For better restaurant suggestions, allow location access to see nearby places first.
Middle Eastern restaurant in Quito
What should I order at Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)?
What to order
-
🥇
Shawarma
Recommended multiple times as authentic and delicious, with reviews specifically praising both the beef/chicken shawarma and the shawarma overall.
-
🥈
Falafel
Frequently mentioned as tasty and part of the restaurant’s strong vegetarian selection; one review also singled out the falafel shawarma as especially good.
-
🥉
Foul
Repeatedly praised as a traditional Egyptian dish and described as delicious, making it one of the standout vegetarian options.
-
4
Hummus
Listed among the amazing food choices and highlighted as part of the restaurant’s authentic Middle Eastern spread.
-
5
Koshary
Specifically mentioned as one of the recommended Egyptian dishes, contributing to the restaurant’s authentic cuisine appeal.
-
6
Lentil Soup
Called delicious and recommended for vegetarians, showing it is a well-liked and reliable option.
-
7
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Directly described as excellent, making it one of the most positively reviewed specific dishes.
-
8
Baba Ganoush
Called a must-try and really yummy, with a reviewer specifically recommending it alongside the desserts.
-
9
Egyptian Dates
Mentioned as part of the restaurant’s offerings and a distinctive Egyptian item that adds to the authentic experience.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 6 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 6 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 6 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 6 PM |
About Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)
Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) is a Middle Eastern restaurant and breakfast spot in Quito, Ecuador. Reviewers consistently praise its Arabic and Egyptian dishes, especially shawarma, falafel, hummus, koshary, foul, and lentil soup. The restaurant is also noted for friendly service, halal food, vegetarian options, and very low prices. It is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery available.
Amenities
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) known for?
It is best known for Arabic and Egyptian dishes such as shawarma, falafel, hummus, koshary, and foul. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the food is authentic, fresh, and very affordable, with a whole meal sometimes costing less than $4.
What dishes are most recommended at Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)?
The most commonly recommended items are beef or chicken shawarma, falafel shawarma, hummus, koshary, stuffed grape leaves, baba ganoush, and lentil soup. Reviewers also call out the traditional foul and the desserts, especially for their flavor and value.
What is the atmosphere like at Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and a bit trendy, but not fancy. It seems to suit solo diners, small groups, and tourists looking for a relaxed meal on Amazon Street near Ejido Park and the Helton Hotel.
Is Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, it is widely described as inexpensive, with a posted price range of $1 to $5. Reviewers mention large portions, competitive prices, and full meals with soup and a main dish for under $4.
What should I know about service and ordering at Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)?
Reviewers often praise the owner and staff for being very kind, polite, and welcoming, and some note that the owner speaks English. The restaurant also accepts cards, and customers mention being able to request special Arabic dishes for pickup or home eating.
Is parking available at Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer)?
Yes. Free parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) have vegetarian options?
Yes, Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) offers vegetarian options.
Is Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) kid-friendly?
Yes, Restaurante Mercado Árabe (Nefer) is good for kids.
