I got the stew chicken and my husband had the fried rice. Everything had tons of flavor and the sauce they gave us for the table was just the right amount of spicy. Everything was great and relatively cheap for the portion size read more

Los Galapagos is hands down the best restaurant in Columbus. I've been frequenting Los Galapagos the past three years and every time I go the food is perfect. The flavors are bold, the homemade hot sauce is to die for, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Standout dishes include the Fried Red Snapper, the Goat Stew, the ceviche and all of the homemade soups (beef, chicken and seafood). I feel so fortunate to have Los Galapagos in Columbus and hope they are here for many years to come. read more

The only negative thing I have to say about this place is that it's small. So you have to wait for a table. But I truly enjoyed the food. The food was definitely worth the wait. read more

Great cheese empanadas. I also had the shrimp and plantains with rice and it was delicious and filling. Great service, highly recommend! read more

Los Galapagos - I ate it all! - Latin American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I've had their fried rice and also had their stew chicken, both of them were awesome! Food taste really good and not too spicy like some other similar restaurants I've tried in the past. Their customer service has been good too. read more

Delicious! Discovered this place on accident; but what a happy accident it was! Our waitress was really sweet and recommended her favorites off the menu. The dining room is pretty small, but that's no matter. Their menu is one page, front and back, but there's something for everyone. Will be back! read more

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This restaurant specializes in Ecudorian and Columbian food. And if I'm correct, they actually have locatiions in those countries. I went as a result of a recommendation from a friend and the food was all that it was cracked up to be. I was amazed at the number of people in this dinky little joint eating whole fish dinners. I'm not sure why that suprised me but it did. I had the Churasco platter, which included a thin slice of beef covered with onions and peppers in an orange sauce, rice, lettuce and tomato, and french fries, topped with two fried eggs. It tasted better than it sounds. All in all, it was a very good meal. Well recommended. read more

I stepped into this small piece of Ecuador on the West side, and it was DELICIOUS! This place is slightly off the beaten path, on a back/cut through road used by most to cut from Broad to Sullivant, but what caught my eye was this tiny little place. The other reviewers don't lie. This place is pretty authentic and you'll see a lot of natives getting their "eat on" here. Word of advice... come hungry. This food is to fill you and sustain you for a good day's work. It's definitely a menu of meals that workers of Ecuador are probably used to eating. The parking is limited, and the place is tiny. I think I didn't count more than 9-10 tables, and it was almost completely full when we stopped here on a Sunday afternoon, so please... Don't bring the WHOLE family, but on a side note, they seem to cater here, so if you're wanting to impress a large group, I'd say order it to go. So come in, grab a seat and wait for a server. You could also grab your drink from the cooler while you wait, and I HIGHLY recommend trying out some of the Ecuadorian sodas they carry here. So sweet and delicious and they pair up good with the heavy food. I started off the meal with a Cheese Empanada. Wonderful flaky dough, fried to a golden brown. Very good, and I'm assuming pretty authentic. I ordered the Beef Stew, Rice, beans and fried Plantain dish. The other dishes sounded amazing here, and I have one of those feelings that you couldn't go wrong ordering anything here. It's probably all just as delicious. The pictures enough are pretty enticing and drool worthy. Once the food was received.. It was... excellent. The beef was stewed in a good blend of spices, the rice was nice and soft and the beans were very flavorful. Also, that plantain wasn't too bad either, and it a wonderful way to kind of round out the meal. I couldn't even finish mine. You get what you pay for. It's a good portion of food. Also, that sauce they sit on the table. Try it. It's got a good kick to it, but it brings the dishes together. Especially on beef dishes, and I imagine it's made with some love in the kitchen. This is really a hidden gem on the west-side. I have a feeling you'll be hearing about this place like how you're hearing about 'Los Guachos' in the future. It's homey, native, delicious and well worth the money. **Hours are strange, so don't really assume anything and double check before you load up the car. Try it. It's one of those places I don't think you'll regret. It's a hole in the wall at it's best.. and a grocery store too if you happen to need anything that appeals to your Latin American cooking needs. read more

