Name: El Nogalito
Address: Laurel #107 El Nogalito
Telephone: (322)221-5225
E-mail: restaurantelnogalito@yahoo.com, nogalitopvr@hotmail.com
Type of food: Mexican, Seafood and International cuisine
What I’d heard about it beforehand: We spent the afternoon visiting El Nogalito with friends, and all I knew beforehand was that it was in the jungle...and they weren’t kidding!
Atmosphere: “Restaurant” is a loose term for this place – you are literally in the jungle next to the river, listening to the water and looking out into the trees. When you park, you’re not sure quite where you are or where you’re going, and I’m glad I was there with friends who knew the right path for where to go. You sort of walk, and look, and see a crazy jungle insect, and look some more, and walk…and then you come out all in a beautiful jungle sanctuary overlooking the river. El Nogalito itself is a small village, and I’ve been told that a lot of the land is owned by one family, who also run the restaurant.
There are a few palapas, but you have to try sitting on one of the balconies overlooking the water without walls closing you in. Since you are outside, it’s warm in the summer, but there’s lots of shade from the canopy above you. I’d love to go back in the winter when the temperature overall is a little cooler. When we looked out onto the river you could see a huge rope for swinging, and I even saw a woman relaxing in the shallow water. There was a parrot that climbed up and down a huge rope his cage hung from. When we arrived, we were the only people there, but later on another party came too and chose similar seating.
Service: As mentioned previously, we were some of the only people there, and I’m sure that’s due more to the remote location than anything else. We had wonderful service, and even had a manager-type check on us at one point to make sure everything was ok. The menu is laid out with Spanish on top and English directly below or next to it, which I thought was a nice gesture.
Drinks: We had basic things, but I should mention that my limonada was perfect – not too tart, not too sweet. You can’t beat a perfect limonada in the middle of the jungle.
Dress Code: Come as you are – casual is fine. Remember, you’ll probably be sitting in plastic chairs, and you’re in the jungle…I’ll let your common sense finish the rest.
Price Range: $$-$$$$ I panicked and asked for clarification at first, because the first thing I saw was the Seafood Sampler and Surf and Turf Combo (perhaps for two?) for $675. If you look over the menu, though, you’ll notice that there are other, more random items on the back like Chicken Enchiladas ($110), a Hamburger and Fries platter ($149), and even Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce for just $185.
My order: Since it wasn’t my birthday/a major event/etc. I went ahead with the Chicken Enchiladas. Sometimes I’m nervous to get just enchiladas for lunch because I end up hungry, but this platter was big and beautiful, with fresh refried beans. The sauce was tomato-y and rich, and not too spicy (which I also liked), with a great balance of salty cheeses. I really hate soggy, wet enchiladas, but these were just great and I was full when I was done. There was also a lot of detail on all the platters – I’m not totally sure what the garnish on mine was but I believe it was a fried noodle – it crunched! It was just a little touch that was a fun surprise.
We also had the Guacamole, Chicken Fajitas, Cheese Quesadillas, and an order of Flan, all of which were reported to me to be very fresh and delicious. I was impressed with the presentation of everyone else’s food too. I was able to take pictures of the menu while I was there if you’d like more information about prices and other items on the menu.
The Good… You can’t beat this place for atmosphere. If you had an adventurous date, this would be such a fun place for a romantic lunch!
The Bad… It’s really off the beaten path, and some items are expensive. I wouldn’t mind going back and trying something more special like the Seafood Sampler for Two on a big day, though.
…& the Hungry… Many of the “Chef’s Specialties” are seafood dishes that are relatively more reasonably priced, like the “Surf and Turf Brochette” for $169. I’d also like to try the “Shrimp Mama Juanita with Cheese and Bacon” ($245) and that filet mignon bargain I mentioned earlier.
Should you spend your hard-earned peso? Yes, definitely! This was a really fun, beautiful place I’d like to go back to once the weather cools off a little more. Just don’t forget your wallet!
