Eat & Drink in Baños

Menus change, but good food lasts. This page helps you find where to eat well—without guessing or walking in circles.

Good food matters

Baños isn’t a food capital, but it feeds you well—if you know where to go. You’ll find trout and hornado, espresso and smoothies, a cheap "menú del día" or a meal with views. This page doesn’t list everything—it filters. Every spot here was chosen for its consistency, character, or comfort. There’s no fluff. Just honest food, familiar tables, and a few surprises. Whether you need a quick lunch or somewhere to linger, start here.

1. Cafés & Breakfast

2. Lunch & Dinner

4. Traditional Food

Cafés & Breakfast

Coffee isn’t hard to find—but good coffee is. These are places that take it seriously. Whether you want a full breakfast, something quick before a hike, or just a quiet table with Wi-Fi, these cafés won’t waste your time.

Since: 2025

1. Andes Specialty Coffee

Type: Specialty coffee and breakfasts. Serving Ecuador’s finest award-winning beans

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Since: 2021

2. Baking Partners

Type: Artisan sourdough bakery with homemade desserts

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Since: 2008

3. Honey Coffee & Tea

Type: Breakfasts and desserts

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Lunch & Dinner

From menú del día to dinner with a view, these are places that serve well-prepared food with good service and clear value. You'll find solid options here—without walking in circles or second-guessing your pick.

Since: 2021

1. La Floresta

Type: Ecuadorian fusion with seasonal ingredients

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Since: 2024

2. Ricca Vita di Verdi

Type: Italian restaurant - handmade pasta

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Since: 2018

3. Mexico de mis Sabores

Type: Mexican classics

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Since: 2022

4. My Veg

Type: Vegetarian food and healthy menus

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Bars & Pubs

When the lights come on, the town doesn’t sleep. These are bars, rooftops, and spots for casual drinks—some with music, others more quiet. Good for a first drink or a last stop before walking home.

1. Crater Rooftop Bar

Type: Cocktails and spirits with panoramic views.

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2. Cherusker

Type: German-style brewery with house-made beers and bar snacks.

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3. Leprechaun

Type: Lively bar with dance floors, DJs, and fire pits in the back.

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Traditional Food (huecas)

Traditional dishes still matter here. If you’re looking to taste Ecuador, this is the food that has stayed, through generations and changing menus.

Locals don’t always remember the name of the place—they remember what it serves. In this section, we list the most classic dishes by name, not by restaurant. Each one comes with a short description and where to find it.

1. Hornado

Dish Info: Slow-roasted pork with crispy skin, served with mote and tortillas.
Find it: At Plaza 5 de Junio on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Once there, ask for “La Campeona del Hornado.”

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2. Fritada

Dish Info: Chunks of pork fried in their own fat, served with mote and sweet plantain.
Find it: In downtown, on Calle Ambato across from the main park. Look for “Picantería Frituras”—locals call it La Fritada de La Paca.

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3. Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Dish Info: Whole roasted guinea pig, crispy outside and tender inside—served with potatoes and peanut sauce.
Find it: In downtown, on Calle Ambato just outside the central market. Ask for El Cuy de los Pineda.

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4. Encebollado

Dish Info: Warm fish soup with cassava, pickled red onions, and lime—often eaten for breakfast or after a long night.
Find it: On Calle Eugenio Espejo, just outside the bus terminal. Look for the first spot called Encebollados El Popular.

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5. Librillo

Dish Info: Beef tripe sautéed with spices, served with rice and crispy potato tortillas.
Find it: Near the bus terminal at Picantería Ave Fénix.

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6. Seco de Pollo

Dish Info: Slow-cooked chicken in a cilantro-based sauce, typically served with rice, avocado, and ripe plantain
Find it: In downtown Baños, at Restaurante Caracol.

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Plan the Rest of Your Stay

Once you’ve had your coffee, lunch, or craft beer—what’s next? Browse our curated tours and rentals to turn a good meal into a great day.

Go to Tours & Rentals