Three viewpoints of Quito that show the most photogenic face of the capital

The mountains that shelter the historic center of Quito have become the stands that allow you to admire the architectural beauty of this old town declared a National Heritage of Ecuador and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.

There are three places that have become emblematic for tourists and citizens of Quito to share a dish, have a drink with or without alcohol and enjoy the view that this magical place offers from afternoon until night.

The lights begin to come on from 6:00 p.m., little by little the streets and churches form a mosaic that at nightfall draw a silhouette that captivates the gaze of locals and strangers.

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This newspaper visited three places that have this view and offer a unique experience to its visitors:

Mosaic Coffee

Alexander Karras, owner of Café Mosaico, receives his visitors in a special way, he opened his house and turned it into Café Mosaico. He was born from the idea of ​​a place for a type of accommodation with guests who are treated like a home, since his home was very large and he knew he had to take advantage of the spectacular view. Thus it became the first viewpoint of Quito, in terms of the proposal of food, drink and the view from the height.

In the place there is a balcony area with a panoramic view from the mountain that shelters the northeast of the historic center. The concept is a place to share, have a coffee, eat a dish or drink some liquor and enjoy music.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays they also have live music, the nights in this place are contagious with the memories of the rock in english and rock Latin. Meanwhile, people can share a chat, sing along, or enjoy the atmosphere. In addition, it is a pet-friendly place, which will also be welcome.

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It is next to other restaurants that have taken advantage of the view, you do not need a reservation to get to this place, however, the tables fill up quickly, so it would help more to book.

The window

El Ventanal restaurant opened its doors in 2009, offers a variety of dishes gourmetincluding meat, seafood, fish and some traditional options such as potato locro and Ecuadorian chocolate-based desserts.

William Hernández, manager of El Ventanal, points out that people never get bored of going to this place, because the view is always changing. “We have had beautiful sunsets with all their colors, nights when the sky is completely clear and many stars are visible, even when it is rainy and stormy days you can see the force of lightning, always with the majesty of the historic center,” he described. .

Almost always the citizens are left with their “mouths open”, the restaurant has a panoramic view of the old town, from the northwestern flank of the historic center. You can also see the other viewpoint, El Panecillo, from the front.

Upon arrival, customers are offered a welcome canelazo, it is a traditional Quito drink that can be consumed with or without liquor. “This is the welcome drink, you cannot come to El Ventanal without going up to the terrace and drinking the welcome canelazo”, adds Hernández. The restaurant is located in the San Juan neighborhood, has a private parking lot and it is recommended to first make a reservation by phone.

Pim’s Bagel

One of the obligatory stops, when it comes to tourism in the historic center of Quito, is the Virgin of El Panecillo. This is a historical and tourist icon that has the only Virgin with wings watching over the old town since 1975. In the lower part of the place there is a restaurant with a privileged view.

The brand has been in the market for 42 years, but Pim’s Panecillo is about to turn 19. Its name is inspired by an English liquor, the brand is Ecuadorian. The view from the southern flank of the historic center is accompanied by a pleasant atmosphere, they are characterized by offering their customers a varied menu. 60% is typical Ecuadorian food, but it also has international dishes.

Going down the stands and going through its corridors, surrounded by flowers, offers a tranquility far from the typical vehicular traffic of a city. Here calm, silence and the smells of a good coffee or a traditional dish are concentrated.

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Ana María Valencia, manager and owner of Pim’s, remembers that during this time they have kept many anecdotes, but the special thing about the place, with its romantic atmosphere, has been used for engagements, anniversaries and birthdays.

These are not the only ones, there are more viewpoints that surround the historic center, however, these become special due to the gastronomic, musical and harmonic experience they offer. In addition, they share that possibility of knowing traditional gastronomy and taking advantage of the view. (YO)