I had no idea what kind of cuisine to expect on our recent travels to South America and the Galapagos Islands, but my expectations were not high. I could not have been more wrong.
I had no idea what kind of cuisine to expect on our recent travels to South America and the Galapagos Islands, but my expectations were not high. I could not have been more wrong. Its fair to say that food can make or break your holiday and I can categorically say that we had some exquisite dining experiences.
The first hotel we stayed at was the Dann Carlton in Quito. A beautiful elegant hotel in a great location. Our first experience of food here was the breakfast, it did not disappoint at all. This was in the main dining room of the Hotel. The room was clean, airy and bright and the staff were very attentive making sure we had enough drinks and asking if we had everything we wanted.
I could not resist the empanadas. They were perfect light fluffy and crispy with the right amount of cheese filling. I accompanied this with bacon - I couldn’t resist and some fresh fruit and bread rolls. Not my usual breakfast - by far. But hey I’m on holiday!!
We were also able to take the opportunity to dine in the main restaurant in the hotel The Opera Resturant. The restaurant itself is luxurious, as was the food. We shared empanadas to start. They were the perfect starter and just the right quantity, for a starter. They were faultless, filled with a beautiful tasty cheese sauce. For main I had beef with chutney, gratin potatoes and fresh vegetables. The beef was cooked to perfection and literally fell apart and melted in my mouth. The vegetables were fresh and dressed and the gratin had the perfect balance of potatoes, cheese and seasoning.
There are many other options available for breakfast including lots of sweet treats and cooked breakfasts of your choice.
Part of our holiday included a few nights in the jungle of Ecuador, Tena. On our transfer journey way there, we stopped for a break and we were offered Tree Tomatoes or Tamarillos- who knew there was such a thing!! You cant really eat the skin, it’s very tough and chewy, This tomato is used in chutneys, sauces and as a dessert topping. It can be pressed for juice or even pickled. Apparently its not usually eaten raw, the fleshy part is quite bitter on its own. But hey we tried it!
Our next stop was San Cristobal, Galapagos island. Staying at the Planet Galapagos Hotel. Again no idea what type of food I am in for, but what a culinary surprise this island is. Our first food stop was a restaurant called Lucky’s. It’s a ramshackle looking place with a corrugated roof and a gravel floor. Lunch time is a set menu with a soup starter, but with the choice of fish or chicken, both served with rice and lentils - it was a huge generous serving. We had empanadas on the side, of course. Cost of $7.00 plus drinks. You should note that when we visited this restaurant it was a cash only venue.
We frequented a bar called La Regatta Sushi Grill & Bar. It’s a lovely three story place with a roof top terrace. The ground level is all open and spills on to the avenue and over looks the sea and pier, where you can see the local wildlife. We did not eat here but we saw lots of food be served which looked amazing. One such dish was the Scorpion fish - it looks amazing, I’d never seen or heard of it before. It’s served beautifully and I asked someone eating it what it was like, he said “its like monk fish, but much more tender” The drinks here were great I had cocktails Pina Colada. Prices not too bad and a nice way to wind down in the evening.
Another place not to miss is the Post Office!! Yes a restaurant call the Post Office. It was of course originally a Post Office, but closed down during covid and is now open as a fantastic restaurant. You can choose to dine inside or out on the terrace (with heaters if necessary) and overlooking the harbour. It’s beautiful and tastefully decorated and the staff are welcoming, patient and friendly. We shared breaded halloumi sticks with dips.
Darren (my boyfriend travelling with me) took his chance to have the Scorpion fish, for his main dish. Everyone stops to look at the Scorpion fish when it’s brought out and with good reason. It is a very big serving and is recommended for two people to share , but I’m not keen on fish and go for a safer option of pork, potatoes and mushrooms (Photos: halloumi sticks, scorpion fish & pork, potatoes & mushrooms).
All in all the food far exceeded my expectations - so much so that I gained 6lb whilst travelling around !! The outstanding restaurant was The Post Office, by far, but all places we visited are worth a visit. None of them were overly expensive, staff are always friendly and accommodating
Where to find all of the above locations
Dann Carlton Hotel.
Avenida Republican El Salvador
N 34 - 377
Quito 170150
Ecuador
Here you will find the Restaurant Opera
La Regatta
Sushi Bar & Grill
Charles Darwin Avenue
39XQ+99H
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Ecuador
The Post Office Restaurant. San Cristobal Galapagos Island.
Charles Darwin Avenue
Jose De Villamill
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
200101 Ecuador
Restaurante Lucky’s
Av Ignacio Hernandez y
Jose Villamill
San Cristobal
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