León
Run by a European couple, this fabulous French bakery specializes in homemade breads. Grab a table on the breezy interior courtyard and choose from a menu…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar
Granada
The interior leafy courtyard of this stylish yet casual restaurant is an ideal setting for a cocktail (including some original ones!), a local craft beer…
Placencia
Maya Beach Hotel's popular bistro is a Placencia landmark, offering excellent international dishes using fresh local ingredients. This is the place where…
Roatán
This place is packed nightly by those willing to drive to this out-of-the-way location between Oak Ridge and French Harbor. Wooden tables on a beautiful…
Santa Catalina
At a converted gas pump, Deivis' popular no-nonsense ceviche stand does superb versions of the citrus-cured seafood on a nest of shoestring fries. The…
Tortuguero Village
Over the years, Tortuguero’s best-known and most delicious Caribbean eatery has grown from a personal kitchen to a full-blown restaurant. Prices have…
Jacó
Housed in a hip spot with colorful art and black metal French windows, this long-standing favorite has beautifully presented, creative dishes made with…
Antigua
This intimate, candlelit salon across the way from La Merced has just a few tables, with the kitchen behind the bar. Hector, who hails from Guatemala City…
Central Valley & Highlands
Offering the best Tex-Mex in the country, this popular, cozy spot will introduce some spice to your diet. The simple and fresh burritos, chimichangas and…
Península de Azuero
A recent migrant from Pedasí (its loss), this tapas bar and restaurant is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Chitré and it certainly is the…
Antigua
This courtyard restaurant is always packed with locals who know a good thing when they see it. If you don't come for the huge Guatemalan breakfast, make…
Antigua
The bright 'Andy Warhol does Zapata' wall mural at Cactus gives an idea of how it mixes up traditional and new-wave Mexican food, with superb salsas…
Panamá Province
On the Interamericana opposite the turnoff for Playa El Palmar, Carlitos cooks delicious Argentine-style empanadas (turnovers stuffed with meat, cheese or…
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
Chef Marc has earned La Bombora its share of local followers with his culinary masterpieces, from slow-cooked ribs and brisket to pulled pork sliders and…
Bocas del Toro Town
When you smell gorgeous aromas spilling out onto the sidewalk, you're at this welcoming Indian cafe serving classic curries, korma and thalis. Service can…
Pizzeria a la leña il Giardino
Central Valley & Highlands
This cute country-style pizzeria has a proper stone pizza oven where the chef makes tasty thin-crust pizzas. The mozzarella, tomato and basil is spot on…
Boquete
One of our favorite places in Boquete for great seafood is this fish house along the Quebrada Grande. It offers sea bass prepared in eight different ways …
Little Corn Island
Long considered the Corn Islands’ best restaurant, this Cuban-run kitchen serves up outstanding plates of fish, shrimp, roast pork and ropa vieja (a Cuban…
Bahía Drake
This small, friendly local restaurant is along the main dirt road from Agujitas to the airstrip. The capable and passionate chef prepares tasty casados …
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
It's well worth making the trek to this excellent French-Italian fusion restaurant on top of a hill, with fantastic sea views to complement your rum…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
For surfers and yogis, there is not a more perfect lunch spot. We're talking elaborate salads, savory toppings piled high on toast and big colorful bowls…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This terrific open-sided restaurant inside the Zancudo Lodge prides itself on its commitment to super-fresh produce and creativity, and it shows – in the…
Quetzaltenango
This simple but cheerful dining hall is a good place to savor Xela home cooking, with daily specials like jocón (stew with tomatillo and cilantro) and…
Quepos to Uvita
Perch on a swing at the bar or at a riverside table to enjoy an espresso. This open-air cafe also dishes up tasty, simple breakfasts like gallo pinto and…
San Juan Del Sur
Excellent coffee, gourmet breakfasts, killer ceviche, imaginative fusion dishes, an all-nica staff, and potent, fruity rum cocktails – what's not to like?…
Playa Tamarindo
This delightful cafe and shop specializes in freshly brewed java, but also serves fresh, local and organic foods. For breakfast, it does amazing things…
Quetzaltenango
Authentic south Indian fare is whipped up here by a fellow from Kerala. Servings are huge; the thalis – platters of curried veggies, chicken or beef – are…
Isla de Ometepe
This popular cafe using local ingredients from the adjacent organic farm has something for everyone: excellent coffee, freshly baked breads, huge salads…
Península de Azuero
Pedasí's best (some might stop there) Italian restaurant is set in what feels like a glassed-in conservatory. There are more complex secondi (main courses…
Panamá Province
Our favorite new place for a bite and a sip, this English-owned seafront bar-restaurant with balcony seating serves excellent ceviche, cazuela de mariscos…
Southwestern Nicaragua
La Vaca Loca wears several hats and we love them all: it's an art house with beautifully carved furnishings; a tranquil cafe in a flowering garden,…
Monterrico
This cheery thatched orange restaurant is one of the best places to eat in town, with the widest menu and most interesting food. Look for excellent salads…
Western El Salvador
R&R is still the finest restaurant in Juayúa, and possibly in the whole Ruta de las Flores. Chef Carlos puts a twist on steaks, salads and Mexican food…
Flores & Santa Elena
An amazing spot for breakfasts and lunches, ranging from smoothies and frappés (some topped with a fresh doughut!) to waffles, pizza, sandwiches and wraps…
Panajachel
Behind the swinging doors, Circus Bar has a cabaret atmosphere, with live music nightly from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. There is good pizza and even better pasta,…
San Marcos La Laguna
This cheerily painted clapboard canteen serves up big healthy portions of Guatemalan food according to a changing daily menu to help support a wider…
San Salvador
Rustico rivals any burger place in the world as far as we're concerned. The buns are thick and fresh and the patties must weigh half a cow. Try the pulled…
Cobán
Cobán's dining scene has improved dramatically over the years and this is part of the finer dining scene. The surrounds are refined yet relaxed, the menu…
Guatemala City
This upscale bistro is in one of Guate's ritziest shopping malls. It has an inspiring range of salads on offer and some very good Japanese and Thai…
Panajachel
This is a locally popular joint for lunch; the front terrace makes an obvious meeting place. Try to make it for Monday lunch when everyone chows down on…
