Boardwalk Eats and Daily Life
El Marinero (The Sailor) is a Bahia institution, a beloved fixture on Main Street that has been serving the community for what feels like forever. Located in the heart of town next to the Viteri Clinic, this open-air eatery opens early for breakfast and closes each afternoon after the lunch rush.
While it offers a set menu and daily lunch specials (a remarkable deal at $3.50, which includes juice, soup, and a main), my order is always the same: the Tigrillo. This classic Ecuadorian dish is a masterpiece of simplicity—creamy mashed green plantains mixed with eggs and cheese, resulting in a hearty, comforting texture. It’s crowned with a perfectly fried egg and can be enriched with additions like chicharrón. For me, it’s the ultimate choice, any time of day—like a creamier, more indulgent cousin of the bolón.
On this visit, the daily special featured a tempting shrimp pasta. My loyalty to the Tigrillo never wavers, but curiosity won out—I did try the shrimp special, and it was excellent. Still, my go-to order belong to the Tigrillo.
If you visit, try to snag an outside seat. There’s no better way to enjoy your meal than with a plate of Tigrillo and a view of Bahia life passing by.
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Last modified: February 6, 2026
