Much more than a cafe and more like an elite gathering place, Mosaico is perhaps the most spectacular eatery in Ecuador. Set in an old house high up on a hill overlooking Old Town, Mosaico is run by an Ecuadorian-Greek-American family. The view is beyond belief — the entire city stretched at your feet and the place filled with the crème de la crème of Ecuadorian society. Settle at your beautiful table, inlaid with hand-painted mosaic tiles, and take in the view. Many people come here only for cocktails or dessert and coffee, but the food is surprisingly good.
The Greek moussaka is delicious, as is the tender souvlaki. The vegetarian lasagna is divine and there’s a good selection of delicious sandwiches including a turkey club. And this is the only place in Ecuador that serves real New York cheesecake. Reservations are not accepted and this place fills up fast; be prepared to wait for a table. The best time to come here is late afternoons during the week, before the after-work crowd arrives. That way you’ll score a table fast, get to see the place during the day, and also take in the incredible view as the city lights up after dark. New additions here include free Wi-Fi service and a large telescope for stargazing at night and downtown spying during the day.