Achiote — Restaurant in Mariscal Sucre

Dining at Achiote was a truly memorable experience from start to finish. The service was impeccable—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The space itself is spotless and beautifully designed, blending elegance with a touch of nature thanks to a striking real tree growing right in the heart of the dining area.

We began with a selection of entremeses that immediately set the tone for the evening. The seco de chivo was rich, tender, and deeply flavorful, capturing the essence of Ecuadorian tradition in every bite. The cazuela de verde con mariscos was equally delightful—creamy, comforting, and brimming with the fresh taste of the sea. To accompany our meal, we enjoyed their house wine, Cautivo Private Collection, a smooth and balanced pour that complemented each dish perfectly.

Dessert was no less impressive. The torta maqueña was soft and aromatic, the higos caramelizados offered a sweet, nostalgic indulgence, and the family’s signature colada morada—made with the same recipe passed down since 1938—was a heartfelt taste of tradition.

Every detail, from the flavors to the atmosphere, felt intentional and full of pride. This was more than just a meal—it was a journey through Ecuador’s culinary heritage. I wholeheartedly recommend Achiote to anyone...

We had the best meals of our vacation at this delightful restaurant. We started with a seafood ceviche that was excellent, with a delicious mix of shrimp, squid, octopus and fish and other appetizers that were equally fantastic. The main courses were all excellent, from lamb, to beef, a coconut shrimp dish and pasta and shrimp. The pasta was done perfectly al dente and not just soggy noodles. The seasonings and sauces for everything were subtle, tasty and really enhanced the dishes. The service was very good and paced nicely and the price was, simply, cheap for what we got. The chef/owner came out to chat after we were done and he was a very nice man and told us a bit about how they’re a family operation, their restaurant is in his grandmother’s converted house, his dad works in the kitchen, etc. It was very nice to out a face and a family to such a delightful dining experience. Finally, the decor was simple and very attractive with a large tree growing in the front corner of the restaurant through the roof. The feeling of the place was very warm, inviting and comfortable. We can’t say enough good things...

As an American-Ecuadorian who grew up in Quito, I can confidently say I've never had a better elevated traditional Ecuadorian dining experience than at Achiote. I've been to Nuema, and while it's great in its own right, Achiote feels more authentically Ecuadorian-and it doesn't come with the inflated price tag you'd expect from fine dining.

The service was phenomenal. Our waitress walked us through each dish with thoughtful detail, not just listing ingredients, but explaining the cultural background behind them. I've always found it funny that seco de chivo is called "seco" (which means dry) even though it's a stew. She explained that the name actually comes from Ecuadorians back in the day mispronouncing "second" (as in the second course or main dish) when referring to the dish to English speakers. That blend of cultural insight and warm hospitality made the experience feel personal and deeply rooted.

Achiote is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience elevated Ecuadorian cuisine that stays true to its roots. It's refined without being pretentious -perfect for locals, expats, and curious foodie...