As soon as we arrived in Antigua, Guatemala, we were enthralled with how beautiful the city was. There were cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and church ruins scattered all across Antigua. It all made sense why this whole town was a UNESCO heritage site. Little did we know…
…we would be surprised by the quality and the sheer number of restaurants Antigua Guatemala had to offer!
You’ll be met by an array of cuisines to choose from – Guatemalan, Thai, Indian Italian and so much more. Not only is the food good but the effort each spot puts into creating a beautiful ambiance is what makes these restaurants in Antigua Guatemala just that extra bit more special.
After living in Lake Atitlan for the last 2 months and eating at the same restaurants over and over…we were beyond excited to be living in Antigua Guatemala and trying out cool places. We lived in Antigua for just over 2 months and tried out as many restaurants as we possibly could (which was reflected in our budget) but it was worth it!
In this blog post, we’re going to share the top 21 restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer. Whether you’re in Antigua for a few days or a few months like us, there’s something for everyone on any budget in this guide.
Let’s get started!
What Are The Restaurants In Antigua Guatemala Like?
In one word: AMAZING!
With the digital nomad lifestyle, we are used to mixing it up by eating out half the time and eating at home the other half. We tried to do this at the start of our time as Antigua digital nomads and ultimately FAILED! We made a bunch of other digital nomad friends here and it was too much fun trying out all the restaurants Antigua Guatemala had to offer. Here’s why:
You can have any kind of food you want in Antigua Guatemala:
- Italian
- Fine Dining
- French
- Pizza & Burgers
- Vegetarian
- and so much more (you’ll see)!
Here’s the thing: it’s not just the cuisines and flavors that’ll excite you – the restaurants in Antigua put a lot of effort into making the space memorable. You’ll be eating in cool spaces like:
- courtyards
- rooftops
- fincas (farms)
- colonial buildings
All of these combined make the restaurants in Antigua Guatemala some of the best since we started our digital nomad lifestyle. We had a hard time cooking at home when we knew the kind of restaurants out in town – I wonder if you’ll feel the same!
Are The Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala Cheap or Expensive?
I’m going to be honest with you…
…it’s not as cheap as you think to eat out in Antigua Guatemala.
On average, we were paying around 35-45 USD per meal for 2 people. After a while, that can rip some holes in your digital nomad budget. We couldn’t help but miss eating $1 tacos in Playa del Carmen while eating out in Antigua.
Don’t get me wrong – you can definitely still find cheap eats around Antigua (which I’ve included below). If you are smart with your money, you can still eat out at some of the cool restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer and combine it with some cheap eats which are awesome too. We were still able to have meals for about $10-15 USD for both of us!
I don’t want to be a Debbie downer but I’m just trying to manage your expectations in case you think it’s as cheap as Mexico, for example. We didn’t know anything before arriving here and we realized the bills do add up by the end of our time as digital nomads in Guatemala.
21 Drool-Worthy Restaurants Antigua Guatemala Has To Offer
We spent a little over 2 months living in Antigua and when I say we’ve tried, tested and approved the restaurants in Antigua Guatemala – I mean it! One of our favorite things about being digital nomads is that we get to check out the local food scene in every digital nomad destination we visit!
How did we find all the restaurants? I love starring places on Google Maps, reading blog posts (like this one) and asking our friends for recommendations. We met our friends, Taylor and Heyner, in Bali and we finally got the chance to meet them in their home in Guatemala. They also gave us good (local) recommendations which I’ve added here!
I made sure I covered as many categories as I can in this guide. You’ll find recommendations based on the type of occasions, cuisine or budget size such as:
- budget, cheap eats restaurants
- mid-range restaurants
- high-range, pricey restaurants
- Guatemalan food
- drinks, bars and breweries
You will never run out of options for Antigua Guatemala restaurants and it gets hard to pick the next spot because there are so many choices!
In this complete restaurants Antigua Guatemala guide, we hope you enjoy eating your way through this beautiful, colonial city as much as we did!
Best Guatemalan Restaurants Antigua Guatemala
Want to try Guatemalan food? We’ve got you covered! These are the most popular places to eat Pepian, roasted chicken, pupusas and so much more. You’ll find it’s also very budget-friendly to eat local!
1. Rincon Tipico – Best Guatemalan Lunch Deal
You have to try Rincon Tipico at least once! We were shocked that a lot of other blogs didn’t add this to their list – maybe it’s because the place is a very simple, no-frills spot but it’s authentically Guatemalan! From the wooden table and chairs to the table cloths, there’s no mistaking you’re in a local spot!
