Wondering where to eat in Antigua? Well, look no further! I’ve put together this list of the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala based on my personal experience plus a little help from some local friends. You won’t find some of these restaurants on other best restaurants in Antigua list as there really are some local gems here that not many tourists ever discover.
Guatemala may not be known for its cuisine, but if you know the right place to eat in Antigua it can be the perfect place for foodies or anybody who enjoys eating! Since Antigua is a very touristy city, you will find many restaurant owners are people who were once backpackers, Spanish students, volunteers, etc. who got caught in the city charms and never left. What this means food-wise is that you can find anything from Texan, Italian, Venezuelan, fusion, Mexican, Japanese, Guatemalan (of course), Cuban, vegan, vegetarian, and the list goes on.
In this post, I have divided everything into categories and added a price range for the menus of each restaurant or approximate price for the street food stalls. So you can let your cravings go wild while sticking to your budget when you are visiting Antigua.
So, as you can imagine, this was a very tough post to write based on experience. You can thank me later. Also, check out these other posts I have prepared for you Antigua Travel Guide, Can I Travel to Guatemala Right Now? and Is Guatemala Safe?
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything! Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list.
I’m pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. So when looking for travel insurance it’s important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, Hey Mondo, Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this.
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover. You even have the option to start the cover when you are already on your trip, although you won’t be covered for the first 72 hours. For me my favourite feature is their app which offers you a 24/7 Dr chat and the ability to file a claim direct in the app.
Passport Nomads provides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. The game changer with them is that you have a red card and if you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.
Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. They have an excess of $250 and it’s simple to make a claim through their website. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy and I like that it renews on a monthly basis, so I don’t have to pay out a big lump sum up front.
I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips.
If you are doing shorter trips or an extended backpacking trip then Hey Mondo or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for Passport Nomads or SafetyWing.
Places To Eat In Antigua For Guatemalan Food
Locals Favourites
Guatelaria
The owners from this place are really making efforts to learn the authentic Guatemalan recipes without trying to change them in any way. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and at the entrance, they have a small room with artisanal candies that you will only see in Antigua.
Price range: Q32 to Q460 (a barbecue for four people)
Vegetarian and vegan options: yes
La Fonda de La Calle Real
This is one of Antigua’s oldest restaurants. They have preserved their menu throughout the years and they have done it right. If you ask a local, they will all tell you that they have been there at least once in their life, and most of them will recommend the queso fundido (fondue).
Price range: Q20 to Q180
Vegetarian and vegan options: yes
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
The Local Market
This is actually the best place to go if you are looking for real Guatemalan food, though definitely not the fanciest. I didn’t add it at the top because of Covid-19. The sanitary protocols at the local market have never been high. That means that now, you have to be extra careful.
Price range: Q20 to Q25 including non-alcoholic beverages. Most of the time, you will get a stew of chicken, beef or pork, rice, and salad with the traditional tortillas.
Vegan or vegetarian options: Not exactly. If you are a vegetarian, you can ask the ladies to serve only the stew sauce and avoid the meat. If you are a vegan, you may want to order only the rice and the salad.
Top Restaurants In Antigua For International Food
There are so many good international food restaurants in Antigua, it was tough to decide which ones to add to this list, but I managed to narrow it down to eight places.
Kabuki – Japanese
Best sushi in town! This is a small place is owned by a very friendly Japanese fellow, the staff is very friendly and the food is excellent. These guys are only open for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q30 to Q120
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
La Pasta Nostra – Italian
This is a relatively new place and I am so happy that it survived the lockdown in 2020 because the food is amazing. The pasta is done artisanally by them and great news for everybody, they have vegan and gluten-free pasta! They open only for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q30 to Q140
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes and also gluten-free!
Indian Accent – Indian
It could be quite a challenge to find a good Indian restaurant or an Indian restaurant all around in this part of the world. This one though does not disappoint. This is another restaurant opened only for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q40 – Q140
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes
Pappy’s BBQ – Texan
Who loves a good smoked pork sandwich? If you got excited by that question, this is for you. This is also a great place to watch a sports match with your friends and have a couple of beers. They are open from 10 to 21 so I guess you can have a brunch with these guys?
Price range: Q34 (a kid’s plate) to Q385 (for four people)
Vegan or vegetarian options: no, I’m sorry, this is not your place. If you are a meat-eater and gluten-free on the other hand, you can really enjoy this place.
A Saber TrovArte – Venezuelan
It is nice to meet Venezuelan expats doing well even though things are not great in their country, and arepas are welcome any time of day. You can eat here only for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q32 to Q180
Vegan or vegetarian: there is only a vegetarian arepa, but no options for vegans
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
Frida’s – Mexican
This restaurant has been standing in Antigua since 1995. In terms of food, it is Mexican with a gourmet touch. They often have live music, and the Margaritas are just delicious. Since this place is a bit fancy, the prices are a little out there.
