Gastronomy
The main local food produced on the island is different kinds of fish, shellfish, tomatoes (Margarita tomatoe), and creole chili peppers.
Since the Margarita's climate is quite warm and dry, agriculture is not an easy task. Most of the fruit and vegetables come from mainland with of course an increase on the value due to the transport of such products.
There are some farmers on the island that produce herbs, lettuce, soy, among other things by means of Hidroponic techniques. There is also a farm where goat chesse is produced.
At supermarkets, there is a wide variety of imported products since Margarita is a free-port.
In Porlamar, there are several delicatessen stores like Byblos where you can get arabic products, and the italian mom-and-pop shop where you can buy authentic italian products. Both of these places are located on Avenida 4 de Mayo in Porlamar.
In Pampatar, next to Trimar Restaurant, there are two big fish shops that always have fresh fish at a sensible price. The best time to buy fish is the morning on any week day. The will clean your fish for a small tip.
Venezuelan's love beef. Venezuelan parrilla (barbecue) is every bit as good as the Argentinian parrilla. There several good places on the island where you can enjoy a delicious parrilla.
At almost every corner, you can find fruit lorries, and kiosks where you can enjoy a nice natural tropical fruit juice.
Venezuelan rhum is a top-quality product, and also not very expensive. The best rhum brands are Caqique, Santa Teresa, Pampero, and Diplomatico.
Venezuelan typical food consists of dishes made with corn flour (Harina P.A.N) like empanadas with different stuffings, arepas, and hallacas (typical Christmas meal made with yellow corn flour, stuffed with beef stew, and wrapped with banana leaves).
Cachapas are also made with corn. Cachapas are a type of large crepe served with white local chesse. On Avenida 31 de Julio, the road that goes to Playa El Agua, there are several restaurants which their speciality is cachapas, and cocadas (cocunt based drink).
From plantains you can find tostones, which are made with green plantains, and tajadas with ripe plantains. Salads are a necessary ill. Do not put your hopes up regarding these side orders at most humble restaurants.
On most beaches, there are restaurants with great fish, and shellfish menues. It is advisable to ask for the menu before in order to compare the prices of the different restaurants.
There are gourmet restaurants at five-star hotels, Sambil, and in the Town of Pampatar.
In Porlamar, there are also fancy restaurants with very sensible prices, and a wide variety of meals. Nevertheless, you have to be very careful at night, and always take a cab to go around the city.