Best Bites in Belize

In our recent edition of Explore Belize in 14 days, we took a mesmerizing two-week journey across Belize, from the ancient ruins of San Ignacio to the serene beaches of Placencia, and the lively streets of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. This week, we're diving deeper into the heart of Belizean culture through its cuisine. Here's your ultimate guide to the best dining spots in each location we visited, ensuring your Belizean adventure is as delicious as it is unforgettable.

San Ignacio

• Guava Limb Café: This gem offers a fusion of international and local cuisine, made from the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers. Don't miss their signature Belizean dishes for an authentic taste of the region. 

• Running W Steakhouse at San Ignacio Resort Hotel: Known for its farm-to-table approach, the steakhouse specializes in Belizean beef and offers a range of delicious options, including vegetarian dishes.

• Ko-OX Han Nah: This fabulous restaurant sits near the center of San Ignacio and if you like their beef, pork, and chicken you can have them delivered to your house country-wide.

Rainforest Retreat

• Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge Restaurant: Nestled within the lush greenery, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience with meals prepared from organic produce grown in their garden. Perfect for an intimate dinner surrounded by nature's serenity.

Hopkins

• Chef Rob’s Gourmet Café: Experience beachfront dining at its finest. Specializing in seafood, Chef Rob prepares dishes that are as breathtaking as the ocean view. The ambiance here, with soft music and the sound of waves, complements the exquisite culinary offerings.

• Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack: For a more casual dining experience, enjoy their famous homemade pizzas right by the beach.

Placencia

• Ricks Cafe: This laid-back café offers a diverse menu that's perfect for unwinding in the heart of Placencia.

• Mariposa Beach Resort Restaurant: Here, you can enjoy the freshest seafood and local ingredients while overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, a perfect complement to your stay at Mariposa. Always voted in the top 5 of Trip Advisor restaurants.

• Maya Beach Bistro: Renowned twice as Belize's finest, this beachside bistro blends French elegance with local flavors, creating unforgettable dining moments.

• Dawns Grill: Placencia's culinary jewel, Dawn's offers delectable seafood in a cozy, inviting setting, promising a memorable local dining experience.

Our Favorite Bar in Placencia

• Tipsy Tuna: Our favorite bar in Placencia for good reason. The Tipsy Tuna offers a vibrant atmosphere with fantastic beachfront views, delicious cocktails, and lively entertainment. It's the ultimate spot to unwind, dance, and enjoy the Caribbean breeze.

San Pedro

• Elvi’s Kitchen: Known for its eclectic menu and charming decor, Elvi’s Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone craving Mayan, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors. The fried conch and coconut curry shrimp are local favorites.

• Mahogany Bay Resort: The Verandah restaurant offers stunning views and a menu that highlights local seafood and produce, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

• Caramba: A family jewel in San Pedro known for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood and innovative cocktails in a warm, inviting setting.

• El Fogon: Celebrated for authentic Belizean cuisine cooked in a traditional hearth, El Fogon is a testament to San Pedro's rich Mestizo culture.

Caye Caulker

• The Lazy Lizard: Offering the best in casual dining, The Lazy Lizard at The Split is famous for its grilled seafood and cold drinks. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of snorkeling or diving.

• Wish Willy Bar & Grill: A no-frills, backyard-style restaurant offering hearty portions of Caribbean and Belizean cuisine at affordable prices.

Belize City

• Nerie’s: Dive into the heart of Belizean cuisine at Nerie’s, where the stewed chicken and rice and beans are a staple. It’s a wonderful introduction to the local flavors for those waiting for their departure or just arriving.

• Black Orchid Restaurant: Located at the Black Orchid Resort, enjoy one of your your last meals in Belize with a view of the Belize River, offering both international and local cuisine.

• Sahara Grill: Sahara Grill in Belize City offers a flavorful Middle Eastern culinary experience with its authentic and affordable shawarmas, kebabs, hummus, and gyros, in an unassuming setting.

• Riverside Tavern: A relaxed lunch spot offering friendly service, where diners can enjoy quality burgers and steaks in a bustling setting that attracts both coworkers and couples, with consistently responsive service.

Each of these spots not only offers a chance to taste the best of Belize but also to meet the people who make this country so special. From the chefs and servers to the local farmers supplying fresh ingredients, it’s the people behind the scenes who truly bring Belizean cuisine to life. Have we missed a favorite spot of yours? Tell us!

If you’d like to schedule a call with me, I can offer you more information and answer any questions you might have.