Imagine this. You’re relaxing at a beautiful beach, watching a breathtaking view of turquoise waters and enjoying the misty ocean breeze, sipping your favorite drink, basking in the Belizean sun with your feet soaked in the white sand and not a worry in the world. Well, that’s a typical afternoon at the resorts in San Pedro, Belize for you.
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We’re not here to talk about real treasure. No, we’re here to talk about the kind of treasure that draws adventure seekers near and far. The kind of treasure that can only be experienced first-hand and absorbed with one’s own eyes. Today, the treasure that we’re alluding to is the beautiful Ambergris Caye in Belize.
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A small town in Belize’s largest island – Ambergris Caye, San Pedro is nothing short of a cultural hotspot, owing to the diverse communities that have inhabited it and shaped its history over the last couple of centuries. Food is an integral part of the rich and vibrant heritage of San Pedro, influenced mainly by Central and South American cultures. From rice and beans and salbutes to ceviche and tamales, every dish you try in San Pedro has a historical significance and story that only locals can tell you.
From street food to fine dining by the sea, restaurants in San Pedro, Belize have so much to add to your entire experience of exploring the island. The traditional flavors of Mexican, Mayan, Caribbean, and Spanish cultures that you get to taste at the restaurants in San Pedro, Belize are unparalleled and unique to the place. What adds to the culinary charm of this rustic Central American town is how the flavors are not modified to cater to tourists, but are proudly authentic – something that gives you a sneak peek into the Belizean way of life.
So, if you’re ready to dive into one of the top culinary adventures in the world, here are the restaurants in San Pedro, Belize that you absolutely need to visit:
A laidback bar and restaurant, Aji Tapa promises you a wholesome, memorable, and picturesque culinary experience, only steps away from the Caribbean sea. Enjoy true Belizean flavors under the moonlight, as the cool sea breeze rejuvenates you. The menu at Aji Tapas bar and restaurant is designed to give you a taste of the local flavors of Ambergris Caye. Our delectable selection of freshly-caught seafood is unlike anything you’ve tasted before and our wide varieties of tapas are the perfect way to savor a traditional Spanish meal.
Aji Tapa is located just steps away from the Bella Vista Resort, so if that’s where you are staying, you’ll never be too far from an authentic Caribbean meal. If you are traveling to San Pedro to celebrate a special occasion, we would love to host you to make your day even more special. Just let us know in advance and our staff will go above and beyond to make your experience memorable.
Our guests cherish their experience at Aji Tapas because of the mouthwatering food, exemplary service, and the captivating ambiance of dining by the sea.
Sweet beach-front fine dining
Lovely little spot for fine dining with comfort on the beach. Had lobster app and lobster special for dinner and the flavors were great. Service was superb and love the quaint cozy atmosphere on the beach.
It’s not a restaurant or a bar! Located in the North of San Pedro, The Truck Stop is Belize’s very own shipping container food truck park. The Truck Stop is popular among tourists as an exciting place to hang out, meet new people, and spend time with friends and family. With a central open seating area and food trucks surrounding it, The Truck Stop offers a plethora of street food options including Latin American and South East Asian cuisines, pizzas, and ice cream. If you are heading there on a weekend, you can enjoy live music concerts, movie watching on an 18-foot screen, and game nights out in the outdoors. The best time to visit is around the afternoon so you can watch the sunset and then spend your evening relishing the various street food options along with live music.
Established by Elvia Staines around four decades ago, this legacy restaurant has come a long way from being a small takeout window to now being one of the most revered dining joints in San Pedro, Belize. The restaurant specializes in savory seafood and has received many accolades for serving authentic Mayan cuisine and preserving the heritage of the Mayan civilization.
Despite its popularity, Elvi’s Kitchen has the charm of a family-owned business, which is absolutely delightful to experience as a tourist. The Mayan buffet they serve is worth every penny and more – something you can add to your list if you’re looking to experience the Mayan culture.
Located at the Barrier Reef Drive, Wild Mangos is a sea-facing restaurant specializing in local Caribbean, Latin, and South American cuisine. Pork tenderloin, pumpkin ravioli, ceviche, and cashew crusted grouper are just a few of the many succulent dishes you get to savor at this tropical food paradise, while watching the breathtaking deep blue waters. Wild Mangos also has its very own vegan menu which makes it a popular choice among vegetarian and vegan travelers.
