After three trips to the Galápagos Islands, I’ve eaten my way through countless restaurants and discovered something that frustrated me about most travel guides: they all recommend the same tourist-friendly spots serving North American-style cuisine. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing inherently wrong with good pizza and beer, but when I travel to a unique destination like the Galápagos, I want to experience what locals actually eat and love.
The Galápagos gave me the incredible opportunity to try dishes I’d never tried before: Langostino Encocado (spiny lobster in coconut sauce), Arroz Marinero (a rice dish loaded with mixed shellfish), Canchalagua (the local version of ceviche), Sopa Marinera, fresh Brujo fish, and so much more.
The Galápagos Islands offer a truly unique culinary experience shaped by their remote location 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast. This isolation means most ingredients are either caught fresh from the surrounding Pacific waters or grown locally, creating a cuisine that’s both distinctly Ecuadorian and uniquely Galápagan. The seafood here is unparalleled – from species you won’t find anywhere else to preparation methods passed down through generations of local fishermen. The influence of mainland Ecuador brings rich coconut sauces, fresh ceviches, and hearty rice dishes, but the island’s isolation has allowed these flavors to evolve into something entirely their own.
My rule of thumb became simple: if a restaurant accepts credit cards, it’s probably catering to tourists rather than Galapagos locals.
I’ll be honest – I’m going to include those popular tourist spots at the end because many travelers do enjoy them, but let me start with my personal discoveries that offer authentic Galápagos flavors.
My Personal Favorites: Authentic Local Experiences
1. Fish Market + La Garrapata (Santa Cruz Island)
The best meal we had wasn’t technically at a restaurant. While exploring the fish market, we saw the most beautiful fresh catch: Yellowfin Tuna, Brujo, and Corvina. Wanting the freshest fish possible, I approached the nearby restaurant La Garrapata (I believe it’s closed now, but ask around – nearby restaurants are happy to cook market fish for you) and asked if they could prepare our market purchase for $20. They agreed to grill it in any sauce we wanted and let us choose our sides.
We returned to the market just as fishermen were unloading fresh-caught Yellowfin Tuna and Corvina. While I’d had tuna many times, Corvina was new to me – it’s a white-fleshed fish similar to sea bass but specific to Galápagos waters. We got two fish for only $8! When the chefs finished cooking, we took our feast to the beach. Though it was getting dark, that meal was absolutely incredible. My wife made sangria, and we sat on the beach until midnight surrounded by sea lions. For $28 total, we had the most authentic Galápagos experience imaginable – a dinner that holds a special place in our memory.
2. Servi Sabroson (Santa Cruz Island)
This gem is located away from the waterfront where local fishermen unload their daily catch. We spotted lots of fresh Brujo fish and ordered a whole one. The restaurant cut it in half and prepared it with two different sauces: coconut and garlic-lime. It was so delicious that my wife and I devoured it in seconds, though one whole fish is definitely enough for two people.
Brujo fish is a local white-fleshed fish with a firm, meaty texture similar to grouper or sea bass. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s not “fishy” at all, making it perfect for those who might be hesitant about trying new seafood. The flesh is dense enough to hold up beautifully to grilling and absorbs marinades and sauces wonderfully, which is why it’s so popular in local coconut and garlic-lime preparations.
3. Isabela Grill (Isabela Island)
Locals recommended this spot when I mentioned wanting to try Langostino Encocado.
While tourist restaurants charge over $50 for this dish, we got fresh grilled spiny lobster for just $11. Sometimes simplicity is best – if you love grilled seafood at fair prices, this is your place.
4. La Pescadería (San Cristóbal)
For ceviche lovers like myself, this was paradise.
They served the best ceviche I’ve ever had, and it’s where I discovered Arroz Marinero – what an amazing rice dish! I kept returning here throughout my stay. Beyond excellent ceviche, they offer many fish entries that my wife absolutely loved.
5. Islander Coffee Roasters (Santa Cruz Island)
Finding good coffee in Ecuador and the Galápagos was my personal challenge, but I struck gold here.
