37 Best Restaurants in Belize

Those who dream in chocolate, this one's for you. Owners Chris Beaumont and Jo Sayer work with over 500 Maya cacao farms (in a handful of collectives), which average 1½ acres each and typically use organic methods. As a result, the company does marvels with one of Belize's most ancient crops. Here, the Belizean bean appears not only in bars but as champagne truffles, milkshakes, and---get ready---chocolate balsamic vinegar. Make time for Chris' amazing class on chocolate-making at about BZ$25 per person (offered at 10:30 am on weekdays; just call ahead to schedule). Expect U.S. chocolatier prices here.

This little open-air restaurant near Xunantunich has won many fans who come for hearty Mayan, mestizo, and Creole dishes at rock-bottom prices. You'll find mostly locals here, many from San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, and other parts of Cayo District. Most items on the menu are BZ$12 or less, including chilimole (chicken with mole sauce), cow-foot soup, Belizean escabeche (marinated fish or meat), and stew pork with rice, beans, and plantains. You can make a meal of the mestizo appetizers including salbutes (puffed fried tortilla with meat), tostadas, and empanadas, most under BZ$2 each. The classic Mayan pibil (pork cooked in an underground oven) is sometimes on the menu. The banana and mango licuados (milk shakes) are delicious, and you can also enjoy the official national drinks of Belize, Belikin and Fanta.

If you’re hankering for a steaming bowl of cow-foot soup or just a good old plate of succulent stew chicken, join San Pedranos on their lunch break at Briana's. Crunchy eats like salbutes and garnachas won’t disappoint, but for faithful homestyle Belizean cuisine, try whatever is on special that day: think pigtail or curry chicken with coconut rice and beans, plantains, and a scoop of slaw.

This beloved parlor is your place for creamy custards and cooling sorbets—all homemade and so dense that they resist quick melting. Custard is made with egg yolks; it's touted as a "healthier" alternative to ice cream, which we're willing to believe for the sake of dessert. For island flavors, looks for mango sorbet or soursop frozen custard. 

Fry jacks are those puffy pillows of fried dough served at breakfast; here they come stuffed with a slew of options, from egg and ham to chicken and beans, all for a U.S. buck or two. Just one makes a filling breakfast. Pull up a stool on the pink-and-green porch, or take your fry jacks near the water. At the stand next door you can pick up a liter of fresh watermelon juice (in a repurposed Crystal bottle) for BZ$7. Yet another example of a great female entrepreneur in Belize, Errolyn does it right. She also holds a barbecue most Saturdays.

Cash only.

Founded by an award-winning pastry chef, Maria's Bakeshop & Coffeehouse has quickly become the go-to spot for rich coffee and decadent pastries. The café's air-conditioned indoor area is artfully decorated, complete with cozy corners and spacious booths. While good old-fashioned Americanos are their signature, Maria's most popular drinks include frappuccinos and refreshing teas, serving as a respite from the Belizean heat. Visit during special occasions for creative seasonal drinks and pair with fluffy croissants or a toasted panini. 

After a pineapple-ginger-lime smoothie in this restful thatch café, pop up to the rooftop at 9 am for drop-in yoga. What better way to start your island day? This three-story open-air eatery, which is almost always buzzing, is a welcome addition to Caye Caulker. The yoga classes are locally famous (and you'll have great views while you're in Trikonasana pose). Reasonably priced egg casserole, chia pudding, sandwiches, and salads can be ordered at the counter until mid-afternoon. There’s even house-made kombucha!

Here is the island's classic spot for a warm smile, coffee (including espresso), and a morning bite to eat. Sit on the cozy porch, people-watch on Front Street, and try the homemade yogurt or the yummy fresh breads.

Snug as a pink box of pastries, Annie's is open only in the late afternoon and evening and offers empanadas, sandwiches, and miniloaves of banana bread at local prices. If you're feeling spontaneous, select from the unlabeled display in the window and see what you bite into.

There's something for everyone and this specialty coffee shop—if you need a nice cup of coffee, you can get it here, but also fruit smoothies, flavorful teas, sweet drinks like salted-caramel cold brew, and unexpected snacks like ancho chile soup or kimchi grilled cheese. Boba lovers rejoice! You can get your popping bubble fix here.

Grab a milk shake, a cacao iced tea, or a bar of coconut milk chocolate at this outpost of the fabulous chocolatier based in San Pedro. Try the "island crunch" sponge taffy––an airy yet dense delight.

The vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu has yummy fare like waffles, veggie dumplings, and vegetarian sandwiches. If you're looking for a sweet treat look no further. Stop in for nutty caramel cheesecake, donuts, or homemade ice cream. A full line of hot and cold drinks includes coffee, tea, smoothies, and milkshakes. Bring your own to-go cup for 50¢ off.

This longtime local favorite serves simple but tasty Belizean dishes such as stew chicken or pork with beans and rice. Sit at tables with oilcloth tablecloths under a covered patio, open to the breezes, and enjoy genuine Belizean hospitality at lunch and dinner. Some days Coleman's has a buffet of Belizean foods at lunch.

