Best For
Flavorful BBQ skewers and affordable local meals on the way to Tortuga Bay.
Pinchos del Gato Mera
EC
Restaurant·Authentic, Casual, Lively, No Frills
Pinchos del Gato Mera is a standout dining destination in Puerto Ayora, offering an authentic alternative to the more tourist-heavy waterfront restaurants. Specializing in grilled skewers, the menu features perfectly prepared pork belly, steak, and chicken, all generously topped with their signature chimichurri sauce. Guests rave about the flavorful sides, particularly the rice with lentils and the grilled corn with cheese. Located conveniently on the path to Tortuga Bay, it’s a perfect stop for a hearty, affordable meal after a day at the beach. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, defined by warm breezes, cold beer, and friendly service that makes every visitor feel like a local. It is a must-visit for those seeking genuine Galápagos flavors without the high price tag.
Pinchos del Gato Mera is a standout dining destination in Puerto Ayora, offering an authentic alternative to the more tourist-heavy waterfront restaurants. Specializing in grilled skewers, the menu features perfectly prepared pork belly, steak, and chicken, all generously topped with their signature chimichurri sauce. Guests rave about the flavorful sides, particularly the rice with lentils and the grilled corn with cheese. Located conveniently on the path to Tortuga Bay, it’s a perfect stop for a hearty, affordable meal after a day at the beach. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, defined by warm breezes, cold beer, and friendly service that makes every visitor feel like a local. It is a must-visit for those seeking genuine Galápagos flavors without the high price tag.
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Address
Charles Binford, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Phone099 424 4349
Hours
Open nowMon
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tue
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Wed
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Thu
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Fri
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Sat
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Sun
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Highlights
Signature grilled skewers with chimichurri sauce.
Hearty sides like rice with lentils and grilled corn with cheese.
Excellent value compared to waterfront tourist spots.
Convenient location for travelers heading to Tortuga Bay Beach.
Friendly, welcoming service in a local setting.
Currency
USD $
Time of Day
Lunch, Dinner
Occasion Tags
Casual Drinks, Groups, Locals, Tourists, Solo
Reviews
4.8
Excellent205 reviews
Pinchos del Gato Mera is widely regarded as one of the best value-for-money dining spots in Puerto Ayora, boasting a high 4.8-star rating. Reviewers consistently praise the authentic, home-style flavors, particularly the BBQ skewers and the flavorful chimichurri sauce applied to most dishes. The pork belly, steak, and chicken are frequently recommended, alongside popular sides like rice with lentils and grilled corn with cheese. Many visitors highlight that the prices are significantly more affordable than restaurants on the main tourist strips of Santa Cruz. While the atmosphere is simple and no-frills, the service is described as exceptionally friendly and warm. Some guests noted that it can get very busy, especially on Sundays, leading to wait times of around 30 minutes for a table.
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Location
Puerto Ayora, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
