Seafood Restaurants in Ecuador

Ecuador and seafood are practically inseparable. If you’re anywhere near the coast, you’ll see fish markets selling fresh catch before breakfast even starts. Cities like Manta, Salinas, and Esmeraldas have restaurants where the ceviche practically melts in your mouth,fresh, tangy, and made with local lemons that pack a punch.

But don’t think you have to be on the coast to eat well. In Quito and Cuenca, lots of spots serve shrimp, octopus, or that classic fish soup, encebollado, with yucca on the side,comfort food when you’re missing the ocean breeze. My go-to in Guayaquil is Villamil, a neighborhood where small, family-run places whip up seafood dishes passed down generations. You’ll find whole fried fish, arroz con camarones, and shrimp grilled over charcoal, all with that unmistakable coastal flavor.

Here’s a little insider tip: if you see a place serving caldo de bola, grab it. It’s a dumpling soup that’s simple but packed with flavor, and locals swear by it as the ultimate hangover fix. Also, the best time for seafood in Ecuador is during the dry season (June to September) when the fish markets are stocked with the freshest catch. If you ask nicely, they might even show you the kitchen,it’s fun to see how quickly they transform the catch into your plate.