I know there are other Mexican places in Antigua, but I haven’t had the chance to try them. If you know of other places with great Mexican food and a bit less expensive, please let me know in the comments. I would very much like to try those places.
This place is open only for lunch and dinner and on Sundays they have brunch from 10 am.
Price range: Q56 to Q299 (for 3 people)
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes and also gluten-free!
Antojito Salvadoreño – Salvadorian
Best pupusas in town and very affordable if you want to have a cheap meal one day. If this is the case, you are in luck because they are open for breakfast, dinner, and lunch.
Price range: Q10 to Q45
Vegan or vegetarian options: only vegetarian options are available
Seremei – Caribbean
This place is not exactly in the city of Antigua, but I could not leave it out! It is located in San Juan del Obispo which is about 15 minutes away from the center of Antigua if you have a car or take a tuc tuc. If you have the chance to get there, you won’t regret it. They are only open on Sundays and Saturdays and you have to make a reservation. You can easily do that through their Facebook page or by calling.
Price range: Q20 to Q150
Vegan or vegetarian: unfortunately no. Only if you want to eat an entire meal of patacones. I won’t judge, patacones are really good.
The Best Fusion Restuants in Antigua Guatemala
Quiltro
This is the only fine dining you will find in Antigua. You can choose between 8, 10 or 12 courses. The owner and Chef from this restaurant is actually Chilian-born but has had great experience cooking in different countries. For now, he has settled in Antigua combining several Guatemalan tastes, textures, and techniques into his food.
Price range: Q395 to Q720 depending on the number of courses you want
Vegan or vegetarian: there is no menu but I’m pretty sure they can accommodate your diet
Sobremesa
The owner of this place is a crazy person, and I mean that in the best way possible. He’s got incredible creativity that translates into the Italian and French dishes he creates for his restaurant. If you have the chance, you can also try the exotic ice creams. They are opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Price range: Q42 to Q218
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes for vegetarians but for vegans, there is not much you can choose from unless you ask for a change on your dish. Gluten-free, on the other hand, have some more options available.
Angie Angie
Mediterranean food with a touch of Argentinian here and there. This is one of my best places to eat in Antigua for a nice dinner with your friends. There is live music, a beautiful garden, and a fireplace in the middle. The food is also very good. They are open only for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q30 to Q300 (a 2-pound ribeye)
Vegan or vegetarian options: very few options available, as well as gluten-free.
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
27 Adentro
This place is a fusion of Cuban and Guatemalan food. It may not be the best place to go if you are on a low-carb diet or trying to avoid dairy, but the food is great. They open for lunch and dinner only.
Price range: Q38 to Q118
Vegan or vegetarian options: yes
The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants In Antigua Guatemala
La Bruja
Owned by an Argentinian couple, this is a restaurant filled with vegan and gluten-free options. Their signature dishes are vegan burgers. Also, if you are looking for mate tea, this is the place you are looking for. The only reason this place is not perfect is that it is only open for lunch and dinner.
I could not find their menu, but you can click here to see their Facebook page.
Once:Once
This is a vegan option with delicious food. Honestly, the staff is not the friendliest but if you are having a good day and don’t mind the attitude of the staff, my recommendation is to try the dumplings. Also, they have a funny schedule so check on it on Google before you walk there.
Price range: Q25 to Q44
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
The Best Juice Bars in Antigua Guatemala
Pitaya Juice Bar
This was the first place offering healthy juice plans and delicious wraps in Antigua. They disappeared for a while, which left many people with a broken hearts. Luckily, they came back with their healthy juices and smoothies and a full menu with delicious food. They even have a mini-golf court now! They are open for breakfast and lunch.
The price range for the smoothies and juices is Q20 to Q35 for food is from Q37 to Q102
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
Amanecer Juice Bar
These guys are located in the center of Antigua. If you are having a morning power walk, you can stop by their tiny and colorful local for a smoothie or ginger shot. They are open from 9 to 19.
The price range for smoothies and juices is Q24 to Q35 for food is Q35 to Q45
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
Best Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala For Breakfast And Brunch
You may have noticed that many of the before-mentioned places to eat in Antigua Guatemala are only opened for lunch and dinner, so yay for all of those who like to socialize later in the day. For those of you who are early risers, here are some options you will find interesting
Caoba Farms
This is a very interesting place. They are an organic farm with lots of veggies, herbs, and chickens. Aside from the farm, there is a place for yoga and a restaurant which is located in an open space. On the not-so-great side, they are closed from Monday to Wednesday and you will need a bicycle or a tuc-tuc to reach the place. You can also walk, just keep in mind that you will be walking on a dirt road for about 10-15 minutes. If you pay a tuc-tuc to get there, the price for a meal there will be a little high.
Price range: Q45 to Q95
Vegan and vegetarian options: yes and gluten-free!
Cafe Boheme
The best place for getting some GREAT french pastry. Personally, this is one of the best places to eat in Antigua Guatemala and they recently enlarged their facilities and now they have a beautiful terrace perfect for a brunch or working on your computer.
