ABOUT US
Restaurante Doña Elsie is located in the nice small town of Puerto Lopez , pronvince of Manabi, a small fishing village with around 16000 inhabitants.
Very much known for its eco-tourism. Local waters,i.e. Pacific, there are Amberjack, dolphin, wahoo, marlin, and tuna of many differente species.
Also whale wathcing is popular from mid-June to October.
A few kilometers offshore you can find Isla de la Plata, (island of the Silver), also known as poor man’s Galapagos.
Dona Elsie y Humberto have come to Ecuador in 2011 and first started their restaurant at the malecon and later on because they wanted their own place and needed more space they opened up in 2014 their restaurant at a very nice location, in the vicinity of the beach.
They have the restaurant and some small cabanas?/huts, where people can enjoy their food.
Dona Elsie has been and still is an excellent cook. She is cooking for ages, starting at the tender age
Of 6 when she resided in Esmeraldas, on the Northern Coast of Ecuador. Later on she worked for many years under the tutelage of many chef-cooks in Quito were she could apply later on the knowledge in her own restaurant. She is an excellent cook I really enjoyed her dishes.
Apart from her cooking, they are very hospitable and gentle people. Very warm always taking your time with you. They really enjoy giving their most and see it as a way of giving the clients their best service. A real warm, kind atmosphere you feel very quickly at home.
OPINIONS AND REVIEWS
Review on the 1st of May 2014:
“Delicious and traditional”
The location is now near the Bomberos, just around the corner from General Cordova I believe. We had dinner one evening which was excellent, two friends had pescado encocao (coconut fish) and camaron encocao (coconut prawns), another the fish ceviche (cold fish soup with sliced up green pepper, onions, tomatoes) which is a typical coastal dish, breaded fried fish with beans and I had rice with prawns. All of them were full of flavour and very reasonably priced compared to other options. It was the best meal we had in Puerto Lopez by far and we had the set lunch the next day for 3USD. Choices were fish or cheese soup as a starter and the main was either the coconut fish or fried fish. Big jar of juice was served with a free refill. Bargain. If you are ordering dinner, make sure you bring a bit of patience as it can take a while, but it's well worth it as everything is made to order and fresh. Lunch was served very quickly. The owners are friendly too. Best food option in Puerto Lopez in my opinion.
Review on the 13 th of August 2014
“Amazing Almuerzo (lunch) ! Great Value and Service!”
We visited Doña Elsie's based on other Trip Advisor reviews. What a treat! Doña Elsie's offers traditional regional Ecuadorian food from Esmeraldas, it is a nice option compared to most typical restaurants on the Malecon who present the same standard sometimes overpriced plates. We went for dinner one night, had great conversation with the owner, and returned again for lunch the next day to eat and chat some more. The Sancocho was a dream and the Encocao de pescado was like nothing I've ever had before. It is really such a treat to be in one part of a country and experience authentic cuisine of another part that you'd love to go to, but just don't have the time! One avenue from the Malecon caddy corner from the Fire Station. Streets: General Cordova and Juan Montalvo! Just ask for the restaurant that has Esmeraldenian cuisine! Only place in town... I think. DON'T MISS IT!
Review on the 1 st of July 2014
“Not Just a Restaurant.”
Welcome to Puerto Lopez. My annual retreat for the past 5 winters. I have become very good friends with most of the Hotel, Hostel and Restaurant owners and staff through the years. This does NOT mean I would write something that isn't true because of friendship. I try to eat here once or twice a week with friends. The food is nothing less than excellent, as is the service. One block of the Malecon. My favorite is the Soups. When I get finished, most of the time I don't have room for the main course. This is a very friendly place. Try to see and introduce yourself to the owners. Very Great People. Tell them Bill P. said to drop by and say hello.
Review on the 26 th of February 2014:
“Delicious!!! Deffinitely Recommend”
After some confusing instructions from Trip Advisor we found it! It is now in front of Los Bomberos behind the Malecon as of 18 days ago!!! The food is typical from Esmeraldas and is fantastic!! My husband and Mother had encocado which is a coconut sauce and they had it with shrimp and I had guatita with calamari which was so amazingly delicious!! It was a generous portion of food and will deffinitely go back!!! Maybe tomorrow........