Esmeralda’s – for the prettiest pargo frito this side of Quito

Eye On Real Estate

April 23, 2014 By Lore Croghan Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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It’s got the prettiest pargo frito this side of Quito.

The place is Esmeralda’s, a restaurant at 1497 Myrtle Ave. The dish is fried red snapper, which blogging foodies invariably mention as a must-try when they seek out Ecuadorian eateries.

Restaurant owner Esmeralda Valencia’s place isn’t much to look at from the outside – a small storefront in the shadow of the M train’s elevated tracks. But her pargo, perfectly fried, is so pretty and tasty. It’s surrounded by crispy plantain slices and salad with avocados and tomatoes.

When we stopped by the other day, Esmeralda’s was packed for lunch. So wait your turn. If whole snapper’s not your thing, the soups and shrimp dishes are worthwhile as well.