For the first month we were living in Antigua, we worked from the coworking space called Impact Hub and Rincon Tipico was only a 5-minute walk away. With over 2,000+ reviews, we were convinced and eventually went here almost every day for lunch!
We recommend ordering the “Almuerzo de pollo a la leña“. This Guatemala dish is a piece of roasted chicken (cooked in the middle of the restaurant), some buttery roasted potatoes and a side salad of coleslaw. But that’s not all! You’ll get the whole meal deal – the main dish, a soup, and a drink with unlimited refills!
This meal only costs 35Q (4.57 USD) and it’s got to be one of the best budget-friendly restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer! It’s very popular so make sure to go for an early lunch (before 1pm).
2. La Cuevita de Los Urquizú – Great Selection of Guatemalan Food
Want to try all the different kinds of Guatemala food in one place? La Cuevita de Los Urquizú is one of the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala has for just that!
As you arrive at La Cuevita de Los Urquizú, you will immediately see a bunch of pots with food in it. You can choose 1 or 2 main dishes from these pots and 2 side dishes which costs around 80Q ($10.45 USD) for the plate. There are meat stews (beef, pork, chicken), parilla (barbecue meat) and even pupusas for very cheap – 15Q ($2 USD) each.
This is another great lunch spot to try authentic Guatemalan cuisine – they even have a nice rooftop terrace with views of the city.
3. Pollo Campero – A Guatemalan Staple
Hear me out…
…Pollo Campero isn’t the best, most fancy restaurant in Guatemala BUT it is one of the most popular spots for locals to go.
It’s a fast-food restaurant known for serving some of the best fried chicken (apparently better than KFC) and the Guatemalans LOVE their Pollo Campero. They even bring it on the planes as souvenirs for family and friends – seriously!
We went once just to see what the hype is all about and we have to admit it’s pretty good fried chicken! You’ll also see locals lining up to get in and buying bucket loads – it’s quite the experience in and of itself.
Best Cheap Eats Restaurants Antigua Guatemala
Need budget-friendly recommendations? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We also love eating out on a budget and finding hidden gems around town! Sometimes, the best restaurants aren’t the fancy or expensive ones!
These are the best cheap eats restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer.
4. Toko Baru – Best Cheap Eats In Antigua
This is our favorite cheap eats restaurant in all of Antigua!
Toko Baru serves a fusion of Indian, Indonesian and Middle Eastern food that’ll keep you wanting more. The food is aromatic and the flavors taste fantastic! Whenever we craved a curry or wraps, we always looked at each other and said “Toko Baru?!”.
For less than $7, you will have a full plate of rice, curry and vegetables. I had a hard time finishing my plate at times – you’ll get value for money at Toko Baru. They also have a wine deal – 2 glasses of wine (red or white) for only 25Q ($3.30 USD) which we obliged every time. Again – just because it’s a cheap meal doesn’t mean it’s a bad one. In fact, this was one of the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala had to offer…in our opinion!
It’s only a small, low-key space and you should come early for the dinner service if you want a seat!
5. Ta’Cool Taco Shop – Cheap, Tasty Tacos
Craving Mexican food? We were too! After living as Mexico digital nomads for 6 months, it was hard to find good taco joints.
Ta’cool Taco Shop has 2 locations in Antigua and it’s a great place to get all of your Mexican favorites. They serve burritos, tacos, enchiladas, nachos, margaritas and so much more.
We came here with our friend, Alondo, who also lived in Mexico as a digital nomad and it was only fitting! You get around 4 tacos per serving and the prices start from 40Q ($5.22 USD). While it’s not the best Mexican food we’ve had (nothing compares to it in Mexico obvs), it satisfied our craving!
6. Puerta Once – Burgers & Daily Deals
Puerta Once is a local favorite to drink beers, hang out, watch some sports and get great meal deals!
Our Guatemalan friend, Heyner, made sure we went together at least once! We quickly realized this was a hidden gem for locals because it’s a great atmosphere for larger groups of people and they have deals for every day of the week!
They are most famous for their 2 for 1 burger deal on Mondays for as low as 75Q ($9.50 USD). The portions are absolutely huge and you’ll get value for money dining at Puerta Once.
Best Mid-Range Restaurants Antigua Guatemala
This is the biggest category on this guide for the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer!
On a mid-range budget, you’ll have a lot more choices and a variety of restaurants to visit. Matthew and I love going to brunch on the weekends so you’ll see plenty of options for that.
