20°C 
Archbishop’s Palace
Rating: 
Appropriately-situated opposite the Cathedral sits the Archbishop’s Palace, headquarters of the religious authority and official residence of the city’s bishop since the 16th century. It is one of the earliest buildings to have been erected in Quito, and has been thoroughly restored to its former glory, although today with a different function. The interior patios are given over to restaurants and cafés, as well as venues for live music and cultural shows, as well as shops and an internet café.
It’s a great place to come to watch Quiteños go about their daily lives, as well to enjoy dishes for all tastes and all wallets.
On the ground floor, there are some fast-food joints, a Pedro y Pablo seafood restaurant, and a smarter (yet with $3.50 set lunches) restaurant. You will also find the PapayaNet internet café, which serves snacks and delicious cakes.
On the first floor, within the courtyard you find Café del Fraile, with a set lunchtime menu and dishes from the menu at around $6 for a main course. Meanwhile, back in the part of the palace which gives on to Plaza Grande, you find Mea Culpa, one of the finest restaurants in the Old Town, and among the best in the city. A number of French windows provide beautiful views of the square, very romantic at night. Here, main courses are around $10-16, and the dress code is quite formal.
The second floor of the elegant courtyard is dominated by Hasta la Vuelta Señor which is a good bet for international and Ecuadorian dishes, with prices around the $7 mark for a main course.
It’s a great place to come to watch Quiteños go about their daily lives, as well to enjoy dishes for all tastes and all wallets.
On the ground floor, there are some fast-food joints, a Pedro y Pablo seafood restaurant, and a smarter (yet with $3.50 set lunches) restaurant. You will also find the PapayaNet internet café, which serves snacks and delicious cakes.
On the first floor, within the courtyard you find Café del Fraile, with a set lunchtime menu and dishes from the menu at around $6 for a main course. Meanwhile, back in the part of the palace which gives on to Plaza Grande, you find Mea Culpa, one of the finest restaurants in the Old Town, and among the best in the city. A number of French windows provide beautiful views of the square, very romantic at night. Here, main courses are around $10-16, and the dress code is quite formal.
The second floor of the elegant courtyard is dominated by Hasta la Vuelta Señor which is a good bet for international and Ecuadorian dishes, with prices around the $7 mark for a main course.
