Quito Cacao Inspired Gourmet Tasting Menu

This was exactly the kind of experience I love when I travel: beautiful, cultural, intimate, educational, and just a little indulgent. I booked this thinking I was going to a cacao and wine tasting. What I experienced was much more sophisticated than that. It was a beautifully paced culinary journey showing just how versatile cacao can be — particularly in savory dishes, which completely changed the way I thought about chocolate. Each course was presented like a little piece of art. The flavors were thoughtful and unexpected, the wine pairings complemented the meal beautifully, and even the cocktail felt intentional rather than simply an add-on. I especially enjoyed seeing cacao presented in so many different forms instead of everything being sweet. What really elevated the experience was the education woven throughout the meal. We weren't simply eating; we were learning about cacao, tasting different elements, asking questions, and understanding a little more about its importance in Ecuadorian food culture. It never felt like a lecture — it felt like having a wonderful conversation over an extraordinary meal. The restaurant itself was warm, stylish and intimate, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. From the opening drink through the beautifully plated savory courses, dessert, cacao tastings and the final little sweets, the entire experience felt considered. And come hungry. This is not a couple of pieces of chocolate and a sip of wine. 😂 It is a genuine multi-course dining experience. For travelers who enjoy food, wine and experiences that give you a deeper connection to a destination, I would absolutely recommend this. It was one of those afternoons where I walked away thinking, Now THIS is why I travel. Five stars — and one of my favorite experiences ever.

This took place in a really amazing small restaurant which used to be the home of a renowned Ecuadorean artist . The quality of the food, the explanations, the detail of everything chocolate and how it is made, whilst trying amazing flavours and Ecuadorean food was simply perfect. Ernesto the guide and host is fascinating, a real foodie and restaurant owner himself so he knows where is good - as well as chocolate and coffee we tried local delicacies, types of chilli’s, local breads and vegetables and wines in a very relaxed setting with perfect table staff. I can’t recommend highly enough

Excellent food, well beyond expectations. Very creative uses of the cacao pod. Location and tour guide were also excellent.

Absolutely wonderful experience. Best meal ever. Highly recommend this. This was the best experience we had in our time in Ecuador

Highlight of my time in Quito and probably the best lunch in a lifetime. Santi and the crew at the restaurant were great. Cant recommend this enough!

The highlight of my time in Quito and probably the best food experience of my life. Highly recomend this experience to all the foodie travelers

Loved this delicious cacoa-themed lunch. Food was incredible and enjoyed the variety of foods we tried with great explanations. Santi was an engaging guide and we enjoyed the conversation as well as the meal. The restaurant staff were also excellent and welcoming, as was the restaurant's vibe.

Host restaurant was excellent. We had lovely interaction with the chefs and sommelier. Food was amazing. Would highly recommend for a local food experience with various influences from the cacao bean.

Foodie Tour was a fantastic tasting. It’s worth doing again. Each dish was exceptional and the Chefs and Sommelier explained how they use the cacao (cocoa bean) in each prepared dish. [No, it’s not just chocolate!] Our added bonus ‘Yapa’ was our guide: Mr Neto, who was very knowledgeable on the food, Quito, Ecuador and South America! He was kind enough to help and guide me on getting some gifts to take back home! This was my most favourite activity of my 2 week trip to Ecuador!

I wasn’t sure what to expect and it was fantastic. Pamela, my guide, she was so friendly and caring and the man who provided the explanations and food samplings along with a welcome drink and 2 sampling glasses of wine. They are able to provide if you don’t drink alcohol or if you have food allergies/sensitivities, I am sorry, I don’t recall the name of the man who provided the information, but, he was very knowledgeable and kind. Everything we had had something to do with chocolate. Whether it was the cacao oil, powder, solid chocolate…. It was something I would not have thought to do but am so glad I did it.

This tour was a fantastic experience. What a great way to get an authentic sense of the city and try delicious local food. After years in Quito, I discovered new spots I’d never been to. Can’t wait to bring friends who come to visit.

Absolut sublime experience. Highly recomended. One of the highlights of our trip to quito. Dont miss this is you are in quito. Neto was the best tour guide.

Cant recommend this tour enough. Exceeded all expectations and keep an open mind because you’re about to discover just how versatile chocolate can be.

This was an awesome experience. i learned so much about cocoa and chocolate and tasted some incredible foods and drinks made with cacao. Truly a wonderful time.

Can’t recommend it enough. Best chocolate experience in town and probably, one of the best I’ve had in my life. Hidden gem for sure.

Wow! This tour truly exceeded all expectations!! I have been on several chocolate tastings before and nothing compares to this experience. It was a historic and gastronomic exploration of Ecuadorian cacao. We had several courses and wine/cocktail pairings made with different components of the cacao fruit. Absolutely unique, exotic and gourmet! This tour is worth every penny!! An absolutely unforgettable experience, one of the main highlights of our stay in Quito! Can’t recommend it enough!! Thank you so much, Ernesto! This one is for the books :)

The food and beverages were first class and the education was terrific. It exceeded my expectations in every way. To my delight it wasn’t all about desserts - it was chocolate in all its forms and applied in many ways. From chili sauce to meats the applications were inspiring. We tasted local favorites and gourmet creations. Service and cuisine were impeccable We will go again.

I simply love chocolate right, so I decide to invite my girls to this new experience by Bondabu. I did the Urban Art and Craft beer a month before and had a blast. Santiago The Chocolate master started by purring some amazing Cocoa tea which by the way, I never even new that exist, then we continue temperating our own chocolate bars witch we ate after passing trough cake and pralines also muse and even Japanese bonbons! I would strongly recommend this activity to any person who wants to experience some of the best chocolate in the world. Thanks Bondabu you guys rock!

If you are a chocolate lover, this experience is for you. It is incredible to taste chocolate in such different ways and everything explained by the chef and his assistants. Ernesto was an incredible guide and companion, offering many details as well. Everything I tried was delicious and I recommend it 100%. Do not miss it!

It was a delight to try each dish at the chocolate tasting and the final touch, a chocolate mouse! It was like I was lifted to heaven. The place is very cozy and the people were very friendly.

Delicious and incredible experience. I learned a lot about cocoa in an innovative and creative way. The place where the experience takes place is very nice, the waiters are super friendly and the food/tasting is spectacular. Safety pin.

Very good experience with cocoa and chocolate as the protagonist in salty and sweet dishes, cocoa-based drinks, crazy!