Galapagos Restaurant

Nestled within the South Pacific, the Galapagos Islands’ waters provide some of the best seafood options in the world. Fish, shrimp, lobster, and the usual seafood fare are available in abundance and are very fresh and delicious. However, for a bigger culinary challenge, try the sea cucumber: a marine animal from the Holothuroidea class. The species was becoming extinct at one point, but the ban on catching the creature has recently been rescinded, making it once again available for consumption.

If you are not a fan of seafood, fear not, because there are plenty of other options on these isles. Expect the usual Ecuadorian staples such as locro soup (made of cheese and potato) and seco de chivo (goat stew). Italian restaurants are also plentiful on the island of Santa Cruz, which serve up great pasta dishes and scrumptious pizzas. There are plenty of food options on the Galapagos Islands.

Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island

La Garrapata, Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, $4-$15, Tel: +593-05-252-6264

Considered one of the most popular restaurants on the entire archipelago, La Garrapata is run by descendents of a pioneer family to the Galapagos. Comfortable low wooden chairs and linen-covered round tables welcome you to the open-air dining room. Popular with tourists and locals, this locale specializes in seafood, but there are plenty of delicious chicken and pasta dishes to choose from. Take advantage of the menú del día (menu of the day) where for less than $5 you will be served soup, main course, and delectable dessert. Closed on Sundays.

La Dolce Italia, Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, $6.50-$22, Tel: +593-09-455-4668

For those looking for alternatives to Galapagos seafood try this trattoria-style Italian eatery. The owners, Palermo natives but now 11-year veterans of the Galapagos Islands, have brought southern Italian cuisine to the South Pacific. Indoor décor features a maritime theme with a few ship models and relics scattered throughout. Starters include antipasti and delicious fried calamari. Try the thin-crust pizza or pick from the list of homemade pasta dishes. Recommended: seafood fettuccini in a cognac sauce.

Angermeyer Point Restaurant, end of Barranco, Puerto Ayora, $4-$17, Tel: +593-05-2526 452

Situated in the old home of local painter Karl Angermeyer who arrived on the island in 1937, this restaurant has a great location: the stone house features a wraparound wooden deck that faces the bay. If you’re lucky enough – and if the weather is favorable – get a table on the deck for a spectacular view of blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions, all while you enjoy a great meal. Actually, the iguanas are particularly fond of the area and so the restaurant has become known as The House of Iguanas. Try the seafood at this unique restaurant or drop by for the Sunday brunch for a chance to try the innovative dishes offered here. To reach Angermeyer Point, hire a water taxi from Puerto Ayora’s main dock. A round trip should cost around $1.

La Tolda Azul, Muelle Municipal, Puerto Ayora, Tel: +593-05-252-6565

Since it is usually the first restaurant travelers encounter once they arrive at Puerto Ayora, it is always busy. Choose to dine on the lovely outdoor patio for a great view of the port. As with many restaurants in the Galapagos, seafood is a specialty here. Try the lobster dishes.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – San Cristobal Island

Miconia, Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, $5-$12, Tel: +593-05-2520-608

With a varied menu that features everything from pizza to seafood to steak, it will be hard to leave this restaurant hungry. This two-story restaurant features an interior dining room on the ground-floor, but guests will want to grab a table on the second floor which features an open-air dining room with a spectacular view of the bay. Food and service are up to par with the dazzling view from atop. The menu features delicious pasta dishes, as well as a delectable pizza, but seafood fans should opt for the scrumptious shrimp and fresh fish fare.