food – World Food and wine Showroom

Cocina Mestiza food at the restaurant Casa Gangotena.

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a city flourishing with culinary wonders. Nestled high in the Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a magnificent blend of traditional and modern cuisine that captivates the palate and the imagination. For travel enthusiasts, local diners, and foodies, Quito’s restaurant scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Among these gems, Casa Gangotena stands out with its unique “cocina mestiza,” a culinary approach that blends the rich flavors of Ecuadorian traditions with contemporary techniques. The restaurant at Casa Gangotena is a must-visit, the unforgettable dining experience it offers, and tips to make your visit memorable.

Casa Gangotena is one of the top ten Quito restaurants

Understanding “Cocina Mestiza” at Casa Gangotena

A visit to Casa Gangotena is an immersion into “cocina mestiza,” which translates to “mixed cuisine.” This culinary concept reinterprets traditional Ecuadorian dishes using fresh, local ingredients combined with modern culinary techniques. The result is a menu that tells the story of Ecuador’s diverse culture and heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.

The Ambiance at Casa Gangotena

Located in the heart of Quito’s Old Town, Casa Gangotena combines historic charm with modern elegance. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored colonial mansion, featuring a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a tranquil garden, and a sophisticated bar. Each space within Casa Gangotena is designed to offer a unique ambiance, making it an ideal setting for any occasion.

If you’re looking for panoramic views, the terrace on the third floor is perfect for enjoying tea, coffee, cocktails or wine while looking out over the iconic churches of the Centro Histórico. And if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the walled garden is a serene sanctuary where you can relax and contemplate life among native trees and flowers.

Ambiance at the reataurant Casa Gangotena.

Exceptional Service and Hospitality

One of the hallmarks of Casa Gangotena is its commitment to providing exceptional service. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warmth and professionalism. The staff ensures that every guest feels welcomed and taken care of, offering personalized attention that enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the hospitality at Casa Gangotena makes you feel like part of a community.

Menu Highlights at Casa Gangotena

The menu of Restaurant Casa Gangotena offers a diverse selection of dishes that highlight Ecuadorian gastronomy. The cuisine is described as a fusion of ingredients from Ecuador’s varied ecosystems, including the Andes, Amazon, Pacific, and the Galápagos Islands. Their approach honors ancestral traditions while incorporating modern, avant-garde techniques.

Casa Gangotena offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, late night meals and drinks. They also offer a Tasting Menu called “An Ode to Ecuador”, which features a curated culinary journey through the country’s diverse landscapes and flavors, including dishes like octopus carpaccio, skirt steak, and duck magret.

Apart from regular meals or drinks, you can enjoy their version of a high tea, known as “Café Quiteño”.

In addition, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the menu.
This menu showcases a creative interpretation of Ecuador’s diverse ingredients and culinary heritage, with an emphasis on high-quality local products.

Appetizers

Start your meal with the Ecuadorian Empanadas, a trio of delights including morocho corn and pork, green plantain with shrimp, and fresh cheese-filled empanadas. Another must-try is the Locro Quiteño, a traditional potato soup adorned with avocado and pork rinds.

Main Courses

For the main course, the Gangotena-Style Hornado, featuring slow-roasted pork with potato patties and cheese, is a standout. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Bluefin Tuna with a Chulpi Corn Crust, accompanied by beets and taxo, a tropical fruit. The Serrano Duck with Apple Purée is another exquisite option, served with fennel confit and port demi-glace.

Ceviches

Casa Gangotena’s Manabita Ceviche is a coastal-style dish that combines fish, peanuts, avocado, and a tangy Manabita sauce, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience.

Desserts

Finish your meal with the Fine Aroma Chocolate dessert, a decadent treat paired with raspberry, cream cheese, and cacao nib caramel. The Papaya Heart with Tonka Bean, featuring coconut mousse and citrus flavors, is another delightful choice.

Friends enjoying food and drinks at the restaurant Casa Gangotena terraceñ

A Culinary Journey Worth Taking

In a city brimming with culinary treasures, Casa Gangotena stands out as a beacon of innovation and tradition. Its unique “cocina mestiza” offers a dining experience that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in Ecuadorian heritage. With exceptional service, a captivating ambiance, and a menu that delights the senses, Casa Gangotena is a must-visit for travel enthusiasts, local diners, and foodies alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this culinary gem—book your reservation today and discover the magic of Casa Gangotena.