A quaint beachside boutique, Belize Chocolate Company is a chocolate cafe and gift shop that is known for its dark, milk, and white chocolate drinks and treats that are made from organically grown and sourced ingredients from Belize. A cute little cafe that allows you to satiate your sweet cravings as you taste their delicious chocolate and coffee treats and experience the chocolate-making process. From truffles to milkshakes, there’s so much to revel in at the Belize Chocolate Company that you wouldn’t want to leave without trying the entire menu. Once you’re done indulging in cocoa decadence by the beach, you can buy gifts for your friends and family back home.
Known for its flavorsome food, friendly guest service, and beachfront location, Blue Water Grill is a multi-cuisine restaurant that specializes in ceviche, sushi, tacos, grouper, and fresh salads. The laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant will give you a sense of the Belizean lifestyle at its best as you enjoy an authentic meal accompanied by the sea breeze. The joint is known for its incredible breakfast menu and daily specials (sushi Tuesdays and Thursdays) which keep bringing tourists back to this gem.
Open as early as 6 am, Estel’s Dine by the Sea is San Pedro’s most loved breakfast joint known for its fry jacks, freshly-squeezed fruit juices, Mayan eggs, breakfast burritos, and johnny cakes. If you can get a table on the porch or terrace, you are in for some spectacular views as you enjoy your meal. With your feet soaked in the sand and meals served on wooden tables, the entire vibe of the restaurant is tropical, soothing, and relaxing. Given how authentically Belizean it is, Estel’s Dine by the Sea is popular among locals as it is among tourists.
If you are looking to have a romantic, candlelight dinner with your significant other on this gorgeous Belizean island, The Hidden Treasure is a great choice. Located in a residential neighborhood, this rustic restaurant offers a fine dining experience like none other. The restaurant specializes in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, and promises a luxurious culinary experience in a wooden establishment, accompanied by fresh tropical air. Serving only dinner from Wednesdays to Mondays, The Hidden Treasure is an award-winning restaurant where you can enjoy live music with your meals on Thursdays.
If you are planning a trip to San Pedro, we’d love to host you at the Aji Tap Bar and Restaurant and take you on an authentic Belizean culinary adventure. Click here to see our carefully curated menu or make a reservation here.
Located on the beautiful and lush island of Ambergris Caye, the quaint town of San Pedro is a paradisiacal tourist magnet, to say the very least. Since the sandy island town is a tropical heaven for adventure junkies and serenity chasers alike, the dual charm of San Pedro makes it truly special and absolutely unique.
The Bella Vista Resort lies along the tranquil, white beaches of Ambergris Caye and is only 2.5 miles from the hustle-bustle of downtown San Pedro. Apart from our exemplary guest service, the Bella Vista Resort is known for its wide range of elegant suites that offer the best of homelike comfort and Belizean indulgence. Our suites promise you a wholesome, fun-filled, and rejuvenating experience as you explore the culturally-rich town, relish the local flavors, and enjoy the riveting water activities.
Each of our suites is designed to ensure you and your loved ones have a truly enriching, refreshing, and indulgent island experience, absolutely Belizean style! Here are is range of tropical suites, each with a distinctive touch of its own:
With views of the mesmerizing white-sand beach, this 1-bedroom, poolside suite is situated on the ground floor of the main guest house and has a fully furnished living room and kitchenette, perfect for a couple. Just steps away from all major amenities, the ideal location of this suite offers easy access to activities such as boating, kayaking, bicycling, lounging or walking by the pool, or simply enjoying the Caribbean breeze from the comfort of the resort.
After a long day of sightseeing or activities, you can always enjoy your time indoors as the suite is furnished with a smart TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, fully equipped with essential crockery and utensils. What’s more, this suite is located steps away from our on-site and very renowned Aji Tapa Restaurant and Bar where you can enjoy the local cuisine at its finest at a 10% discount.
Located on the first floor of our main guest house, the Sea Turtle Suite offers direct access to the pool as well as the beach. This uniquely-designed suite is ideal for a small family of 3 looking for a relaxing beach-side vacation.
Minutes away from water sports, Aji Tapa Restaurant, as well as the dock and pier, you are never going to be too far from activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or even paddle boating and kayaking. So, if you are traveling with kids, you don’t have to spend time planning your commute to the beach to enjoy breathtaking views or adventure activities.
The living room comes fully furnished with a smart TV, sofa bed, and dining table, while the kitchenette is equipped with the latest appliances including a microwave, coffee maker, stove, and utensils. The free Wifi and local cable promise to make your time indoors enjoyable.
Located on the second floor of our guest house, the Crocodile Villa allows you to perfectly escape into the island life and enjoy a leisurely stay in your home away from home. The private balcony overlooking the deep, blue Caribbean sea is accessible from each bedroom and is furnished with an outdoor dining table and patio set. This suite is ideal for guests looking to enjoy private views of sunrises and sunsets, while savoring a meal or sipping coffee.
