There are lots of good restaurants & fun bars on the island with things changing often — we’ll try to give you a (non-exhaustive) list! You could also try a Food Tour, a sampling of different foods of Belize & island restaurants — do this early in your stay so you know where you want to go back to later! Many restaurants will accommodate vegan and/or gluten free requests; many will also cook your catch for you! Restaurants below are mainly listed starting from the south & heading north.
South Ambergris Caye:
Sala’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar plus the We Jammin Boat Bar are part of the boutique hotel (18+) Playa de Sala, 4.5 miles south of town on the lagoon side. Check it out for food, drinks, music & sunset views! (Make sure your golf cart lights work before heading for an eveing out!)
*Stax Sunset Bar Pouring ice cold beers & cocktails; pizzas too! Across from Hol Chan Reef Villas (near the 3.5 mile mark, just south of Wilson Point & Casa Redonda)
*Pelican Reef Villas “Nest Grill” Outdoor seating with fabulous sea views; open daily for breakfast & lunch. 226-2352 About 1/4 mile south of Sunset Beach & Miramar condos; ~3/4 mile north of Casas Redonda & Wilson Point.
Lighthouse Beach Villas Visit Master Mixologist Rob at the bar by the pool (the one with the lighthouse at the beach!) & ask him to create a cocktail for you! Just south of the 2.5 mile mark. ~11 am to 7 pm ish.
*Happy’s Tequilaria is close to the 2.5 mile mark, nearly across from Miramar Villas. In addition to burgers, chicken sandwiches, & of course tequila & more, come here to watch your favorite sport! Closed Wednesdays.
*Black Orchid Restaurant A casual, table cloth restaurant with delicious food & drinks. Happy hour & dinner; closed Sundays & Mondays (at about the 2.5 mile mark, just south of Sunset Beach & across the way from Miramar; ask about delivery service!).
The Hula Bar opened late 2024! This over-the-water bar/restaurant is on the Suya Tours pier just north of Sunset Beach Resort (the blue condos). Come for some tropical cocktails plus a meal!
Someplace South CafeBar Get your coffee, food, cocktail, relaxation & sometimes live music even! Breakfast, lunch & dinner plus all day 2 for 1 mimosas! On a residential part of the road at about the 2 1/4 mile marker (if there were one!). Ask about their delivery service!
On the way north to town
Mahogany Bay Village has a “Townlet” with eating/drinking establishments that include Rum & Bean (great coffee & drinks), Dirty Martini, Jyoto Japanese Cuisine (delish!), & a variety of food stalls. Turn off is where the paved road meets the sand, at about mile 2.
Island Wonder Beach Club is right across from the Mahogany Bay turn off, at about the 2 mile mark & accessible via beachwalk from the Sunset Beach & Miramar condos during the day. There’s a walk in beach area, loungers, & more plus of course drinks & food.
Toast ‘Boozery & Grill’ is also across from the Mahogany Bay turn off, at about the 2 mile mark and accessible via beachwalk from the Sunset Beach & Miramar condos during the day. Lunch, drinks & dinner, plus games (bowling, anyone?) & often something happening at night like karaoke, trivia, or live music! (And you can check out Guevara Tours while you’re there, specializing in private excursions.)
*Victoria House* has three dining options; my favorite is the beach bar with the great views!
La Fonda De Nilo is on the road just north of & across from the Victoria House entrance. Argentinean chef whips up fabulous South American/Italian cuisine (great pizzas, among other things); sit outside or in the screened in area & let your taste buds enjoy!
Robin’s Kitchen Best barbecue & jerk chicken on the island (and at extremely reasonable prices)! Simple, local, BYOB. Check out their new location at the intersection just north of Victoria House!
Hidden Treasure truly is one! “Enchanting” open air dining, Latin American/Caribbean cuisine. It’s off a side road to the left as you are heading north. Ask about their complimentary golf cart pick up/drop off service; saves you from getting lost! The stuffed grouper comes recommended.
La Divina Providencia Store & Restaurant is a great local, budget place with fabulous pupusas & more! Local breakfasts, lunches & dinners; across from Hidden Treasure.
