Fresh, local ingredients and elegant white and grey interiors are what's on hand at Zazu, which has consistently been ranked as one of Quito's top restaurants since its 2007 opening. Now headed by Peruvian chef Rafael Peréz, who arrived after a successful career in the United States, Zazu's contemporary Latin menu is regularly updated. Be on the lookout for Peruvian-style ceviches, yellow potato gnocchi with truffles, and Pangora (stone crab) and avocado salad seasoned with lemon foam. Often overlooked is the selection of imported beef, American and Uruguayan, which is one of the best in town. Don't sleep on the wine, which is stored in a 25-ft. cylindrical wine cellar with giant glass doors. The lounge bar, with original cocktails, attracts a high-end crowd that lingers until closing most nights of the week.