Despite the fact that most visitors to Isla de Margarita stay at all-inclusive resorts, there are a host of restaurants around the island. Many of the beaches have simple restaurants on or close to the sand; they're great options for a lunch of fresh fish, lobster, or pabellón, the Venezuelan national dish consisting of shredded beef, rice, beans, and fried plantains.
Tip: Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, I recommend heading out on the town to any of the restaurants recommended here, at least once or twice during your stay.
In addition to the places listed, El Rancho de Pablo, Avenida Raúl Leoni, Porlamar (tel. 0295/263-1121), and El Rincón de la Isla, Boulevard Turistico, Playa El Agua (tel. 0295/249-0035), are two excellent open-air waterfront restaurants specializing in fresh local seafood, while Café Mediterráneo, Calle Campos, Porlamar (tel. 0295/264-0503); Il Positano, Calle Fermín and Calle Tubores, Porlamar (tel. 0295/264-1110); and La Scala, in the Hilton Margarita (tel. 0295/262-4111), are all recommended options for Italian. Both El Rancho de Pablo and Il Positano have sister restaurants in the Sambil Mall.