Closes early on Mondays??!? I spent a good bit of the day yesterday looking forward to meeting my friends from Columbus at this great hole in the wall (and the rest of the day planning out my dinner order from their TEMPTING menu...!!) only to discover (after my 45min. ride over from Springfield) that they CLOSE EARLY ON MONDAYS (2PM?!?)?!? We went for Mexican instead (ok, but not what I was craving all day...!!) and HOPE to be back again PRONTO...!! read more

This place is awesome! I would write more, but other people have covered it well. My husband and I got empanadas and the bandeja paisa. Everything was great. I'm going to be taking my dad soon. In Columbus there is a major lack of South American food, so I'm happy this place exists. Try it and I know you won't regret it. My dad is from Bolivia and does not like any spicy food at all, so this place was great for him. They might have some spicy dishes too, but I like that they are true to a lot of South America in having non-spicy dishes. read more

Los Galapagos - Latin American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Another win for the International Supper Club! Imagine a tiny grocery store. Now imagine having dinner smack dab in the middle of it. You'll get the feeling of authenticity, freshness, and something a little off-the-beaten path. If you haven't read Tyler Cowen's article about the Six Rules for Dining Out, you should. http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/six-rules-for-dining-out/8929/ Then, go to Los Galapagos and apply those rules. I'm on a self-imposed un-fun restricted diet at the moment, so I didn't order what I may normally have chosen. But, that didn't keep me from mooching off of everybody else's plates and pretending like I was guiltless just because what I *ordered* was in concordance with my dietary plan. I ordered the chicken in house sauce. It was good, but compared to all the things you can get here, probably the most boring. I replaced rice with beans, and received a small side salad with crisp iceberg lettuce, red onion, and perfectly fresh avocado slices. They were out of some of the extensive ceviche offerings, but the fresh nature of ceviche is so important-- so no complaints there. I had a taste of the shrimp and it was great. Huge portion, as far as ceviche goes, so I would recommend sharing an order. I kept sneaking bites of my friend's shrimp fried rice, and it was sooo good. It came via the waitress's recommendation, and it was much more interesting tasting than it sounds. Again, huge portion. You could go in with a buddy and get a ceviche and fried rice, split the two up, and have a really fantastic meal. Another friend got the tuna fish soup. Doesn't sound particularly appetizing, but it was amazing! (See Rule 1, even though this place isn't "fancy" the rule still applies here.) I think calling it Tuna FISH soup made it sound like a soup made out of canned tuna, but not so. Delicious broth. The empanadas weren't on the regular restaurant menu, but they were on the menu hanging over the kitchen, as well as in a case up front. Keep in mind you may have more options. Service was a little light, but we were a huge group, and despite our group's effort to give them the heads up, they were not quite prepared for us. (I'll let Julie P. tell the story -- it's funny.) Definitely feels family-run. Next time I want to make sure I get one of the fruit "smoothies". You pick a fruit, and they will mix the puree with either water or milk-- your choice. The milk versions were a bit sweeter, and the water versions had a more intense fruit flavor (I guess that's a pretty predictable result). One fruit I tried, I hadn't even heard of and I can't remember the name. But, it tasted almost floral and would be refreshing and interesting on a hot summer's day. Los Galapagos doesn't have a liquor license, but we agreed at the table that a little rum would go down quite nicely in one of these smoothies. A note on location: If you are starting to think you can't possibly be on the right track, then you know you're in the right place. read more

One lunch at Los Galapagos and I'm sold. Small, wood-paneled dining room is the perfect setting for feasting on some Latin American food. I tried both the garlic shrimp and the coconut shrimp dishes -- but were fantastic (I'd vote for the garlic sauce of the coconut sauce, but enjoyed both). The dishes came with a small side salad -- shredded iceberg, pickled onions, avocado, and a simple, tangy vinaigrette. Also ordered the yuca, which is chopped into tot-sized bites. Delicious. read more

