Mare Nostrum

Dimly lit with a distinctly medieval feel, this is one of Quito's top seafood restaurants. Specialties include bouillabaisse, paella, and other seafood stews. The arroz del capitán features rice, prawns, mussels, clams, squid, octopus, and any other fresh seafood available that day, and is mixed with coriander, soy sauce, and onions, while the coconut shellfish is prepared with local tropical flavors. Also available are Chilean mussels, lobster, and calamari. The sea bass in a butter-and-garlic sauce is succulent. Whatever you order, you probably won't be disappointed -- the chef has a knack for throwing together different flavors from the sea. And you certainly won't leave hungry, as portions are substantial. There are three separate dining rooms; I always try to get a seat within view, but not too close, to the fireplace in the principal dining room.

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