Returning home from the Galapagos, we spent the night once again in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Since we had more time on the way back, we decided to follow a local recommendation for dinner, which turned out to be a very smart decision.
‘Lo Nuestro’ is a quick and cheap cab ride from either the main tourist area or the major hotels. As we walked in, the first thing I noticed was that the place was packed. It was a great mix of obvious local residents and obvious tourists, but the vibe worked and wasn’t awkward. The decor is a mix of old Guayaquil news clippings and pictures, showing a different era in the city.
When we ordered we did so from a Spanish menu, as they didn’t have anything else. But, as a table, our high school Spanish saved the day, even if ordering really was a leap of faith. Given the proximity of the city to the coast, seafood is the specialty here. That being said, I ordered a great crispy pork with rice dish that was out of this world. Others at the table ordered a traditional chicken dish that looked amazing and ceviche and calamari for appetizers that rivaled anything I had ever seen before.
This is a leisurely place, which was fine by me. In a traditional way, they want you to take your time as you enjoy all the courses, down to some incredible desserts. Prices are amazing too. Expect to pay no more than $20 a person for a full, multi-course meal.
So, should you find yourself in Guayaquil, definitely put ‘Lo Nuestro’ at the top of your dining list.
