Cafe Mosaico: Breathtaking views of Colonial Quito in a cozy atmosphere
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a charming city nestled in the Andes. For us, locals, and tourists, one of the main attractions is Downtown Quito, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
You can stroll down the streets of the Old Town to witness the legacy of colonial times in every plaza, church, and museum.
This past December, I arrived in Quito and then embarked on a memorable road trip from Quito to Cuenca. Not before having visited my favorite Café in Quito, Cafe Mosaico.
Café Mosaico is the perfect place to enjoy spectacular vistas of the Old Town in a cozy, casual atmosphere. During the daytime, admire the view while drinking a glass of fresh juice made with exotic fruits from Ecuador. If you are there at night, then a cup of hot chocolate, a glass of hot wine, or Canelazo (a traditional hot beverage made with sugar cane alcohol, cinnamon, and naranjilla juice) are some of my suggestions.
About its location
Café Mosaico is perched atop the hill Itchimbia, overlooking the historical center of Quito. Utterly one of the best viewpoints to be found in the city.
Take a taxi to the quiet, lovely tree-lined street to reach this casual Cafe. If you arrive early, try to a seat outside, from there, you will find a view of the historic center, declared the first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. The city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
About Cafe Mosaico
The owners of Café Mosaico have created a welcoming, casual & lively atmosphere in this bar & restaurant with charming decor.
The charm of the Cafe, together with the friendly waiting staff and the highly hospitable owners, make it a wonderful experience.
The impressive architecture of the historical center of Quito as the backdrop to your meal makes for an unforgettable memory.
Guests arriving in the afternoon get to enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the Old Town as the sunsets. It gets a bit chilly, so remember to bring a scarf and a warm jacket.
Food and service
I love bringing friends and family to Cafe Mosaico. It’s the perfect place to indulge in scrumptious food while gazing out at the glittering lights in the Old town at night.
The Menu includes traditional Ecuadorian dishes as well as international options. For us, the food is always tasty, and each dish adds to this memorable experience. On this, my latest visit, I ordered some of the fresh juices made with exotic fruits, as well as ceviche and waffles made with plantain. Guests should taste some of the best juice flavors: mamey, tomate de arbol, guanabana, and aguacate.
Vegetarian, vegan
If you are a vegetarian, you will like to know that Cafe Mosaico has several tasty options for you on their Menu.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
Live Music
Fridays and Saturdays enjoy live music played with soul, NYC-style jazzy music show from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. The house band The Time Tracers gives a lively atmosphere with music from old-time classics.
Pet-friendly
One of the few pet-friendly places in the city, you can bring your dog and find a special area for your four-legged friend. Look carefully at the Menu, and you will find some great food options for your pet.
Cafe Mosaico’s Mican project is wonderful. Finding stray dogs a loving home, feeding and sterilizing them.
Conclusion:
I have been to Cafe Mosaico several times with friends and family who were visiting Quito. It is always wonderful to return.
Whether you are looking for a memorable experience with visitors or to enjoy a romantic evening with a loved one, I can highly recommend you include Cafe Mosaico in your itinerary.
Where to stay
We often have friends, family, and also work-related visitors coming to Quito; together with my family, we have our top recommendations here:
Hacienda Jimenita is the place to escape to nature, relax and connect with history near Quito Airport. We tell you all about our visit to this enchanting hacienda and book your stay.
Hotel Las Cuevas Terra Lodge to spend the perfect getaway in a cave hotel near Quito. You can read all about our unique experience here and book your stay.
Hotel Finlandia has a great location in the modern part of Quito, near the main shopping centers and Parque La Carolina. It offers good food, fair prices, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Hotel Vieja Cuba This is a cozy small hotel with comfortable rooms, and friendly and helpful staff. The hotel offers a fresh-made breakfast consisting of eggs, granola, toast, ham, cheese, yogurt, and tea or coffee. The location is also great, not far from Plaza Foch, within walking distance you have one of the nicest areas for locals and tourists alike. Minutes away from shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, and more.
Editors Disclosure: I was a guest at Café Mosaico; however, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and based on my personal experience.
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