I’ve been wanting to try this little seafood restaurant called “El Pulpo” in Rio Mar, but it was closed for a while due to the road construction for the new sewer lines. A friend and I finally got a chance to have lunch there and I’m glad I did. The food was tasty and the portions large enough to have the leftovers at home later.
El Pulpo is a cute little place with colorful murals of sea life painted on the walls. El Pulpo means octopus in English. There are about 10 tables and an inside rancho for that special date. The owner is the hostess and the cook doubles as a waitress when she’s not cooking. They are both friendly and will chat with you if you want some company.
The menu is painted on the wall, but not everything is available all the time, so you’ll get a rundown of what is really on the menu after you’re seated. I had the fish filet with yucca and salad. My friend had a whole Pargo (red snapper) with salad and French fries. The salad had a sort of ceviche flavor which we both liked. We had sodas to drink, but I saw other people drinking beer, so they serve cold cervezas.
Fish fillet with yucca
Pargo with french fries
Leftovers “para llevar”
The two meals, with drinks was under $20, with plenty of food for a hefty appetite or a snack at home later. I have heard the seafood soup is good and I think I’ll try that on my next visit. El Pulpo is a hidden gem that I recommend for a casual lunch or dinner.
You can find El Pulpo by driving towards Rio Mar from downtown Puerto past the police station. It’s about one block off the beach. Beware of one-way streets in Pueblo Nuevo as you head back to Puerto – they’re not marked!
El Pulpo is open from 10am – 11pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Have you been to El Pulpo? What was your experience there? Please comment below.
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Took the bus from Boquete by way of David. Just wanted to check the town out. Wasn’t sure where I was at but saw the sign for the resturant and went in. Had the shrimp and rice. Big portion. It was good, couldn’t finish it.
Thanks Bob! Yes, El Pulpo does have large portions. It’s great to know that the information we provide on the website is benefiting folks!
Thanks for the comment Bob! Yes, El Pulpo has large portions and I’m glad you found it as tasty as I did.
Whenever I have company in town I always visit El Pulpo. The food is consistently excellent and you are in and out quickly (unless the same table of 8 orders right before you that was there on my last visit). They DO sell beer, but often not much of a selection. Highly recommend!
This is one of my “hidden” favorites too!