Must-see restaurants in El Petén

  • Antojitos Mexicanos

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Every evening at the foot of the causeway these characters fire up the grill and char steak, chicken and pork ribs of exceptional quality. Their specialty…

  • Terrazzo

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Inspired by a chef from Bologna, this Italian gourmet restaurant covers a romantic rooftop terrace. The fettuccine is produced in house, the pizzas (made…

  • Maple y Tocino

    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…

  • Las Orquídeas

    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…

  • Mon Ami

    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 …

  • Café Arqueológico Yaxha

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Part of the Hostel Yaxha, this spot offers the usual egg-and-bean breakfasts, but what's special here are the pre-Hispanic and Itzá items – pancakes with…

  • Restaurante El Mirador

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Refreshingly not aimed at foreign travelers, this traditional eatery does toothsome home cookin'. You'll find such hearty options as caldo de res (beef…

  • Café Maya

    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…

  • Raíces

    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…

  • Cool Beans

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Also known as Café Chilero, this laid-back place is more clubhouse with snacks than proper restaurant, featuring salons for chatting, watching videos or…

  • La Casa de Don David

    El Petén

    This splendid open-air dining hall serves a good breakfast, including banana pancakes (Q30), fruit and granola, and has a collection of National…

  • Restaurante El Puerto

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Seafood is the star attraction at this breezy, open-air hall by the lakefront in Santa Elena, with a well-stocked bar at the front. It's an ideal setting…

  • Desayunos El Árbol

    El Petén

    This gringo-friendly shack sports a lovely, lake-view terrace, a fine setting for healthy breakfasts, including granola, pancakes and omelets. Sandwiches…

  • Restaurante El Peregrino

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Part of the hotel of the same name, this humble comedor serves heaping helpings of home-cooked fare such as caldo de panza (beef belly stew; Q40) and…

  • Cafe Uka

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Cheap, clean and tasty, the cheery turquoise- and peach-painted Cafe Uka won't win awards for fanciness, but the service is friendly and the food (a mix…

  • Café/Bar Doña Goya

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Doña Goya’s is good for an early breakfast or sunset snack, with a pretty terrace facing the lake. Toward the weekend, it blends into the nightlife scene…

  • Las Mesitas

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Every afternoon and evening the midpoint of the bridge to Flores turns into a cheap-eats paradise, as local families fix enchiladas (actually tostadas…

  • La Luna

    Flores & Santa Elena

    Favored by foreign visitors, this restaurant cultivates a tropical ambience with low-lit patio dining. Aside from the usual steak and pasta dishes,…

  • Comedor Uaxactún

    El Petén

    Run by a friendly family, this basic dining hall off the center of the airstrip serves up decent if unremarkable meals with plenty of freshly made…

  • Restaurante Mijaro

    Flores & Santa Elena

    You'll find good home cooking at this locally popular comedor a few blocks south of the causeway, with an airy garden area. Besides the grub, it does good…

  • Comedor Tikal

    Tikal

    This is one of a series of little open-air comedores along the right-hand side of the access road to Tikal. Pasta and hamburgers are among the offerings.