These restaurants typically have nicer seating for lunch or dinner service. They also have a great atmosphere and beautiful design aspects. The meals in this category can cost anywhere between 80Q to 150Q ($10-$20 USD) depending on what you order.
7. Caoba Organic Farms – Weekend Brunch & Organic Food
Do you love brunch like us?
You won’t be disappointed with the food, atmosphere and brunch vibes at Caoba Organic Farms. We went there so many times and it’s always a treat to go! Why?
Caoba Organic Farms is more than just a restaurant!
From the moment you enter the space, you’ll be met with a farmers market and some live music (if you go on the weekend) and greenery all around. As you make your way to your table, you will also see a healthy food market that sells things like kombucha, organic eggs and more. More than that, they also have an open space for aerial or yoga classes, an organic farm out back and a butterfly sanctuary. See – I told you it was more than just a restaurant!
Caoba is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves organic vegetables making some of the freshest brunch meals in all of Antigua. We recommend going on the weekend (but early) because it gets full quick! You can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and live music while you enjoy your brunch. Their avocado toast was always amazing and you’ve also got to try their french fries! They have lots of vegetarian and vegan options too.
It’s located just a 10-minute drive from Antigua city center and it’s worth the Uber trip every single time.
8. Kombu Ramen Shop – Authentic Ramen Experience
Craving some ramen? Look no further than Kombu Ramen Shop!
While we were living in Lake Atitlan, our Guatemalan friend Heyner, kept talking about this ramen spot in Antigua! He shared that the owners traveled to Japan many years ago to learn the process of making authentic Japenese ramen. Once they finished their training, they decided to bring their skills back home to Antigua Guatemala.
Once we arrived in Antigua – it was one of the first places we visited and we realized why Heyner kept raving about it. It’s honestly one of the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer for Asian food!
You can order the ramen favorites like shoyu, miso and picante (spicy) which all have a very rich and tasty broth that they spend hours cooking. It costs around 75Q ($9.80 USD) for a bowl of ramen. They have vegan ramen options too! They have a limited menu but each item packs a punch. It’s also a pretty big bowl of ramen that will keep your tummy satisfied!
The restaurant itself transports you to Japan with a cute and distinct design. They even have a mascot for the restaurant – their dog, Lulu! It’s a very popular spot and there’s limited seating so make sure you get there early before peak times!
9. La Luna de Miel – If You’re Craving Crepes
With over 4,000 reviews on Google Maps, La Luna de Miel is no doubt one of the most popular restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer.
They do one thing really well – crepes! They have plenty of flavor options whether that’s a sweet crepe or a savory one – they have something for everyone! It’s less than 50Q ($6.50) for a crepe and they are very filling.
La Luna de Miel offers indoor and outdoor seating on the rooftop which makes for a great ambiance to enjoy your dessert. It’s pretty busy most of the time, try to go early before peak times or just before they closed as we did!
10. La Pasta Nostra – Handmade Pasta By An Italian
Let’s be honest – you can’t beat handmade pasta noodles. There’s just something about them!
That’s why when we heard that La Pasta Nostra actually handmaid their own noodles, we knew we had to try them. You can choose from having pasta noodles like fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, gnocchi, ravioli, tortellini and more. The pizza is also very good!
We went here for date night and it had quite the romantic atmosphere in the courtyard. I ordered the pasta while Matt ordered some pizza (his favorite). It was fairly inexpensive and the pasta dish starts from 55Q ($7.20 USD) which is great value for money.
There’s never a line for this place but we couldn’t figure out why. The food was really good and we think not many people have heard of it! It’s an underrated restaurant in Antigua and if you love eating Italian food – you should definitely check it out!
11. Union Cafe – Great Low-Key Brunch Spot
Union cafe brings us back to our brunchin’ days in Bali.
As you enter this restaurant, they have made the place feel tropical with the murals and greenery all around. They serve brunch staples like a breakfast burrito, omelets, avocado toast and pancakes. Their lunch menu is also really good if you miss brunch!
One of the best things to get at Union Cafe is their smoothies! We’ve seen plenty of people order them for takeaway and we have to say they are some of the best in Antigua.
It can get pretty busy but we’ve always been able to get a table when we arrived. Their courtyard outback is also really beautiful with all the greenery, flowers and boho-chic design.
12. Cafe Sky – Great Spot For Sunset Drinks
A lot of people love Cafe Sky because they are one of the best rooftop restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer.
