2 Best Restaurants in The Southern Coast, Belize

La Dolce Vita

$$$ Fodor's choice

In a slightly Fellini-esque, upstairs setting the often-underrated La Dolce Vita brings authentic antipasti, bruschetta, and pasta dishes to Placencia. With opera music playing softly in the background, it's like being in a small, family-run restaurant in Italy. The spaghetti carbonara, with the owner's own home-smoked bacon, is amazing. Try the signature penne dolce vita, with a shrimp and zucchini sauce or the linguini with calamari, octopus, squid, and shrimp. Most dishes are in large portions. The owner imports Italian pastas, olive oils, and wines to make sure everything is top quality. (The wine is always a generous pour.)

Italian Dinner Fodor's Choice $$$
Main St., Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize
523–3115
Known For
  • spaghetti carbonara
  • penne dolce vita
  • good wine selection
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch

La Trattoria Romana

$$$
The aromas waft out to the street and entice you in to this upscale—upscale for Hopkins, that is—Italian spot just south of town. Kick off a meal with a wide variety of bruschetta, followed by a Caprese salad, mushroom ravioli, and tiramisu for dessert. The wine list is one of the best in the country.