable dishes, dumplings, ladybugs, juice and a desert.
4. Ahimsa restaurant
A vegan place where the food is an innovative take on dishes including burgers, sushi, soups and wraps using fresh ingredients and homemade sauces and cheeses, Ahimsa is a great find. The owners and chefs are available to help with different dishes and casual conversation. Salads and ceviche are also on the menu for new twists on Ecuadorian cuisine.
5. Flora restaurant
Committed to local, sustainable agriculture and permaculture, Flora ticks the boxes for good food and fun company. The small rotating a la carte menu has included burritos, ceviche, soups, stews, salads, and the house specialty raw. Daily menu items are usually lasagna, pasta, pizzas, omelettes, and roasted vegetables with chickpeas, quinoa, zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, and hummus. Events take place regularly, as do daily specials.