The full-sized living room with a large couch, coffee table and smart TV, and kitchen fully equipped with a dishwasher, fridge, microwave, and cookware make the suite perfect for large families or even 2 couples. The tropical wood outdoor shower is the highlight of the suite, allowing guests to treat themselves to the unforgettable island life, in true Ambergris Caye style.
Located amidst the Mangrove trees in the rear end of the main resort property, this is one of the 3 bedrooms in a charming and old-fashioned casita. Right next to the main road that leads to downtown San Pedro, the cabin promises a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that allows you to explore life in the gorgeous Caribbean woods.
Our picturesque on-site bridge separates the breathtaking seafront and the well-renowned Aji Tapa restaurant from the cabin and can be accessed in a short one-minute walk. With a fully furnished living room, private veranda, and fully equipped kitchen, this suite is an excellent choice if you are looking to spend some quality time with your family, away from the crowds.
Located near the entrance of the resort, this quiet cabin has quick access to the road that leads to the town and is separated from the main property by a small lagoon. This quiet suite is ideal for those seeking a calm environment where they can feel the sea and forest breeze from their balcony and spend some private time with their significant other.
With a spacious living room and ready-to-use kitchen, this rustic suite is a quick two-minute walk away from the seafront, where you can enjoy water activities, walks along the beach, and a lip-smacking meal at the Aji Tapa Restaurant.
Located right next to the lagoon and in the middle of the lush mangroves, the rustic Barracuda House is our largest cabin. With easy access to the beach, restaurant, golf cart parking, and the road leading to the heart of the town, our finest casita offers complete privacy so you can enjoy the island life at your own pace.
Our guests particularly love the private patio where they can enjoy the fresh forest breeze along with a meal with their loved ones. Once done lounging on your balcony, a short walk will take you to the parking where you can hop on a golf cart and head to the downtown area. With a fully furnished living room and kitchen, the Barracuda House makes you feel at home on this tranquil island.
Climb up to the top floor of our main guest house to find the Reef Shark Penthouse, which is a private and quiet studio, and has a cozy balcony overlooking the picturesque sea as well as the resort pool. From a kitchenette to a smart TV to a bedside table, the suite has everything you need for a comfortable island vacation and is ideal for a couple.
Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and enjoy panoramic views of the sunset from this intimate suite that is just steps away from all resort amenities as well as the beachfront.
From the feedback we’ve received, our guests love their experience staying at the Bella Vista Resort Suites, including authentic sea-facing candle-light dinners at Aji Tapa, access to rejuvenating amenities, exciting water activities, and the overall Caribbean charm of the resort.
Here’s what they have to say about their experience with the Bella Vista Resort suites:
“The Crocodile suite where we stayed was amazing! We had a beautiful view of the Caribbean from our private balcony. The suite was so clean and comfortable! I have to say that the staff put our experience over the top. They took care of everything! They set up a boat tour for us to go snorkeling at shark ray alley and Hol Chan marine reserve, and a private tour of the ruins and the zoo on the mainland. We also had a massage on the dock, overlooking the water that was life changing! Lol. The food at Aji restaurant was outstanding. We had complementary breakfast every day, which was some of the best food I have ever tasted. ”
“My husband and I stayed in the reef shark suite on the top floor with a gorgeous balcony to drink coffee on and let the ocean breeze into the room each morning. It’s not a crazy fancy place but it was everything we needed! Comfortable bed and very clean room/bathroom. We ate at Aji (on site restaurant) quite a bit as the food was incredible. Best fry jacks we had on the whole island! The staff were so helpful and treated us like good friends. Highly recommend booking excursions through them instead of the places in town. Would definitely recommend this place and will stay here again if we return to San Pedro!”
At the Bella Vista Resort, we want you to have the Belizean vacation of your dreams, without having to worry about a thing. While our indulgent suites ensure you have a rejuvenating stay, our adventure and sightseeing partners at Reef, Rivers, Ruines, and Adventures offer curated packages so the thrill-seeker in you can pre-book their water adventure sports for the trip and leave the itinerary and planning to us. From diving packages and sightseeing tours to leisure packages and romantic getaways, our friends at Reef, Rivers, Ruines, and Adventures have got you covered.
Reach out to us to book your selected suite and vacation package and we promise to make it a holiday you cherish for a lifetime. Also, if you couldn’t find what you wanted or prefer a customized package, we can make that happen as well. No matter what your requirements and desires are, our team is dedicated to creating an unforgettable vacation package for you that is just as unique as you need.
