"When visiting the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria, don’t leave without having lunch at Prudencia. The colonial, French-style home was renovated by star architect Simón Vélez, known for his flair with bamboo. Chef Mario Rosero — who was raised in Los Angeles and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America — utilizes grills and ovens he designed himself to deliver dishes with powerful doses of umami. The seven-course tasting menu changes regularly, but it always features a vegetarian option, and everything from the bread to the butter is made from scratch with local ingredients. Expect dishes like turkey breast smothered with chocolate and roasted in the wood-fired oven or watermelon tarama garnished with house-made bacon (or dehydrated eggplant)." - Liliana López Sorzano