One of the best things about Belize is the amazing mix of cultures that brings out the best food from each, and Everest is no exception. Large portions and varieties of curries, chai tea, garlic naan, thali, mango lassi, and more are on the menu. Indian food lovers and newbies to this cuisine, vegans, and meat-eaters will delight in the authentic and tasty dishes. 

Neighboring Crabby's Restaurant, Frozen Paradise makes for an ideal dessert stop after lunch. Serving iced coffees, frappes, and other various drinks, the coffee place is mostly known for its savory drinks. Their "chamoyadas" are the most popular—a refreshing frozen drink consisting of blended mango, tamarind spice, and chamoy sauce. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, Frozen Paradise also serves Belizean fast food like garnachas, empanadas, and salbutes for less than $10. 

Glenda's menu is on a chalkboard, short and sweet, and you place your order at the window of a pretty clapboard house. At breakfast, when this café is most popular, you can get a hearty meal of eggs, bacon, beans, johnnycakes, and fresh OJ, all for a pittance. Dine under the solemn eyes of a print of The Last Supper, or take it to go. It starts up at 7 am; get there early to snag a cinnamon bun. The hours are island style, so Glenda's may not be open when you want it to be, especially at lunch.

Hodes is often the busiest place in town, with its large shaded patio next to a citrus grove, swings, slides, and ice-cream bar (it's much bigger than it looks from the outside). The fried chicken with french fries is some of the best in the Cayo. Prices are very reasonable, and there's a full bar.

Belize’s abundance of fruit ends up in a variety of flavors scooped up for you at the city’s best ice-cream parlor. You’ll probably have questions as you gaze at the blackboard menu—what are craboo and sapodilla?—and the good folks here are happy to explain the more exotic flavors. Rest assured that you'll find vanilla and chocolate if you're feeling more "vanilla." Choose from standard or waffle cones, sundaes, or milk shakes, and enjoy the air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. You'll find a branch in San Ignacio in the Cayo, too.

If you’re jonesing for a caffeinated treat—maybe a Nutella frappe or a cappuccino—look no further. Ice n’ Beans is your quick seafront coffee bar where tasty samples are dished out to anyone who walks up. Bagel sandwiches and tasty smoothies are also on offer. You can get your coffee here until early evening.

At Innies, as at most local restaurants in the village, you're eating in a spot that was once somebody's house or back porch. Here, you can dine inside or outside and get the full flavor of village life. The food is authentic (though some dishes cater to the taste of tourists), delicious, and inexpensive. You'll find the staff very friendly. Traditional Garifuna dishes such as hudut (fish cooked in coconut milk and served with mashed plantains) and ereba (grated cassava bread) with bundiga (a gravy of grated plantains and coconut) are available, but less exotic dishes like fried chicken and rice and beans with stew chicken are also served.

The best breakfast in Corozal is served by Miss June at her home, but there's only seating for about a dozen guests on the open-air patio. Everything is homemade, freshly prepared, and served by Miss June and her family. For example, you can have a delicious breakfast of an omelet, pepper sausage, fried potatoes, warm bread, and freshly squeezed orange juice for about BZ$10. Lunch is delicious, and the entire menu can (and will) be spoken in a few words: likely stew chicken, stew beef, or stew pork, plus a daily special. Delivery is available, brought to you by Miss June's husband on his bike.

Seating is on the front deck of a simple wooden structure here. Choose from a bench, a picnic table, or low tables and enjoy a variety of gourmet coffee drinks. If you need something more fortifying, sandwiches and quiches are on the menu, too, with gluten-free options available.

No, it has nothing to do with the U.S. chain Burger King, but it is one of the best places in Dangriga to get an honest plate of chicken and rice and beans. Prepared by the Cuban owner, the fresh fish is good, and, yes, so are the hamburgers. Everything's affordable, too. No alcohol is served, but you can BYOB (Bring Your Own Belikin).

There's nothing glossy about Manelly's, aside from your ice cream melting in the cone, and that's what makes this spot charming. Have a cheap coconut ice cream or sugarcorn paleta (popsicle). The supersweet ice cream isn't quite delicate, but it's handmade on-site with some local ingredients.

You'll recognize the circular logo from the monolithic coffee chain it references, but vibrant-tiled Marbucks is far better. Part of the intimate Daydreamin' B&B, Marbucks is a charming breakfast joint with pleasant outdoor stools and tables. We recommend the drip coffee and the frittata, served in a cast iron skillet. If you're hankering for a back-home bagel, the egg sandwich is delicious. Marbucks hosts the groovy and hugely popular Wine Down Thursdays gathering from 4:30 to 7:30, with live music and complimentary appetizers.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a faster, tastier, cheaper Belizean meal than at this hole in the wall. Grab and go breakfast burritos will fill you up before a tour and the watermelon or lime juice will keep you hydrated. Seating is very limited so take your feast down the street for a picnic in the park.

Often packed, Nerie's is the vox populi of dining in Belize City. The many traditional dishes on the menu include fry jacks for breakfast and cow-foot soup for lunch. Stew chicken with rice and beans and a soft drink is always an economical choice. There's another location on Douglas Jones Street.

You're in the heart of the Commercial District, so a taxi to and from is a must if you come here for dinner.