Must-see restaurants in El Salvador

  • Café Maquilishuat

    San Salvador

    Named after the pinkish national tree of El Salvador, this típico is a reliable option for a cheap bite. The menu of local staples changes daily, with…

  • El Portal Colonial

    Western El Salvador

    Next to Iglesia San Pedro you'll find this thriving típica restaurant that does top-value lunch deals for under US$4, including a drink and tortillas…

  • Lover’s Steak House

    Western El Salvador

    Lover's serves a heavy meal in a dimly lit setting popular with wealthy locals. Steak is the obvious star attraction, but seafood and Mexican dishes make…

  • La Cocina de la Abuela

    Eastern El Salvador

    If you're in town at the weekend, try grandma's kitchen for traditional Salvadoran dishes such as chicken soup and grilled meats, as well as natural…

  • Sidewalk Comedores

    San Salvador

    If your walking around the city center you'll probably be drawn to the smells of the sidewalk comedores a block west of Plaza Barrios. The panes de carne …

  • Restaurante San José

    Western El Salvador

    On the main square in one of Juayúa's oldest buildings, the San Jose serves grilled beef, chicken and seafood dishes along with a few more exotic items…

  • El Cafe de Don Pedro

    San Salvador

    The grilled meats and breakfast specials are the highlights of this 24-hour family-run restaurant, located in a partially open-air 1950s diner. The food…

  • Comedor Tita

    El Salvador

    Tita's is a favorite among locals for its tasty comida a la vista, especially the grilled chicken. It's located on the right-hand side on the road down to…

  • Comedor Carmary

    El Salvador

    This tidy cafeteria packed with bus-stop patrons serves tasty comida a la vista, which might include stewed chicken in tomatoes, plantains and the…

  • Nuevo Altamar

    Central El Salvador

    If you're passing through La Libertad, it's worth stopping for the exquisite ceviche and cazuela (seafood soup) at this local institution. Many San…

  • La Bocana

    Central El Salvador

    It's on the beach, seats a hundred-plus people, has an oversupply of waiters and a long menu of pretty much anything you feel like. It gets raucous once…

  • Cartagena

    Eastern El Salvador

    Ignore the overpriced rooms and come instead for the views and lovely gardens. The beer is cold and the lunch servings of grilled meat and sides can be…

  • Restaurante Mi Pueblito

    Eastern El Salvador

    Huge plates of chicken, rice, beans and salad are served at this old staple run by an industrious family. There are stirring views over mist-covered hills…

  • Dale Dale Cafe

    Central El Salvador

    If you crave a less Latin American start to the day, then try a smoothie, herbal tea, mug of Americano or stack of fluffy pancakes at this moderately…

  • Casa Vieja

    Eastern El Salvador

    A reliable restaurant for satisfying plates of grilled meats, tacos or pan relleno (filled bread; US$3), San Vicente's specialty bread rolls stuffed with…

  • Concina Lenca

    Eastern El Salvador

    This convivial típico on the square serves the usual Salvadoran breakfasts, comida a la vista (canteen-style local food) for lunch, and a huge selection…

  • Artisant

    Western El Salvador

    Generous breakfasts plus paninis, burgers, salads and huge sandwiches made with homemade bread are served at this chic downtown cafe behind the cathedral…

  • La Estancia

    Western El Salvador

    Seats for the típica buffet lunch at this colonial-era building fill with business folk during the week and young families on weekends. Enjoy eating among…

  • Típicos Kolo Kolo

    Western El Salvador

    You can't miss this cheery corner place that's painted inside and out with bright murals celebrating local life. Salvadoran breakfasts, buffet lunches and…

  • Comedor Rivolí

    Eastern El Salvador

    Eat yourself silly at the Rivolí and laugh with delight at the value of the delicious comida a la vista. How many licuados (smoothies) is too many?

  • Pastelería Ban Ban

    Western El Salvador

    Ban Ban is all over the country, but it started in Santa Ana and the locals like to celebrate their hometown each mid-afternoon over sublime cakes and…

  • Kafekali

    Western El Salvador

    This cafe on the square is a prime spot for observing daily life in Ataco while refueling with coffee and cake. It's on the western side of the park.

  • Lito's Comida Mexicana

    Eastern El Salvador

    A large Mexican place with open windows and a sizzling BBQ. The tortas (meat sandwiches) cooked out front are delicious, as are the sizable tacos.

  • El Gran Mirador

    Western El Salvador

    Eat fresh mojarro fish from the lake at this seafood restaurant with 'the view.' It’s at Km 53 on the road down from El Congo to the lake.

  • Pastelería Lorena

    Eastern El Salvador

    El Salvador’s most famous bakery started here. A glass of horchata and a slice of Maria Luisa (jam cake) are the business.

  • Esquina La Comadre

    Central El Salvador

    Popular with hungry surfers, this unassuming corner spot punches out generous portions of tacos, seafood and rice dishes to all who stop by.

  • Cartagena

    El Salvador

    Satisfying, freshly prepared tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas as well as tasty licuados (smoothies) are available here.

  • Mercado Municipal

    El Salvador

    This large covered market offers a visual feast of veggies, fruits and grains, as well as stock to replenish your toiletries.

  • Coyote

    Central El Salvador

    Get your fill of tempting breakfasts, smoothies, coffee and in-between-surf food at this American-style cafe near the beach.

  • Pupusaria Andrea

    Western El Salvador

    Welcoming waitstaff drum up business for morning pupusas and comida a la vista (canteen-style) lunches.

  • Las Fajitas

    San Salvador

    The secret is in the five spicy salsas you can choose from to douse your nachos at this dependable Mexican joint.

  • Food Stands

    Western El Salvador

    Hit the row of food stands on the plaza for enormous chicken sandwiches in soft bread, burgers and greasy fries.

  • Teklebab

    Central El Salvador

    Expect excellent Turkish-influenced cuisine in this hip restaurant and bar with the requisite hookah lounge.

  • La Posada Suchitlán

    El Salvador

    On lush, sprawling grounds overlooking the lake, you'll find typical Salvadoran food in an atypical setting.

  • El Barrilito

    Eastern El Salvador

    Feast on seafood cocktails, fresh juices and pupusas at this cavernous San Miguel institution.

  • Pastelería Trigo Puro

    Eastern El Salvador

    Fat cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and coconut cookies beckon from the glass case of this popular bakery.

  • Suchimex

    El Salvador

    A fun Mexican joint turning out decent burritos and tacos that go down well with a margarita or two.

  • El Cafecito

    Central El Salvador

    Get your caffeine fix at this airy corner cafe. The food ranges from paninis to waffles and crepes.

  • Salvatore’s

    San Salvador

    Good-value pizza place that's convenient if you're staying in one of the nearby guesthouses.

  • Super Selectos

    Central El Salvador

    Excellent supermarket for stocking up on supplies before heading down the coast.

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