5 Fine-dining Restaurants in San Salvador
‘Panza llena, corazón contento’ translates to full belly, happy heart. This is slang to describe the feeling you get after a very good meal. Below we’ve put together a list of some of the best high-end restaurants to try in San Salvador… restaurants that will have you feeling exactly this way… llena y contento!
1. Monarca Restaurant
Image via Monarca Restaurant
Within less than a year of its opening, Monarca Restaurant — our personal favorite — has been nominated as the best restaurant of El Salvador for 2023. An old Salvadoran house, turned intimate restaurant, Monarca is located in colonia San Benito, in the heart of San Salvador.
Restaurant and cuisine type: signature cuisine by Chef Agredas; meats and seafood
Perfect for: couples dates, special celebrations, business meetings
Rate: 4.7/5 on Google with 39 reviews
2. Il Bongustaio
Image via Il Bongustaio
Also located in San Benito, Il Bongustaio is the restaurant located withing Nico Urban Hotel. Don’t get us wrong, they take reservations and walk-ins from non-hotel guests. We love the intimate atmosphere and delicious menu.
Restaurant and cuisine type: Authentic Italian cuisine
Perfect for: business meals, couples dates, special celebrations and small events
Rate: 4.6/5 on Google with 536 reviews
3. Brutto
Image via Tripadvisor
With 3 locations in Aruba, Panamá and El Salvador, Brutto is an urban chic inspired restaurant located inside Bambu City Center mall, in la Zona Rosa, San Salvador. They have great cocktails — the perfect spot for a date or evening drink. And even though it is located in a mall, it is accessed through a separate elevator that brings you to the roof level. Intimate, cozy and posh!
Restaurant and cuisine type: signature cuisine and sushi bar
Perfect for: date night, business meetings, a solo cocktail by the bar… Psst, they serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday with $25 bottomless mimosas for 4 hours
Rate: 4.4/5 on Google with 304 reviews.
4. Al Pomodoro
It seems like all the fine dining in San Salvador is located in the same zone, because Al Pomodoro is also located in San Benito. You can’t go wrong with any pick of the menu, but our favorite is Capellini al Olivo, thin pasta with olive oil, olives and seafood.
Restaurant & cuisine type: Haute Italian Cuisine
Perfect for: any occasion really, business meals, special celebrations
Rate: 4.6/5 on Google with 2,144 reviews.
5. La Gastroteca
Image via Runinos
Located on the first floor of Hotel & Apartment Suites Las Palmas, in Zona Rosa, San Salvador, La Gastroteca is a creative experience of haute cuisine and exceptional service, within a sublime and elegant atmosphere. NOTE: A reservation is required for each visit.
Dress code: Semi-formal / formal
Restaurant type: haute cuisine
Perfect for: date night (with friends or a partner!), special occasions, business meals
Rate: 4.7/5 on Google with 293 reviews.
There sure are more restaurants that could fit in this guide, but this is just the beginning of fine dining recommendations in San Salvador. How many of these have you tried? What was your favorite? Please, feel free to write in the comments your favorite restaurant so we can go visit them and include them here too.