Best Times to Visit for a Memorable Experience

The restaurant is busiest during weekends, so if you prefer a quieter dining experience, try visiting on a weekday. If you’re planning a special occasion, the VIP salon offers an intimate setting perfect for private gatherings.

Tips for Making a Reservation

Casa Gangotena is a popular dining destination, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance. You can easily book a table online through their website. Consider visiting during lunch or dinner to enjoy the full range of menu offerings. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views, making it a great choice for evening dining.
Feel free to read reviews from other diners and explore their website at Restaurante Casa Gangotena for more information and get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Quito!

Pairing red wine with cheese and charcuterie.

Food and wine pairings are an important skill to master. You have to know the right type of wine that will enhance the flavor of a dish. The proper pairing can help achieve the right balance of flavors that would complement each other beautifully. But aside from achieving the correct balance of flavor, it is also important to choose a healthy pairing. You can indulge in good flavor without compromising on health. So, these are the best food and wine pairings that won’t make you feel guilty or damage your diet.

Turkey Chili and Red Wine

Turkey chili is a recipe that offers a ton of flavor and comfort. While beef chili is a common recipe, you can create a healthier version by using turkey meat instead. Turkey is much leaner and is just as flavorful as beef when it comes to this recipe. This hearty meal is the perfect way to cap off your day or to fuel you before an intense workout. It is a great meal option if you run out of vanilla flavored protein powders to energize you ahead of a good workout. It is also ideal for a lazy night in and you need to serve up a hearty meal.

This dish is loaded with nutrients and flavors as it uses ingredients such as beans, vegetables, and lots of spices (aside from the lean turkey meat). It is bold and complex, so you need to pair it with a red wine of your choice. In particular, Cotes du Rhone and Zinfandel are perfect with this dish. It adds a spicy kick to your palate without causing too much heat.

Grilled Salmon and Red Wine

Another excellent dish that is hearty and healthy is grilled salmon. Salmon is a very tasty fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. It is, therefore, one of the healthiest kinds of fish you could consume as part of your diet. In fact, health experts recommend that you get at least two servings of salmon per week.

This delicious fish can be served grilled as this adds a smoky element to the flavor. You can pair it with a delicious sauce or fresh herbs to boost the taste. When it comes to pairing it with wine, varieties such as Gamay or Pinot Noir go perfectly with salmon. The fruits that were used to create these wines complement the rich flavor of the fish beautifully. If you are a white wine fanatic, then you can also pair it with some Chardonnay.

Citrus Vinaigrette Salad and Sauvignon Blanc

If you are a fan of salads, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a perfect wine pairing for that–Sauvignon Blanc. This particular type of wine is known for its hints of grassy and citrusy flavors. It goes perfectly with a salad that is made with citrus vinaigrette, particularly lemon. While some types of wine might be overwhelmed by the citrus notes of the salad, the case is not the same with Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, both salad and wine complement each other beautifully.

White Fish and White Wine

Whitefish is another healthy kind of seafood you can indulge in. Not only is white fish healthy, but it also comes with a mild flavor. For this reason, it is best paired with white wines because it won’t overpower the flavor of the fish meat (which is the case with red wines).

Whitefish is also low in fat content, so it is a good choice for health-conscious individuals. To make it healthier, white fish is best served grilled or baked. Make sure to sprinkle fresh herbs such as dill on top along with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Whatever type of white wine you pair it with, it is sure to be a winning combo!

Grilled Vegetables and Red Wine

Grilled vegetables are another healthy meal option that you can try for your next food and wine pairing. This is a delicious combination that will make you forget just how healthy it is! The best thing about grilled vegetables is that you can use any type of vegetable that is available. Put them on a grill and season them, and you are all set.

Grilled vegetables are best paired with red wines like Merlot or Grenache. But if you want to add a bold sauce to your grilled veggies, then you might want to pair it with Syrah. There are plenty of wine pairings that will go well with grilled vegetables, so have fun experimenting!

Enjoying your next wine night at home can be healthy and delicious. You can choose from any of the above wine pairings to indulge yourself without the guilt!

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Category: food

Quito’s Culinary Gems and the Unforgettable Casa Gangotena Experience