Belize City
This open-air, seaside restaurant in Buttonwood Bay is a chic new spot for cocktails, and all the better if you make a meal of it. The menu spans several…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
Placencia
Omar's has been around a long time and still serves some of the freshest seafood in town. Step into the small and rustic streetside shack and choose from…
Northern Highlands
This friendly Italian restaurant is filled with plants and decorated with maps and local handicrafts. Its menu includes good thin-crust pizza and a range…
Península de Azuero
This open-air Colombian BBQ house grills some of the best steak and ribs in the region. Meat and chicken are exceptionally tender and served with salad…
Bocas del Toro Town
A favorite splurge of Bocas locals, this mellow North American–run place on the edge of the sea does date night right. Caribbean and seafood dishes…
San Salvador
Locals claim the broiled chicken at this simple downtown diner is the best in the country. For more than 30 years, Bonanza has been pulling in lunchtime…
Belmopan
In the market area, the Caladium is regarded by many as Belmopan's best restaurant. The intimate dining room goes well with the menu of Belizean favorites…
Caribbean Coast
Local boy and Swiss-trained chef Fred Ulrich returned to Pearl Lagoon after a long absence working in resorts all over the Americas, and has invested in…
Central Pacific Coast
On the road going south of Puntarenas, you'll find this excellent seafood restaurant opposite the beach. It has a modern, airy, tiki feel and serves up…
Western Honduras
This hip and friendly second-story coffee joint overlooking the main plaza offers you great, hot or cold organic coffee from nearby Marcala, inspirational…
Caribbean Coast
Down a laneway opposite the Litegua bus office (200m up the main street past the end of the bridge), this open-air riverfront bar-restaurant makes…
Central El Salvador
Sopa de Gallina is a Salvadoran specialty and this family-run restaurant is the perfect place to try it. Whole chickens are first roasted in a wood-fired…
Southern Belize
Well-known locally for his sublime seafood creations and steaks cooked over hot rocks, Chef Rob's changing menu here might include sautéed red snapper,…
El Petén
Almost hidden in the forest, a 10-minute walk along the north shore from the Tikal junction, is this marvelous open-air dining hall. The genial Italian…
Puerto Jiménez
The best breakfast spot in town, Monka makes excellent coffee drinks and smoothies, as well as extensive breakfast platters, ranging from tropical French…
Southern Belize
The best burgers in town are served here on homemade rolls. Try the gorgonzola-stuffed beef burger with bacon or the to-die-for surf and turf with garlic…
Belmopan
For a cheap meal, you can't beat the food stalls in the market square. They serve quick-fire Mexican snacks such as burritos and salbutes (mini-tortillas,…
Dangriga
Belizean and Garifuna dishes such as hudut (fish with plantain in coconut curry), pigtail, fried plantain and stew beans are the specialty at this lovely…
Western El Salvador
On weekends, Tayua is one of the most lively spots in little Ataco. Homemade pizza, salads and gourmet sandwiches use fresh herbs from the garden out back…
San Salvador
Simple, fresh and delicious local food is the order of the day at this famous típico restaurant on a busy corner beside Galerías Escalón. Winning dishes…
Punta Gorda
Gormiers has moved from his little green shack to a new location across from the waterfront north of town. It's still the best place in PG for organic…
Cobán
The perfect place to take a breather or while away a whole afternoon, this beautiful, artsy little cafe has a lush garden out back. Some interesting…
San Salvador
Colonia Escalón is the place to be seen lingering over crustaceans, and Beto's has the perfect mix of lunchtime work crowd and Salvadoran elite dining on…
Western El Salvador
This versatile establishment is a favorite among intellectuals and artists who come for the live music and small bookstore. Tourists and young lovers…
Western El Salvador
Delectable pastries, bread and buns are baked fresh every day using owner Beatriz' closely guarded recipes. Sweet treats such as passion-fruit muffins as…
Central El Salvador
The thin-crust pizzas at the Speedy Pig are good anytime of day – topped with spinach and egg for breakfast, or laden with whatever you might fancy for…
El Salvador
Now flanked by pupusa joints, Lupey's is still a reliable restaurant and drinking spot overlooking the central park. The menu features salads, sandwiches,…
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
A local institution, this fritanga gets packed breakfast, lunch and dinner – and mariachis could show up at any time to play some music. It’s a solid…
Cayo District
Famous for its ice cream but also producing cheese, flavored milk and other dairy products, this is the headquarters for Western Dairies in Belize and a…
El Petén
On Jobompiche Rd, this peaceful palm-thatched affair is the French jungle bistro you've dreamed of. Try the lake white fish or the big ensalada francesa …
Placencia
If you don't like the ice cream here, you won't like ice cream anywhere. It's that simple. The Italian gelato is even better and the 18 flavors on display…
Eastern El Salvador
Since 1860 the Villalta family has been making camote (sweet potato) sweets using traditional methods. Now in her nineties, Señora Villalta can still be…
Southwestern Nicaragua
By the rocks at the north end of the beach, local matriarch Mama Lin feeds you fantastic lobster, grilled snapper, sopa de mariscos (seafood stew) and…
Darién Province
A clean and cheerful cafe serving shrimp or fish criollo-style (with a flavorful sauce) in addition to grilled meats. Always a warm welcome. It's up a…
San Ignacio
One of the best places in town for authentic traditional Belizean food, Cenaida's is a no-frills diner serving rice and beans, stew chicken and cow-foot…
Punta Gorda
With a breezy upper deck overlooking Main St, this is the best spot in town for all-day Western or Belizean breakfasts, served alongside brain-freezing…
Northern Belize
Wood House is a real standout among the Chinese restaurants in Corozal (and Belize in general). The dining area is open-air, with solid timber furniture,…
Playa Tamarindo
Don’t leave town without eating here. Israeli chef Shlomy offers a short list of carefully selected and perfectly prepared dishes. Depending on the…
Nosara Area
Perfectly suited to Nosara's health-conscious yogis and surfers. You'll see Robin working the kitchen, preparing a welcome menu of sweet and savory crepes…
Panama City
With red velvet chairs and lush tropical-themed wallpaper, this button-cute chocolate shop and cafe serves beautifully adorned natural bonbons: 100%…
