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:
Aji Tapa Bar and Restaurant: One of the Finest Culinary Experiences in San Pedro, Belize
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.
- Posted on TripAdvisor
The Truck Stop
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.
Elvi’s Kitchen
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.
Wild Mangos
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.
Belize Chocolate Company
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.
Blue Water Grill
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.
Estel’s Dine by the Sea
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.
The Hidden Treasure Restaurant & Lounge
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.
In Closing
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.