*The Alaia Belize offers several dining options by the water & from their rooftop! Menus here.
Antojitos San Telmo Very local; they’ll cook your catch! Next to Super Buy South grocery store.
The Baker Breakfast & lunch: sandwiches, meat pies, pastries, smoothies, more! From a recent guest: “We fell in love with The Baker. It was close to the condo and we ate there a ton! Yummy food and nice owners.” Across from Super Buy South grocery store. [Under new management October 2024.]
The Island’s Jungle Restaurant & Bar “A family owned business with a friendly staff that is ready to serve you!” Open for breakfast, lunch, cocktails & dinner often with live music, sports, or karaoke!
Black & White Garifuna Restaurant serves Garifuna food and (with advance request) will put on a Garifuna cultural presentation for groups. Ask about a cooking class! Located just south of the gas station & across from S.P. Hardware. More info here; contact gariculenter@gmail.com; 602-2895
Margie & Kenny’s Hangout Lunch, dinner & all day happy hour. The stewed chicken & curry shrimp come recommended, and don’t miss the key lime pie for dessert!
Pepperoni’s Pizza The BEST pizza, eat in or have it delivered. Evenings only.
Frenchy’s is great for a delicious, special night out–it’s like spending an evening in Paris! Indoor & outdoor dining. Reservations only.
Pineapples at Ramon’s Village, just a little south of the airport.
Paradice Ice Cream Again not a restaurant, but great place for dessert! Just south of the Tropic Air terminal, next to Carlo & Ernie’s.
Belikin Beer Shop “Onli eena Belize” Grab a cold draft Belizean beer across from the Tropic Air terminal & buy some swag!
You’ll also see a number of temporary “table, grill & tarp” type of food stands along the way to town; those who live on the island will often grab a meal of chicken, rice & beans for BZ$12 or so & up at these places. Give it a try if you are so inclined!
In or near town, on the sea:
*Blue Water Grill at the Sunbreeze Hotel (which is across from Tropic Air) Always a favorite, open air dining by the sea.
Belize Chocolate Boutique for coffee, desserts, snacks & a chocolate class! Across from the Roman Catholic School.
Estel’s is a San Pedro institution! Fun to sit and watch beach activity for breakfast, lunch or dinner; closed Tuesdays
Lily’s Treasure Chest Delicious ceviche
*Palapa Bar & Grill, out on a pier, float in an inner tube & have a drink!
*Sandbar Hostel has a fun beachside restaurant & bar: pizzas, subs, salads, burgers, & more.
Cool Beans Cafe is located on the Dream Catcher Pier & opens at 5:30 am — catch an amazing sunrise while enjoying a delicious cup of Joe! Breakfast is served all day plus there are great lunch items too (& dinner Wednesdays!).
Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill Fun, colorful relaxing tables & chairs on the beach plus shaded bar & dining area.
*Nauti Crab has food & drink plus something different happening nearly every day — music, hermit crab races (an R rated evening due to language, jokes and crab names), trivia, paint classes & more.
Coconut Cafe is on a little island; make a reservation & take their complimentary boat shuttle (next to the Corozal water taxi terminal on Back Street) over for a fantastic meal with a fabulous view of a San Pedro Town.
In town, but not on the sea:
El Fogón They specialize in the old fashioned way of cooking with firewood in the open – quite unique. Just north of the airport, across from the Sancas Building.
Sunset Lounge across from El Fogón, it’s the roof deck of the Sancas Building. Drinks, appetizers, & 360 degree views. Good late night spot too.
Cely’s Deli on Front Street across from the Holiday Hotel, very local. Opens 5 am. Try the meat pies!
Neri’s Tacos on Tarpon Street close to the lagoon side of town. 3 tacos for a “dolla” (& more)!
Hungry Grouper A small but well-loved seafood restaurant with Chef Argyle at the helm! Lunch & dinner; in town on Black Coral Street across from Saca Chispas stadium.
Sweet Tutz & Delight Restaurant Yummy local food & great service with AC! Daily hearty soup specials (about BZ$15), all day breakfast menu, handmade tamales, delicious smoothies, & more! On Angel Coral Street (aka Back Street) just north of Caye Supplies.
