Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 182

Ambato
The best restaurant in Ambato for the foreign traveler is at the Hotel
Ambato . Otherwise, the nearby La Buena Mesa , at Quito 924 and
Bolívar,

3-824-332 (closed Sundays) is the finest establishment in
town. Buena Mesa emphasizes French cuisine and is relatively
pricey, but recommended for good food and atmosphere.

Steaks are served up at the popular Parrilladas El Gaucho , located
at Bolívarand Quito, 3-282-969 (closed Sundays). For cheap chifas

(Chinese food), try the popular Chifa Jao Fua , Cevallos 756 near JL
Mera, for cheap, good value. Or ChifaNuevaHongKong , located at
Bolívar768 andMartinez; dirt cheap, it's also a good option for budget
meals. Plenty of inexpensive meals are available in the main city cen-
ter and especially around the market, with an emphasis on chicken
dishes. La Brasa Roja , on JLMera near 12 de Noviembre, is a popu-
lar choice.

There are also several pizzeria restaurants in the downtown area, in-
cluding La Fornace , at Cevallos 17-28. The inexpensive Italian
dishes, pizza being the specialty, and pleasant, casual atmosphere
make La Fornace a good choice, though there are other options in the
neighborhood.

Riobamba

The best dining experiences in Riobamba are had at the haciendas
outside of town, particularly, Hosteria la Andaluza (see Where to
Stay , above). In downtownRiobamba, try Pizzeria SanValentín ,at
Torres and Borja, or Charlie's Pizzeria , at G Moreno between
Guayaquil and 10 de Agosto, for the best Italian food in town. Both
are popular.

For Chinese food, the Chifa Pak Hao , next to Charlie's Pizzeria at G
Morena and Guayaquil,

3-964-270, is okay for a cheap downtown
meal, though there are several other Chinese food places in the area.
Near the railway station is the inexpensive and good Chifa Joy
Sing , Guayaquil 29-27 and Carabobo,

3-961-285.

In the mid-price range, a good option is the restaurant at Cabana
Montecarlo , in conjunction with the Hostal Montecarlo (see Where
to Stay , above). The food is decent, with an international selection,
but expensive byRiobamba standards. Recommended for breakfast.

Perhaps the best restaurant in Riobamba itself is Café Concerto El
Delirio , at Primera Constituyente 28-16 and Rocafuerte,

3-967-