Santa Cruz La Laguna
Up in the village, this brilliant community project comedor is run by local students who are learning to make traditional Guatemalan dishes to global…
Must-see restaurants in The Highlands
-
Chichicastenango
This charming cafe is tucked into the outside corner of Centro Comercial Santo Tomás and is a gem if you want to step back from the bustle of the market…
-
Quetzaltenango
This charming upstairs restaurant refreshes palates with generous plates from around Asia – Chinese dumplings, Indonesia satay, pad thai, Vietnamese…
-
Quetzaltenango
This simple but cheerful dining hall is a good place to savor Xela home cooking, with daily specials like jocón (stew with tomatillo and cilantro) and…
-
Quetzaltenango
Authentic south Indian fare is whipped up here by a fellow from Kerala. Servings are huge; the thalis – platters of curried veggies, chicken or beef – are…
-
Panajachel
Behind the swinging doors, Circus Bar has a cabaret atmosphere, with live music nightly from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. There is good pizza and even better pasta,…
-
San Marcos La Laguna
This cheerily painted clapboard canteen serves up big healthy portions of Guatemalan food according to a changing daily menu to help support a wider…
-
Panajachel
This is a locally popular joint for lunch; the front terrace makes an obvious meeting place. Try to make it for Monday lunch when everyone chows down on…
-
Panajachel
All the perks of a US diner are here in abundance, including buttermilk pancakes, great omelets with hash browns or country biscuits on the side, and free…
-
Chichicastenango
The three dining rooms at Chichi's classiest hotel feature colonial-style furnishings and canvases by renowned painter Humberto Garabito. Waiters wear…
-
Panajachel
Usefully located in the nightlife zone, Chero's can get pretty lively, with beer-drinking patrons gathering around simple wood tables as tuk-tuks zip by…
-
Panajachel
Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Hana is ensconced in the serene courtyard of the Casa Cakchiquel, graced by hanging plants and a gallery of photos of…
-
Quetzaltenango
An alternative cultural center focusing on the economic reintegration of returning migrants, La Red Kat also provides grants for young chefs in training,…
-
Quetzaltenango
This cute bistro just off the central plaza is liberally decorated with printing paraphernalia – the owner's great-grandfather ran Xela's first printing…
-
Quetzaltenango
For breakfast and lunch on weekdays, la nicaragüense owner has a simple setup with a sunny patio and alternative vibe. You'll find creative variations on…
-
Quetzaltenango
This centrally located branch of the city-wide bakery chain is worth stopping into just to admire the fancy pastries on display, or to grab a bag of fresh…
-
San Pedro La Laguna
Sabich, an Israeli sandwich lovingly stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, hummus and fried eggplant, is just one highlight on the menu at this cheerful Mideast…
-
San Marcos La Laguna
This groovy little shack can be found by the creek east of the village. Japanese owner Seiko makes a mean miso soup, plus vegetarian sushi and tempura…
-
Quetzaltenango
A good recipe for any restaurant is to do one or two things, and do them well. Panque Waffles nails it with, um, waffles, as well as brilliant burgers…
-
Quetzaltenango
Part of a hostel/arts center in the Pasaje Enríquez, Café Nativos is an inviting place with good natural fare, espresso, French toast for breakfast,…
-
Panajachel
The restaurant component of the Hotel Primavera serves some of Pana's finest cuisine, with a hefty dash of European influence and a wine list to back it…
-
Panajachel
This Uruguayan grill serves up generous helpings of steak, sausage and chicken dishes with vegetables, salad, garlic bread and rice or boiled potatoes…
-
San Marcos La Laguna
Fé, about midway down the main trail, offers informal candlelit dining in a pleasant, open-air hall with a tree in the middle. The pastas, pan-fried fish…
-
Chichicastenango
One of the more stylish eateries, the San Juan occupies a beautiful colonial structure beside Santo Tomás with candlelit dining in various salons…
-
San Pedro La Laguna
An airy sports bar that does a wicked line in over two dozen different gourmet burgers, plus chili dogs and seriously filled sandwiches to go down with…
-
Lago de Atitlán
Right at the dock is this trendy restaurant with a seasonally varying menu and a popular happy hour highlighted by purple-basil mojitos. Sunday brunch is…
-
Panajachel
This is the largest of a group of rather rustic cooking stalls at the rear of the market building, near the pork vendors. It offers half a dozen menu…
-
Quetzaltenango
Drop into this little bakery for a glimpse of old-fashioned Xela, especially around 5pm when locals gather for hot chocolate and such pastries as pan de…
-
Chichicastenango
A cheery 1st-floor restaurant set back from the market hubbub, Los Asados is good for filling breakfasts, sandwiches and big grill plates. Always keep an…
-
San Marcos La Laguna
Along the main thoroughfare west of the square, Moonfish whips up hippie-friendly fare including tempeh sandwiches, tofu scrambles and mighty fine falafel…
-
Quetzaltenango
Burrito lovers need go no further than Tacorazon to fill their boots. Conveniently tucked into a corner across from the main park, this bright place does…
-
Lago de Atitlán
This simple lunch hall at the base of the town hall is a gathering place for the Kaqchiquel community. Expect hearty helpings of such down-home fare as…
-
San Pedro La Laguna
The pool on the grounds of campground/cafe Chuasinayi is a global gathering place, particularly on Sundays when a character known as Smokin' Joe barbecues…
-
Panajachel
This groovy natural-foods haven revolves around a llama de fuego (African tulip) tree. Vegetarian options are well represented, along with a barrel-full…
-
Quetzaltenango
A 10-minute hike up the hill at the south end of town with views over Xela worthy of its name, Panorama makes a romantic spot for that special night out…
-
Quetzaltenango
One of various snack stalls on the lower level of the central market, Doña Cristy cheerfully serves atol de elote (a hot maize beverage), empanadas and…
-
Quetzaltenango
Crepes and wood-fired pizzas are the main attractions at this upscale dining hall, which also prepares exceptionally zesty salads. Popular with both…
-
Panajachel
This tranquil garden restaurant with hummingbirds darting about the flowers serves a range of healthy foods and drinks. Breakfast is served all day, and…
-
San Marcos La Laguna
This 'mom and pop' store on the central plaza is popular with expats after a cheap, home-cooked meal, which might explain why tofu dishes pop up among the…
-
Quetzaltenango
This lively pub/snack bar grills up long bologna-and-cheese sandwiches, brought to the table with squeeze bottles of green sauce and icy pitchers of Xela…
