Panama City
Our pick for a quick bite, this never-fail Italian-run eatery serves scrumptious thin-crust pizzas. Check out the award-winning pizza bianca, with roasted…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
Ojochal
This truly excellent bakery and cafe is both inexpensive and tasty. Stop by here for a tasty ham and cheese quiche, dreamy cocoa-dusted truffle or a…
Península de Azuero
This pink hacienda-like restaurant has a large covered terrace that is a delight on a warm evening. The emphasis here is on seafood and grills, but the…
Boquete
Crisp, thin-crust Neapolitan pies are the simple stars of this casual eatery. They're made from local mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and flour imported…
Bocas del Toro Town
Locals and travelers love this Mediterranean restaurant serving up gazpacho, goat's cheese salad, and seafood and meat dishes such as tabbouleh couscous…
Chichicastenango
One of the more stylish eateries, the San Juan occupies a beautiful colonial structure beside Santo Tomás with candlelit dining in various salons…
Western Honduras
Besides offering craft beers brewed right on the premises, this restaurant also offers excellent food – try the blueberry pancakes, burgers or sumptuous…
Panama City
Fragrant pho (broth with noodles) with brisket, garlicky sea bass with gangalal, and barbecued pork over rice noodles are some of the mouthwatering…
Honduras
The best of Omoa's seafront seafood restaurants is always teeming with lip-smacking diners, and has a view through blooming birds of paradise over the sea…
Antigua
Popular with tourists and chapínes (Guatemalans) alike, this atmospheric cafe strewn with antique curios makes an ideal breakfast stop. Choose from an…
Managua
At this bang-on-trend cafe you can peruse the map of Nicaragua's coffee-growing regions while deciding which way you want your superlative brew: chemex,…
Panama City
Serving rich kormas, fragrant rice and complex curries in a swanky piano bar, Canadian-run Avatar is sheer delight for spice enthusiasts. Southern Indian…
San Pedro La Laguna
An airy sports bar that does a wicked line in over two dozen different gourmet burgers, plus chili dogs and seriously filled sandwiches to go down with…
Granada
A longtime favorite Italian trattoria has expanded and morphed into a Middle Eastern restaurant, though the wood-fired thin-crust pizza remains the best…
Quiché
The specialty here is grilled meats, served with homemade salsa. You could make a light meal of the tortilla-sized portions. Dining is beneath an arbor…
Playa Sámara
Grilled meats are the big draw at this alfresco restaurant, studded with old trees and walking distance to the waves. Watching the chefs work their magic…
Santiago Atitlán
The latest incarnation of a generations-old dining hall, this is a good place to try such Maya specialties as pulique (a veggie-rich stew) and patín (an…
Península de Nicoya
Just east of town is this open-air Italian restaurant. Thin-crust pizzas get good reviews, and regulars rave about the innovative seafood preparations,…
Lago de Atitlán
Right at the dock is this trendy restaurant with a seasonally varying menu and a popular happy hour highlighted by purple-basil mojitos. Sunday brunch is…
Nosara Area
Take your pick from six burgers and you'll get a plump, juicy patty of goodness, served on a fresh bun with big French-fry wedges. There's also a veggie…
Montezuma
Set on a beachside terrace lit by lanterns, Cocolores is one of Montezuma's top spots for an upscale dinner. The wide-ranging menu includes curries, pasta…
Antigua
Here you'll find the finest, most authentic Italian food in Antigua, plus superb service, in a lovely candlelit setting. The chef does a tantalizing array…
Panajachel
This is the largest of a group of rather rustic cooking stalls at the rear of the market building, near the pork vendors. It offers half a dozen menu…
Antigua
Refreshingly local in character, this cafe is a place to enjoy the colonial patio ambience over breakfast or a light meal. It's hard to beat the selection…
Western Highlands
This pretty wood and stone cabin cafe is tucked just below the mirador (viewpoint), allowing you to enjoy a coffee, beer or light meal served alongside…
San Juan Del Sur
Kitty-corner to Parque Central, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant serves excellent curries, salads and an assortment of fresh fruit and vegetable…
San José
Head to the main market for dessert at this century-old local favorite that serves up fresh sorbet and cinnamon-laced frozen custard. Do as the locals do…
San José
Serving up some of the best pizza and sangria in the Los Yoses area, this hip restaurant doubles as a gallery. Funky local art sells right off the brick…
Bahía Drake
In hot and dusty Bahía Drake, there isn't a more refreshing midday treat than a vanilla milkshake from this open-air ice-cream parlor. It also does banana…
Quetzaltenango
Drop into this little bakery for a glimpse of old-fashioned Xela, especially around 5pm when locals gather for hot chocolate and such pastries as pan de…
Chichicastenango
A cheery 1st-floor restaurant set back from the market hubbub, Los Asados is good for filling breakfasts, sandwiches and big grill plates. Always keep an…
San Marcos La Laguna
Along the main thoroughfare west of the square, Moonfish whips up hippie-friendly fare including tempeh sandwiches, tofu scrambles and mighty fine falafel…
San Juan Del Sur
Perch at one of several communal tables and go for an Indian or Thai-style curry at this thimble-sized, candlelit place. We love both the ambience and the…
Guatemala City
Zona 10's best vegetarian restaurant opens up for early breakfasts and offers a wide menu with tasty soups and mains featuring veg-friendly goodies such…
Panama City
Saint Honoré, a French-run bakery and patisserie, has locals going weak at the knees for its fluffy pastries, rich cakes and colorful macaroons. Also for…
Panama City
Indulge your sweet tooth at Athanasiou, an airy European-style bakery and cafe in Costa del Este. There’s a bread corner filled with freshly baked goods,…
Panama City
Part of an upscale Peruvian chain, Segundo Muelle knows seafood. You would do well to sample the causas (creamy potato dishes served stacked) alongside…
Panama City
Channeling a NYC vibe, this cool coffee shop is a great place for a morning caffeine kick and croissant, or a fill-you-up brunch. Later in the day, the…
Panama City
Subdued and upscale, this stylish, sometimes fussy eatery uses seasonal produce (much of it coming all the way from Britain) to bring you asparagus and…
Panama City
If you miss your cold-pressed juices, quinoa bowls and avocado toast, rush to this casual, plant-filled cafe run by two Canadian sisters. Set lunches are…