Los Galapagos - Latin American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This is some of the best food I've had!!! I ordered the Bandeja Paisa and it was worth each cent of the $14.99 I spent. I took my friends from Colombia and Ecuador there and they became very emotional- they told me it reminded them of home and their families in their country. This is as authentic as it comes; if you love Hispanic food- YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE! Also the owners are extremely friendly and you must try their salsa! read more

Los Galapagos - Their portions are HUGE! You'll need a take home container for sure. - Latin American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

They got really great ceviche! I just loved it. And my gf had the "churasco" it was really good u really recommend it if you are looking for a big plate. read more

After having lived in Ecuador for a short time, I was craving some bomb diggity food to remind me of my time there. Found this place years ago and continue to go back! Funny enough, the first date with my now wife was here (no judgment). Get a little wild, get a little crazy, eat something out of your comfort zone. Remember, it's not just a restaurant, it also is partially a grocery store. So don't expect it to be fine dining. The best ethnic food is never fine dining! Remember that. read more

What a hidden gem! The empanadas were great. Get the chicken and cheese and ask for the aji sauce they keep in the fridge. The shrimp in coconut sauce was outstanding. It came with fresh, ripe avocado and wonderful fried plantains. We also got the seafood fried rice. There was soooooo much delicious seafood in there it was unbelievable. It came "garnished" with two large, perfectly cooked crab legs. YUM. Only cons to this place is it's a bit seedy and dirty. That didn't really bother me though since the food was outstanding. read more

OMG, the bandeja is AWESOME. This is my go-to dish. I never leave unsatisfied. Not the best ambiance in a slightly sketch neighborhood BUT the service is good and the food is amazeballs. read more

Joined Los Galapagos for dinner last night. I had the garlic shrimp and the Mrs. had the coconut shrimp. Delicious. Perfect servings and it was hot. The empanadas with the hot sauce are great appetizers. read more

I am excited about the close proximity to my job this little Ecuadorian place stands. I visited here with a few guys who lived and visited Ecuador, they really enjoyed the place. They have some beloved Latin American sodas and candy. I wasnt even sure what I ordered initially but I was quite pleased when I sat down to eat. I started with Repe, a soup with potatoes, lentils, and cheese. This was very pleasant, I loved the addition of lentils. I would come back just for Repe. The second part of the meal was rice, beans, and carne asade. The meat was a thin slice of beef fried. My piece had a few stringy parts which made it a little chore to cut. This entire meal cost around $7 with a drink. My friend ordered the empanadas for $1.50 each and enjoyed them. They are small so dont make them a meal. This place has some decent priced items but I noticed the menu had a lot of $12-15 entrees as well. read more

Wow!! Great food and taste almost like home. I don't make many suggestion but I do suggest this place.

I love that Yelp gets me out to places like this. This place is so far off the beaten path. It's in a neighborhood on the west side near Georgesville Rd. and I'm pretty sure most of us would never drive by it. If you love to be adventurous, then this should be on the top of your list of places to try. Their fruit and milk drinks are so delicious. Almost like a guava milkshake, but way creamier and not so much fat. I tried a few of my Yelp buddie's dishes which were all fantastic, but I especially loved my tuna soup. The service was good, although they don't speak perfect English. I can't wait to take my son here to expend his horizons and further expand my own because it's so different and so delicious! read more

The beefsteak and pork chops (my spanish el blows) was delicious...not quite as spicey hot as expected...but sauces available helped...too much rice for me but by the time i mixed all the sides...it was all gone...lol My first experience with this regional food....but I want to try more... read more

The food was fresh and off the chain good . Plenty in a serving . Truly delicious great spot for good food

Camarones (shrimp) in coconut sauce was very yummy. The yellow hot sauce we were served was excellent, just spicy enough. The sweet plantain was perfect as well!. read more

A small, simple diner but the food is good and the service is nice and friendly. We will be back. read more

