Although just a small fishing village, Puerto Lopez is the central hub for day trips to Isla de la Plata, Machalilla National Park and for whale-watching. This helps explain why there seems to be a rather large proportion of restaurants seeking business here. One walk along the Malecon (promenade) certainly reiterates this fact with an endless line of eateries offering all kinds of seafood and international cuisine.
As to be expected in any tourist area, the food on offer covers the whole spectrum in terms of quality and price, with only a handful offering good value in both. This includes The Whale Café, which in my opinion is one of the best this village has to offer.
The Whale Cafe is located at the southern end of town, opposite the beach and the place where the majority of the fishing activity takes place. This makes it an ideal destination to enjoy breakfast, sampling the huge fruit salad and granola dishes, or the equally tempting maple and apple pancakes while enjoying the hustle and bustle of the beach below, numerous fishing walking past their days catch wedged firmly under their arms.
Come at night and you witness another part of Puerto Lopez’s culture; alcohol. Grown men huddled in groups litter the beach front, drinking illicit brews while trying to fend off excited packs of homeless dogs that roam the streets.
The best thing about The Whale Café is its varied menu and its ability to successfully mix international cuisine with local dishes and fresh seafood, something the expat American owners, Diane and Kevin, residents here for 15 years should be very proud of. I normally focus my foreign currency on native eateries, but with so many compliments directed this way I just couldn’t resist, returning many times during my stay in Puerto Lopez, especially after tasting the grilled fish sandwiches and the fresh shrimps in garlic sauce, all of which leave you change from a $5 note.
More Western staples such as pizza, pasta and burgers also grace the menu, all of which should be washed down with one of the variety of fresh juices or milkshakes available and a piece of homemade apple pie ($2) or a brownie ($1.50), both of which are divine.
Western owned it also has the added benefit for those travellers with poor Spanish skills to get exactly what you’re asking for. The best seats are located upstairs on the balcony overlooking the beach. More seating is available downstairs, all of which give refreshing sea breezes and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Due to the popularity of The Whale Cafe, it is the only restaurant alongside Carmita’s that remains busy all day long so try and avoid eating at peak times unless you want to wait.
If in the Puerto Lopez vicinity, I whole heartedly recommend eating here at least once. The restaurant is open from 8.30am-11pm. The owners also provide a wealth of knowledge on local excursions and which tour agencies are the best to use.
From journal Poor Man's Galapagos? Isla de la Plata and Around