Charmaine’s Cafe is a creative bakery, cafe & dessert place (did someone say Tiramisu Latte??!). Come for breakfast or anytime at all — they even have vegan ice cream! Follow their Facebook page to see when Prime Rib night is. On Back Street at the corner of Pelican St (2nd floor).
*Caliente’s Restaurant Yummy Mexican food & plenty of margaritas at this casual place on Back Street!
La Pupusaria Salvadoreña Budget Guatemalan fare on Pescador (Middle) Street
*Elvi’s Kitchen Try the Maya buffet on Friday night; on Middle Street; has vegan menu.
Green Espresso Café Bar Delicious coffees plus breakfast & lunch, dinner some evenings too! On Middle Street across from Greenhouse Grocery. (New location opening late 2024 inside Home Tan Supermarket, next to SP Hardware just south of the gas station!)
Caye Custard Heck, why not start with dessert?! On Middle Street next to Caramba’s restaurant.
*Caramba’s Restaurant & Bar on Middle Street allows you to “indulge In Delicious Food In Belize.” They have a broad menu but specialize in seafood & local cuisine; this is a great ‘fine dining’ choice for families or groups of friends.
My Secret Deli Locally owned, small but excellent food; on Caribeña St. Closed Sunday evening
*Red Ginger at the Phoenix Hotel For a special night out!
Waruguma Guatemalan fare, Back Street, budget & delicious
Brianna’s Deli On Back Street, across from Super Buy grocery store. A local “hole in the wall” with great food.
The Purple Pelican Fabulous sunsets, food & service! In the northern part of town on the lagoon.
The Hut Barge Bar & Grill great for sunset drinks & food while ‘floating’! On the lagoon, in the northern part of town. Ask about their cooking classes!
Aba Isieni – Arzu Kitchen is a very local place on the west side of the main road in the northern part of town, before the bridge. Serving great takeaway hot lunches, be prepared to get in line, but it will be worth your wait!
North of town (north of the bridge) This is a rapidly growing area with new businesses always popping up! A very short list:
Mesa Bistro for breakfast, brunch & lunch; Dive Bar evenings: Half mile north of the bridge. Mesa Bistro offers locally sourced European, Mediterranean, and island inspired flavors; Dive Bar dinner, drinks & often live music!
Crocs Sunset Sports Bar not quite a mile north of the bridge on the lagoon side. Great sunsets, different specials & entertainment each night (live music, karaoke, DJ, & more!), bar games, sports, food, drinks & more!
The Taco Bar @ Pur, tacos & more, including a swim-up bar, nearly a mile north of the bridge. Adults (18+) only.
*Marbucks fabulous breakfasts (try their Asiago cheese sandwich!) & daytime snacks.
*The Truck Stop Four containers, each with its own food theme, amazing ice cream. Beer garden also! Very popular place with games, movie nights, pool, & more. On the lagoon side, 1 mile north of the bridge.
Garage Seafood & Steakhouse & Sports Bar, about a mile north, gets rave reviews. In addition to their delicious menu, they offer 3 seating areas to choose from: bar upstairs, outside, or inside tables.
*Grand Caribe Resort’s Rain (fabulous roof top views!) and Aqua (seafood/steak) restaurants, 2 miles north of bridge.
Capricorn Restaurant, beachfront about 3 miles north. Eat lunch or dinner inside or on the beach! Cajun and Creole cuisine & more.
Tipsy Grill (formerly Tipsy Lobster), 3.5 miles north, never disappoints!! Sit under a palapa or umbrella on the beach or on the porch & to enjoy drinks & or a meal at this seafood grill!
Portofino‘s restaurant offers a Euro-Caribbean fusion menu in a “tree house setting” with amazing Caribbean views 6 miles north! Ask about their complimentary golf cart pick up/drop off service in town.
Of course, having a home-cooked Belizean meal prepared for you is possible too; see FAQ #7!
*Likely operating during a power outage with generator back up.
NOTE: During the months of September & October, some island restaurants close for vacation, repairs, etc.
Legal drinking age in Belize is 18.