Refined cooking is not one of El Salvador's strong points, although there are a few exceptions, with gourmet cuisine available in San Salvador and smart restaurants serving excellently prepared local dishes in the provincial cities. Most local people, however, eat in comedores , the ubiquitous café, where you can get a nutritious and substantial meal for around US$2-3. The cleanliness of these places varies, as does the quality of the food; if in doubt, choose one that's busy.

The main meal of the day is lunch - look out for comida a la vista , basically a cheap and cheerful set lunch served up at comedores across the country. Generally, unless it's a fiesta, people don't eat out a lot and places close relatively early; around 9pm. Only in the cities, and mostly at weekends, will restaurants be full and stay open late.