On top of excellent coffee, their mini empanada breakfast (made from green plantain and filled with shrimp or cheese) served with sausage is a must-have. My wife loved their fresh fruit juices, making this our go-to morning spot.
Popular Tourist Spots (That Many Travelers Love)
Now, let me share the places many tourists adore. In my opinion, these are overpriced and create more of a vacation island vibe rather than an authentic local experience. The food is good but significantly more expensive, and I noticed I never saw a single local person dining at these establishments.
Quick note: If you’re planning a Galápagos trip and feeling overwhelmed, you can request a free quote on my website. I collaborate with a local Ecuadorian agency that helps organize tours and can consult you for free about your trip. Often their prices are cheaper than what you’ll find online, and this way you support local business and my blog. You can request your free quote here.
Santa Cruz
Restaurant at Finch Bay Hotel
The fine dining favorite among many visitors, though far from my personal favorite. I’ll admit it’s probably the most luxurious restaurant option, and after experiencing slow, poor service elsewhere in the Galápagos, this restaurant maintains very high standards.
They focus heavily on presentation and offer upscale takes on seafood dishes, but honestly, I found the flavors quite Americanized for my taste. The service is impeccable and the ambiance is elegant, but at $40-60 per entree, I kept thinking about the incredible fresh fish I could get at the market for a fraction of the price.
The Point by Midori
Nice view and good food, but overpriced due to the scenic location. Perched right on the water, you’re paying premium prices (around $25-35 per dish) essentially for Instagram-worthy sunset photos.
The seafood is well-prepared, but again, it felt too refined and international for what I was seeking. That said, if you want a romantic dinner with a guarantee of good service and atmosphere, this delivers – just don’t expect an authentic Galápagos experience.
Galápagos Deli
Good breakfast options and sandwiches, so-so pizza, but good coffee (which is hard to find in the Galápagos). This became my backup option when I needed something quick and familiar.
Their breakfast sandwiches are solid and reasonably priced at around $6-8, and honestly, sometimes after days of adventurous eating, you just want a simple sandwich. The pizza disappointed me – too thick and lacking flavor – but for a casual lunch, it does the job.
Isabela Island
Mangrove Restaurant
Nice view and atmosphere with well-presented food, but on the expensive side. They specialize in upscale seafood presentations with international twists, and while the plating is beautiful, I found myself missing the bold, simple flavors of the local spots. Expect to pay $20-30 per entree for dishes that, while tasty, felt more like what you’d find at a resort restaurant anywhere in the world rather than something uniquely Galápagan.
Blue Summer Restaurant
You definitely overpay for the view, but I’ll admit it’s worth it. Great drinks, good food, and a must-have spot for a sunset date. This is pure tourist indulgence – cocktails run $12-15 and entrees $25-40 – but sometimes you need that picture-perfect moment. Their seafood dishes are well-executed, though again quite internationalized in my opinion. I actually enjoyed their cocktails more than the food, and watching the sunset from their terrace while sipping a perfectly mixed drink was admittedly magical.
San Cristóbal Island
Midori Sushi
The food is fine, nothing exceptional. I’d rather have locally cooked fish, but many people love this place – there are often lineups in the evenings. It struck me as odd to eat sushi when surrounded by some of the world’s freshest fish prepared in traditional Ecuadorian styles. The quality is decent and prices reasonable at $15-25 per person, but why have California rolls when you could have incredible ceviche made with fish caught that morning? Still, I understand the appeal for those craving familiar flavors.
Pahoe Restaurant
Very popular among tourists with many meat entries if you’re tired of seafood (which can happen in the Galápagos). The food is good and medium-priced, but nothing exceptional. I actually appreciated their grilled meat options after several days of fish-heavy meals, and their steaks are well-prepared for around $18-25. The atmosphere is lively and touristy, with good service, but it felt like I could have been eating at any decent restaurant in Quito rather than experiencing something unique to the islands.
Hope you loved this guide and it helps you discover the real flavors of the Galápagos!
