Disclaimer: all opinions in these reviews will be based on 5 criteria: quality of product, flavor mastery, chef's personality, value for money and consistency between visits.
We don't accept free meals, we pay for every visit in every place you'll read here.
El Salvador has plenty of restaurants and food options to enjoy but our mission, is to give you our most honest opinion on where to eat in El Salvador, based on 5 criteria. We've tried these restaurants multiple times and can recommend you'll have a foodgasmic and trustworthy experience in any of the following:
Btw, in El Salvador we don't use reservations apps for the majority of restaurants and establishments that we'll be sharing here. Its simply not part of our culture yet. So, don't find weird having to text on Instagram DMs or call to make sure they expect you in restaurants.
- La Enoteca ($$-$$$): Resto Wine Bar, Italian | Reservations Required through DMs: https://bit.ly/3nIktuy
This resto wine bar its a hidden gem in the city. If you like wine, you'll fine authentic Italian DOC bottles that have been imported in small batches only to sell to every day customers. Many of the ingredients in your pasta are also coming from Italy and nowhere else to be found in the city.
This is one of those places where you'll be seeing and hearing all about the menu by the chef. Literally, there is no printed menu so that's when you know, you're in for a treat and very personal service. You'll find a few tables, dim lights and hands down the best pasta in the city here.
What to order: our advice, ask the chef to recommend whats good for the day and go for that!
Location: Hotel Suites Las Palmas, Blvr. Sergio Viera De Mello, San Salvador.
Tip: restaurant is located in a hotel complex in Zona Rosa, parking is charged separately and they only accept cash so make sure you bring some with you.
Hours: send a DM to the restaurant to check availability.
2. Kamakura ($$$+): Japanese | No Reservation Needed, Walk-Ins
This is one of the oldest Asian restaurants in the city, serving quality seafood and having an authentic atmosphere inside the restaurant. Here you will find classic Japanese plates from Sunomono to delicious Tonkatsu Ramen and all the way to seasonal Toro Nigiri.
Portions are big, so we recommend ordering a couple of plates and sharing between your party. You can accompany your meal with some sake or green tea as well. Make sure to check out their Japanese dining room where you can sit in low chairs without shoes and appreciate their cool art on walls.
Location: Avenida Norte #617 Colonia Escalon, near Torre Futura.
Tip: Kamakura is set on one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city so parking is limited.
3. La Gastroteca ($$$$): European, Fusion | Reservation Recommended, find it on Open Table, DMs or Call
Many call it the best restaurant in the city. Here's where you want to celebrate a special occasion or bring your business partner if you're from El Salvador.
What we like the most about this restaurant is the consistency in flavor along with the super friendly waiters. La Gastroteca goes above and beyond, keeping your taste buds engaged since the moment you arrive by serving you bread and butter followed by the waiter's suggestion for the evening, main course and they will always finish with a palate cleanser to end your meal.
What to order: any protein from the menu will be always on point, duck, lamb, or just any steak is worth trying.
Location: Hotel Suites Las Palmas, Blvr. Sergio Viera De Mello, San Salvador.
4. Lobby ($$-$$$): GastroBar, Fusion | Reservation Recommended by Call
We've traveled a couple of places in the world and the vibe of this place is like no other. Just like its name, when you dine here you will feel like dining in an 1930s hotel with modern music and boozy cocktails.
Taste wise, the whole menu is game. Our usual go to's: Guayabo Smoked Wings, Lobby Burger, Entraña, Dragon Roll Sushi, Bacon Blues Pizza. For drinks, we recommend you try for cocktails their Old Fashioned and their mezcal cocktails Señora Piñarita. Also, this is a safe option for brunch and breakfast.
Location: Bulevar el Hipódromo, #587, Colonia San Benito, San Salvador.
Tip: trust worthy valet parking available
5. El Xolo ($-$$): Mexican-Salvadoran Fusion | No Reservation Required
This restaurant its as local as it can be. Two chefs from El Salvador have created a short but delicious menu where you can try some of the best and authentic corn based products in the city. You can book a reservation through their DMs on instagram.
They also have an interesting mezcal and whiskey menu. We recommend you ask about the corn distilled whiskey they bring all the way from Mexico. Its delicious and it will compliment the meal experience. In terms of food, we order one meal per every section of the menu, that way you get to try a little of everything.
Tip: pay attention to their ceramic plates, which are worth recognizing because this is one of the few places in the city to include ceramics made my Salvadoreños.
We hope you enjoy these options!
