This likeable little café, which looks out onto Suchitoto’s Parque Centario, offers indoor and outdoor seating - great for soaking up life on the square, especially after dark.

Guisos, or mains, include chiles rellenos and gallo en chica, and seafood specialities such as boca colorado (a meaty local lake-fish) and garlicky grilled shrimp. Parilla style grills are also on the menu, as are Mexican antijitos (tacos, tortas, quesadillas etc). Perhaps the most tempting and traditionally Salvadorean offerings, though, are the hot-off-the-griddle pupusas – available with some interesting variations on the standard beans, cheese and chicharron flavours (such as cheese with spinach, carrot, mushrooms, and other seasonal vegetables).

Substantial and typical breakfasts are served at El Portal between 7.30 and 11 am and, in the evening, many customers seem to call by just for a dessert or a drink (wine is available by the bottle – beers, juices, tea, coffee and sumptuous dark Salvadorean hot chocolate are other drinks options).

 Service was a bit tardy at first but soon picked up speed.

Location:
South side of main plaza (Parque Centario), Suchitoto, El Salvador
Suchitoto, El Salvador

Restaurant Types:
Traditional, Salvadorean, mexican, steaks, seafood

Currencies accepted
US dollar

Price Description: Prices include tax.

Atmosphere: Outdoor/patio dining

Bar Features:Full bar, wine / beer, bring your own beer, no alcohol served

Regulations: Yes

Dress Code: Casual

Reservation: Not necessary

Park Options: No

By Felicity Runchman

I'm an open-minded and adventurous spirited British female traveller, taking a year off work at present to explore Latin America. So far I've...

Created: 15 Jan 2009

Updated: 15 Jan 2009