Los Galapagos - Good food, fast and friendly service - Latin American Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Guys ! Every single time I have came to this place I never leave without being super impressed the food you can tell is always fresh and homemade. The service is great as well they. I have had the bistec encebollado the Pepper steak with rice beans, sweet plantain and a small side salad which almost always includes avocado which is so great to me and I have also had the bandera which is flag in English that just brings so many different things on one plate and amazing flavor I literally want to try their whole menu this family owned business is not like any other here in Columbus Ohio take it from a city girl read more

What an amazing little place. It's part restaurant, part store, part house! The food was fresh, fast and tasted like MORE! I got the pork chops, that the server recommended. Will be back for sure. read more

Seriously amazing food.. I recommend the fish dishes. I could have kicked my plate clean. This place will surprise you.

I'm from Colombia, I went with my wife and some other Colombian friends, we loved the place. I would recommend it to anybody looking to try authentic (not americanized) latin american food. read more

One of Columbus' best hidden gems. Dare I say better than Arepazo. (Yes, I do recognize that the two restaurants represent two different countries but some dishes overlap). read more

Sorry, I did not like this place for many negative reasons: the dining area seems like you are sitting at the edge of a grocery store near the freezers; inattentive wait persons; menus are filthy and prices not clearly written nor not apparent at all; goat was horrible and it was suppose to be chicken; goat was primarily from the spine of the animal, was not cooked enough so that thick strips of cartilage remained; broth is basically water with a few spices thrown in at the end; I have no idea how the plain tans were cooked but it was like a mashed mess thrown over a small bowl and fried; came out like a hollow large softball. Was really looking forward to sampling some of this food but sooooooo disappointing. At least I know better. Should have cancelled my order after the cheese empanada. Wait person could not understand that she my order was for chicken and not goat. Or perhaps she was just ignoring me. Not recommended. Can't believe that all South American food is this bad read more

Ready to taste a plate full flavor as you have never tasted before! Hispanic cuisine is known for going hard on spices and this is not different! they are delicious! It does take time for them to get your plate out but this is mainly because is made right there... Prices are ok... $12-16... Portions are ok as well.... Only shareable dish is the Bandeja Paisa . Go there and experience latino flavor! read more

We can't review the restaurant today, January 23, 2017 because, despite Yelp info to the contrary, Los Galapagos is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. I'll be glad to change my rating after we actually eat there. read more

Come hungry to this one. The plate of food I got was overflowing, came with a large fried plantain, some delicious sausage, fried pork belly and a mountain of rice. I could only finish about 75% of it and now my ancestors must live with the shame I have brought upon my family. Their shakes made with water have a wonderful Orange Julius style texture but with much more flavor. Cozy atmosphere and friendly service, I can't wait to get some of their shredded pork to go, and maybe stop in to try that whole snapper at some point. read more

Found this little restaurant on the west side of Columbus!! The food is delicious, I have tried a couple of different things on the menu and have loved them all! Bistec encebollado and camarones al ajillo are delicious! They have hot sauce to die for !! Everything about this place is good! read more

Very good food. Friendly service. Quick turnaround. English is not their first language, so ordering is entertaining. We had two shrimp dishes that were excellent and a couple of cheese epenadas, never had before and they were good too. read more

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Loved the atmosphere and the food was very solid. Loved the authentic food. Plantains were amazing!!

We love galapagos! Friendly staff and excellent food! I got the stewed chicken, it was just superb. The menu can be a bit daunting for non-spanish speakers, but luckily there are English descriptions and pictures, so it's not too tricky to navigate. The best thing about this restaurant is that it's family owned and not a chain. You can really tell the chefs put their heart into this food. Recommend for anyone looking to try authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and experience a little of the culture for themselves. read more

Beef stew, fried rice, and pork chop were good. Rice and sweet plantains and beans were excellent.

Wonderful reminder of my time in Ecuador. The flavors were great, the service was friendly. The only thing I have reservations on is the price. Apart from that really fantastic experience. read more