If you've never had Ecuadorian or Andean cuisine before, Chimborazo is the perfect place to start--and if you have, it's the kind of restaurant that feels like coming home. My first visit was during early-fall patio season, but even as the weather cools and the patio takes a well-earned rest, the same warmth and flavor can be found inside. Their interior is spacious, cozy, and welcoming--like being invited into someone's (very stylish) family kitchen.
That feeling isn't an accident. Chimborazo is family-owned, and you can taste that care in every bite. Every dish feels personal--like it was cooked by someone who wants you to leave happy and full. It's not often you find a restaurant that nails both authenticity and atmosphere, but Chimborazo does it effortlessly.
During this visit, I sampled:
- "Guanabana" juice: I'm usually a big fan of guanabana, but this version didn't quite hit the sweet spot for me--it leaned a bit on the bitter side. Still, it's an adventurous choice, and if you're feeling curious (or brave), it might just surprise you.
- "Muchín de Yuca": Deep-fried cassava croquettes filled with queso fresco. These little bites were crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Served with an aji criollo dipping sauce, a form of (not spicy) chili pepper, they were good, but not as great as the empanadas.
- "Empanada de Carne": As a self-proclaimed empanada connoisseur, I can confidently say this one hit the mark. The flour empanada was fried to a perfect golden crisp and stuffed with tender, well-seasoned beef and a mix of vegetables. You could practically taste the care that went into marinating and seasoning the filling--it was savory, satisfying, and honestly, a little addictive.
-"Churrasco": This plate was a flavor-packed powerhouse. Grilled flank steak arrived juicy and tender, accompanied by rice, a fried egg, beans, sweet plantains, and freshly cut French fries. The beans stole the show for me--slow-cooked to perfection, rich, and full of flavor. The combination of the soft white rice and sweet plantains made every bite comforting and balanced. Generous, hearty, and undeniably satisfying, this dish is the kind of meal that makes you appreciate the art of Andean comfort food.
-"Tres Leches": The perfect ending to an already incredible meal--and easily my favorite bite of the day. I've tried my fair share of Tres Leches around the Twin Cities, but Chimborazo's version has officially claimed a spot in my top three. It's creamy, perfectly sweet, and soaked in a dreamy milk mixture that's rich without feeling heavy. I'll admit, I stretched it out over a couple of days to make it last--eating it in careful quarters like it was culinary gold. Some desserts are worth savoring slowly, and this one is absolutely one of them.
The service at Chimborazo deserves its own round of applause. Even during the busy lunch rush, everything ran smoothly without feeling rushed. My waitress was friendly and attentive, taking the time to answer my (many) questions about the menu with genuine enthusiasm. She even offered a free sample of their homemade Limonada. Like the food, the service struck that rare balance of warmth and professionalism--proof that great hospitality is just as much a part of the experience as what's on the plate.
Looking forward to my next visit, and in the meantime, I hope you'll give them a try! Pro tip: come hungry, and don't skip the "Tres Leches". read more