Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Isla Margarita
1. Fried Red Snapper or Corocoro
A whole red snapper or corocoro, caught fresh from local waters, is seasoned with coastal herbs and delicately fried until golden and crisp.
Served alongside coconut rice, salad, and fried plantains, this dish captures the rustic charm and bold flavors of Margarita’s fishing villages — a true island classic for seafood lovers.
2. Empanada de Cazón
A crispy cornmeal pocket, freshly fried and filled with tender shredded shark seasoned in tomato, garlic, and island spices.
Often enjoyed beachside, this savory snack offers a satisfying crunch followed by rich, flavorful filling — the perfect introduction to Margarita’s street food culture.
3. Pastel de Chucho
This unique layered dish of shredded stingray, ripe plantains, and spiced béchamel is baked to golden perfection.
Sweet and savory in every bite, it’s a coastal take on lasagna that surprises and delights with its blend of textures and Caribbean soul — especially popular during Holy Week.
4. Margariteño Pabellón
A hearty, colorful plate featuring shredded fish (often cazón), seasoned black beans, fluffy white rice, and sweet fried plantains.
This coastal twist on Venezuela’s national dish brings together bold flavors and homestyle warmth, reflecting the island’s love for balance and tradition in every meal.
5. Sancocho Margariteño
A rich fish stew simmered slowly with yuca, sweet plantains, root vegetables, and herbs — often cooked in large outdoor pots during gatherings.
Comforting, rustic, and deeply nourishing, this dish is a weekend ritual and a beloved taste of island family life.
6. Fosforera Marinera
A steaming bowl of ocean flavors — shrimp, squid, clams, and octopus — simmered in a spicy tomato broth with fresh island chiles.
Bursting with heat and depth, this bold stew is both a celebration of Margarita’s seafood bounty and a local remedy for cold nights and celebrations alike.
7. Mojito en Coco
Delicate fish is shredded and simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with garlic, bell peppers, and island herbs, then served over rice.
This dish is soothing and tropical, offering a fragrant, mellow contrast to spicier fare — a true expression of coastal comfort.
8. Fish Ceviche
Fresh local fish marinated in lime juice, finely sliced onions, and cilantro until gently “cooked” by citrus.
Light, tangy, and refreshing, it’s the ultimate island appetizer — cool on the palate and bursting with ocean brightness. Perfect with crisp plantain chips and a sea breeze.
9. Bistec a la Margarita
Juicy grilled beef steak seasoned with Caribbean spices and often marinated in citrus, garlic, and herbs.
Commonly served with fried yuca, tostones, or arepas, this dish reflects the island’s local twist on classic steakhouse fare.
10. Halibut with Lemon Sauce on Rice
Tender halibut fillet gently pan-seared and served over a bed of fluffy white rice, topped with a zesty lemon-butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
This dish blends international elegance with local island freshness — ideal for those who prefer lighter, refined flavors while still enjoying the sea’s bounty.