Iza: The Sangolquí Restaurant Everyone Should Know

At Iza Restaurante, the flavors of Sangolquí arrive at the table with a contemporary touch. Chef Andrés Iza has built his proposal around pork and tortillas, while keeping close to the traditions that define the Valle de los Chillos.

The restaurant, located on Luis Cordero Avenue behind Sangolquí’s stadium stand, is approaching its fourth year. Iza has matured since the restaurant opened, but the cooking has retained its consistency, distinctive flavor and youthful sense of rebellion.

The menu draws on the region’s familiar tastes without treating tradition as something fixed. Hornado and fritada remain recognizable, but the chef adds his own interpretation and presents them with an elegant finish. “You find these flavors in the markets; all we do is pay tribute,” Iza says.

The setting is part of the experience. Every table is outdoors, offering views of nature and the Santa Clara River while separating diners from the noise of the avenue. The restaurant’s cooking also led an important country club to ask Iza to reorganize and modernize its menu.

Hornado, one of Sangolquí’s defining dishes, is central to the restaurant’s identity. Iza’s version combines different textures and flavors, with meat that has been cooked for eight hours. The result remains rooted in the city’s culinary memory while carrying the chef’s personal mark.

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You find these flavors in the markets; all we do is pay tribute.