Copán Ruinas
Set upstairs, with views over Parque Central and beyond, lively Tanya's serves up some good versions of Italian, other European and Asian-influenced…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
San José
Pablo Bonilla's intention is no less than to rescue indigenous cuisine in his homeland. Sikwa ('outsider') is an interesting take on Costa Rican…
Central Valley & Highlands
With its own trout ponds, this log-cabin restaurant located at Albergue Ecológico Pozo Verde serves up the freshest of catches, along with delicious veal…
Puerto Jiménez
While this pizzeria's name sounds more like a website, all doubts will be cast aside when a server at Pizzamail.it brings out the pie: a thin-crust, wood…
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
The locals call the authentic brick-oven-baked pizza here the best in Nicaragua: the owner's originally from Rome and has been serving them for a quarter…
Quepos to Uvita
Set back from the main road through town, in an open-air setting overlooking the Río Barú, this sushi place takes advantage of the fresh tuna and other…
San Ignacio
A gourmet addition to San Ignacio's dining, Crave is a tiny and intimate restaurant with just a few tables inside and out. The changing menu is broad…
Caye Caulker
Glenda's serves traditional Belizean food in a clapboard house on the island's west side. It boasts some of the best breakfasts in town, from cinnamon…
Northwestern Costa Rica
The former Blue Dream chef has opened her own place down the road, to rave reviews. Specializing in pastas (lasagna is a fave) and pizzas, Juana also…
Roatán
This remote restaurant is housed in a fairly run-down building on stilts over the water. Inside, however, you'll be served some of Roatán's best seafood,…
Utila
Ask anyone on the island where you can find Utila's best food and they'll tell you RJ's without hesitation. While that may be due more to the local taste…
Península de Nicoya
There's something special about this glorified taco bar. Ingredients are all organically produced or locally sourced. Tortillas are hand-rolled; hot sauce…
San José
Vegan cafe with the best cappuccino in Barrio Amón, wonderful views from the top two floors connected by winding staircases, and a nice shop with animal…
El Petén
About the best bet for grub in town is this casual, open-air hall, a popular gathering place both morning and evening. Aside from the usual eggs and beans…
Nosara Area
Just steps from the beach, this cafe, conjoined with a new cocktail lounge called Spirit, serves decadent and delicious food. Try banana-bread French…
Península de Nicoya
Near the north end of town, this rather hidden, unassuming place has Ticos and gringos alike raving about the soups, ceviches and all things fishy. And…
Western Honduras
A wonderful terrace restaurant at the Hotel Guancascos, from where you can gaze over Gracias' terra-cotta-tiled rooftops and the Lencan highlands. Great…
Central Pacific Coast
Good coffee, quiches, pastries, proper bagels and outstanding gelato are found inside this little Italian-style cafe right on the marina. The menu also…
Bocas del Toro Province
More expensive than your typical Changuinola restaurant, but loaded with atmosphere, this Afro-Caribbean restaurant at the southern end of the main street…
The Road to Chirripó
One of our favorite sodas (lunch counters) in the region, this cute little family-run joint serves up casados (set meals), olla de carne (beef stew) and…
Northern Belize
Unassuming and unexpected, this roadside restaurant serves some of the best Belizean food around. Located right next to the gas station on a crook of the…
Arenal & Around
Better known as the ‘German bakery,’ thanks to the signs that litter the lake road, this landmark is a famous rest stop for road-trippers heading to/from…
Western Honduras
Right on the Parque Central, this classy restaurant offers the best view in town from its tables on the plaza and its myriad atmospheric dining rooms…
Flores & Santa Elena
A broad deck and a flaming grill are the main ingredients at this lakefront restaurant/bar, possibly the prettiest setting in Flores for dinner…
Quiché
Half a block down from the church end of the main plaza, this well-signed restaurant has just one smallish room but a large menu and generous serves of…
Ojochal
In a well-decorated, barnlike structure with hardwood floors, this bistro offers diverse fodder for your belly and Instagram feed. Feast on garlic hummus,…
Colón
If Panamanian ropa vieja (spicy shredded beef) and patacones (fried plantains) are not floating your boat after a week or so, head for this friendly…
Caye Caulker
The island's most popular grill, and rightly so. Take your pick from the fantastic selection of lobster, snapper or conch, that will then be expertly…
Santa Catalina
This thatched restaurant offers lovely seafood meals and frozen fruit drinks. Start with fresh local clams or salad with tart passionfruit dressing. The…
Quepos to Uvita
On the approach to the beach this casual surfer hangout serves some of the area's best tacos (fresh fish, shrimp, beef, chicken or veggie). The chips are…
Arenal & Around
A cheap and cheerful soda near the top of the hill as you approach town, with ample wooden-table seating. It does Western-style breakfasts, pasta dishes,…
Península de Nicoya
This colorful, fun beach bar is an excellent place to pass an evening feasting on burgers or fish tacos and swilling beers. Or sample the Peruvian…
Antigua
Guatemalan ingredients fuse with Euro recipes at this Belgian bistro, popular with the expat crowd. Flemish specialties include waterzooi, a creamy fish…
Placencia
Chachi's is a fine addition to Placencia's main street scene: a sociable pizza joint and cocktail bar downstairs and breezy live music bar upstairs…
Bocas del Toro Town
It's just a little plank restaurant on the water, but the Asian-fusion offerings are spot on. Sake accompanies fresh tofu spring rolls and amazing tuna…
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula's breakfast favorite is this diner-style restaurant that pumps out deep-fried pastelitos – half-moon shaped pies filled with all sorts of…
Darién Province
Cheap and cheerful, this spotless cafeteria-style restaurant is usually packed with locals. Breakfasts like shredded beef and eggs are popular. Lunch…
Panamá Province
Taking pride of place just below the Villa Caprichosa, this top-notch eatery with an open kitchen is Isla Taboga's swankiest and priciest. Dining packages…
Puerto Limón
This beloved nine-table Caribbean eatery, with soccer memorabilia on the walls, serves up delicious patí (flaky beef turnovers stuffed with onion, spices…
San Ignacio
Locals love this rambling barn-sized place just north of the city center. A large terrace restaurant opening onto a citrus orchard and kids' playground,…
