When people ask me where in the world is my favorite place to dive, I generally answer, "It depends on what I am wanting to see". However, I do have to admit that when it comes to enjoying beautiful warm waters, spectacular underwater seascapes and an endless assortment of marine creatures to enjoy, Palau holds a soft spot in my heart. And when in Palau, one of my favorite things to do is escape the confines of my hotel and venture out to find where the locals eat.
Now these are by no means fine dining experiences, but if you are looking for good food with a local atmosphere, then these are the haunts for you.
(Reviews as seen on TripAdvisor)
Emaimelei
Restaurant & Kumangai Bakery
#6 of
46 restaurants in Koror
****½
53 reviews
·
First and foremost is Emaimelei. It's down a side street off the main drag with a pretty nondescript exterior and definitely not a fancy interior, but the food is YUMMY! Portions are generous so you may want to share. Going for breakfast? Split a serving of spam fried rice with some eggs on the side. And don't forget to check out the bakery next door. I never go to Emaimelei's without stopping in Kumangai to get something to nibble on later.
Carp Restaurant
#10 of
43 restaurants in Koror
****
118 reviews
·
Another great source of local cuisine, I wasn't quite sure of the place from its exterior, but when I tasted the food, I was sold. Carp looks like a hole in the wall, but you must try the Palauan dishes on the menu to experience the true flavor of the island you are visiting. When I and my friends dropped in one evening for dinner, we had a bit of a giggle at the hand written menus. One of the seafood dishes was a "CALM" pancake. Brave enough to order it, my friend Callie thoroughly enjoyed her CLAM pancake, as did the rest of us with our own sumptuous dishes.
Bem Ermii
Burgers & Fries
#8 of
46 restaurants in Koror
****
102 reviews
·
One day on our dive boat, our divemaster told us that if we were craving a good burger, we had to go to his family's Bem Ermii Burgers. There are actually two locations, but we opted to find the food shack next to the baseball field for this outing. As we munched down our delicious burgers and fries in our nice shady spot, we watched the activity on the baseball field where the groundskeepers were trimming the entire field with weed-wackers. Good job boys. Now that's my kind of atmosphere.
Rock Island Cafe
#5 of
46 restaurants in Koror
****
181 reviews
·
Another down-home restaurant is Rock Island Cafe. Say you've been adventurous, but now are just looking for some good ol' "American" fare, the this is the place for you. Decent eats, and definitely good breakfast, look at the story boards on the walls. You may find one you want to buy and take home with you.
Penthouse Restaurant
#16 of
46 restaurants in Koror
****
49 reviews
·
Not necessarily saving the best for last, Penthouse restaurant is definitely a unique experience. You look at its pink hotel exterior and wonder what kind place you are walking into, but once again, you'll be back once you've experienced the friendly service and the food. I suggest ordering several dishes and share them family-style with your group. And I dare at least one of you to order the fruit bat soup. DEFINITELY A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. It is actually quite good. Don't worry. When it is served to you, ask your waiter or waitress to take mercy on you and show you how to break it down to eat. Don't forget to save room for some tasty desserts.
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Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.
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