Price range: Q24 to Q79
Vegetarian and vegan options: yes
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
The Best Burgers in Antigua Guatemala
Santa Rosa Burguer Club
I haven’t forgotten my burger lover fans. After looking at this guys’ menu, I have come to the conclusion that burger-making is an art. I’ve been told that they have been having some issues buying big portobello mushrooms lately for their veggie burger, but they are using tempura eggplant instead, I haven’t tried it like that, but I’m pretty sure that it is not bad. Their place is located in the north of the city in a very quiet area. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q30 to Q55
Vegetarian and vegan options: very few vegetarian options. If you are a vegan, you can ask to skip the cheese.
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
The Best Pizza in Antigua Guatemala
Central Park Pizzeria
A big shout out to a very good friend of mine who owns this place. Though I am a little biased to recommend this place, it doesn’t mean that it is not good. If you don’t trust me, you can buy pizza by the slice for only Q20. You will love it, I promise. This is a New York-type pizza (hence the name) and it is good! It is a great place to hang out with friends, watch a sports match or have a drink or two at the bar. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q20 to Q150
Vegetarian or vegan options: Only vegetarian
Click here to the menu with Facebook
Places To Eat On A Budget
El Rincon Tipico
This is definitely a favorite amongst all travelers. For Q35 you can get a big meal with roasted chicken, a salad, some rice, some HUGE tortillas, and a beverage with a refill. the last time I ate there, my belly was full and I was ready for a nap. They are only open for lunch.
Price range: A fixed price of Q35
Vegetarian or vegan options: no, unless you want to order without the chicken and as for more salad and rice.
Toko Baru
Another favorite. This is a middle eastern food restaurant with very decent size portions and killer sweet potato chips. They are only open for lunch and dinner.
Price range: Q20 to Q47. This does not include a beverage or beer, they have a lot of beer options that I’m pretty sure most travelers will enjoy. If you add a beer, the price can go very high.
Vegetarian or vegan: yes!
Click here to see the menu with Facebook
Street Food at La Merced Church
Every evening, street food vendors will set their stalls and they will stay there until they run out of food. You will be able to find them from 5:30 to 9 or 9:30 pm. It is a good place to fill your belly and try some Guatemalan street food, which is not bad at all.
Price range: Q15 to Q25
Vegetarian and vegan options: yes, also I am pretty sure that the tostadas de aguacate y frijol and chuchitos are gluten-free. Chuchitos are a kind of tamalito (smashed corn until giving it a silky texture by adding some mushed cheese wrapped in corn husk) with a tomato sauce and a tiny piece of meat in the middle. Everything is boiled and you get a very famous Mayan dish.
Chicharrones y Carnitas
You won’t see this recommendation in many places but the truth is that many Guatemalans love chicharrones and carnitas. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can continue scrolling down. Chicharrones are the skin of the pork fried in pork lard and carnitas are pork meat fried in pork lard. It doesn’t sound very appealing but when combined with guacamol, tortillas, and frijoles, Guatemalans go nuts about these.
I don’t have an exact location to try these because they are some kind of street food but if you are interested, and you find a place, you can try them and let other travelers know about them.
Price range: not exactly sure. I know they are sold by the pound.
The Best Places To Eat For An Upscale Meal
Meson Panza Verde Restaurant
Meson Panza Verde is a fancy hotel in Antigua and their restaurant does not fail to deliver. They have been known for years for having one of the best restaurants in the city and you can even hear stories about marriage proposals in their famous “cave” (the story I heard did not have a happy ending).
Anyways, the food is excellent!
Vegetarian and vegan options: yes
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo Restaurant
This is another very well-known fancy hotel. Unfortunately, I could not find the menu of the restaurant on their websites, but I can tell you that the Chef that runs the kitchen is one of the best Guatemalan Chefs.
Bonus – The Best Cafe and Places to Get an Artisanal Beer
I could not leave these out. I know you came here looking for the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala, but I know there are many coffee and beer lovers out there who will appreciate a list of good places. So, here is my list.
The Best Coffee Shops in Antigua Guatemala
If you go out for a walk, you will notice that there are several coffee shops in Antigua. This is not a strange thing after learning that Guatemala has been a major coffee producer since the early 1800s, and one of the most famous coffee-producing regions is Antigua. If maybe you have heard of Guatemalan coffee before or this is the first time you know about it, there is no better chance to taste it than being there.
- Bella Vista Coffee
- Fat Cat Coffee House
- Cafe Estudio
- Artista de Cafe
- Cafe La Parada
- Raiz Cafe
- Maglia
The Best Breweries in Antigua Guatemala
The fact that there are also brewings in Antigua may shock you. Guatemala has been producing beer for many years now, the most famous ones are Gallo and Cabro. But the guys from Cerveceria 14 and Antigua Brewing have been experimenting with new flavors, textures, and processes. What I mean is that they are producing good beer here.
- Cerveceria 14
- Antigua Brewing