They offer an international cuisine menu like sandwiches, salads, pastas and more. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to call home about for their food. It’s also pretty expensive here for a meal as the prices can start from 80Q ($10.45 USD) and it’s going to be just okay food.
You should visit Cafe Sky for drinks though. Lots of people go to Cafe Sky just before sunset around 5:30pm and stay till after sunset. They have a great rooftop terrace with a great view of Volcan Agua and the city of Antigua.
If you want to chill at a rooftop terrace with amazing views, Cafe Sky is a great option for you!
Best High-Range Restaurants Antigua Guatemala
Looking for some fancy restaurants for a special occasion or a date night? You’ve got a cool selection of restaurants in Antigua Guatemala.
With high prices also comes a high taste in flavors, design, aesthetics and ambiance. The meals in this category cost anywhere between 80Q to 200Q ($10-$20 USD).
13. Santo Spirito – Fine Dining At Its Best
Our friends, Andrea and Daniel, invited us out for a beautiful dinner at Santo Spirito.
We weren’t really sure what to expect but I had researched it and this was one of the best fine dining restaurants Antigua Guatemala had to offer. It was one of the most intimate and unique ambiances as soon as you enter the small narrow hallway. There are candles everywhere along the colonial courtyard.
Santo Spirito takes Italian/Latino fusion to the next level. From the delicate and thoughtful presentation to the combination of flavors, you’re sure to be transported to foodie heaven. The menu changes every week or so and the main chef also invites guest chefs from all over Latin America.
The best time to enjoy a dining experience at Santo Spirito is during the evening. They do a great job at creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for a date night or special occasion!
14. Fermento – Cute Courtyard & Date Night Spot
Another date night favorite is the delightful restaurant, Fermento.
My friend Taylor recommended this place as she knows the owner pretty well and it did not disappoint! The style of the restaurant is very simple, chic and intimate. If I remember correctly, they also have live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but just double-check with the restaurant because it does change. We suggest visiting Fermento in the evening for the full effect! But you can also go for brunch and they are known for their chicken & waffles.
You can order a rib eye, fish filet, ribs or a burger which are cooked to perfection. They have a wide drinks selection from wine to cocktails to beer. And the dessert? Order the chocolate terrine and you can thank us later!
This is one of the most underrated high-end restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer!
15. Cactus Taco Shop – Fancy Tacos With A Twist
This isn’t all that expensive compared to the other 2 suggestions, however, for tacos, we thought this was punching but it also has a nice seating area. That’s why I’ve included it in this section!
The most famous thing Cactus Taco Shop is known for is its Shrimp & Bacon Tacos. Yes – I can confirm it’s as good as it sounds! You can also order shrimp tempura, chicken, beef and fish tacos here.
For 4 pieces of tacos, it can cost anywhere between 45Q to 55Q ($5.80-$7.20 USD) and the drinks would cost the same as the tacos which can get pretty pricey! They do serve decent cocktails – I recommend trying the margarita de fresa!
If you want to try more up-scale tacos, Cactus Taco Shop is one of the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala has just for that!
Best Vegetarian Restaurants Antigua Guatemala
Looking for vegetarian or vegan food?
We felt Antigua Guatemala was pretty good at accommodating our vegetarian and/or vegan friends. Most restaurants offer at least 1 dish that’s vegetarian which makes it an easy place to eat out at! Here are some of the best restaurants in Antigua for vegetarian and/or vegan food specifically.
16. Samsara – Delicious Vegetarian & Vegan Food
This is a vegetarian-only restaurant serving some of the best and most creative dishes. It seemed like a local favorite because the prices are very affordable for what you get.
You can order dishes like zucchini spirals with plant-based mozzarella, curry and kimchi bowls, tacos, burgers and tempeh bowls. We often went to Samsara because we just liked the number of veggies you could get in a single meal and it was still so delicious!
It seems like they’ve styled their restaurants straight out of the mountains of Ubud or San Marcos (iykyk). You can also buy raw desserts and kombucha at Samsara. Lots of people we’ve talked to say it’s one of the best restaurants in Antigua for vegetarian food.
17. Wachuma – Organic Veggie & Vegan Food
Wachuma is a vegan restaurant with the most delicious bowls.
It’s very affordable at only around 40Q ($5.20 USD) for a bowl full of nourishing vegetables, carbs and a plant-based protein. They also sell tasty kombucha which is great to pair your bowl with!
The restaurant is located next to our old coworking space, Impact Hub, and it’s a small space but it’s perfect for your lunch break!
18. Once Once – Tasty Vegan Restaurant
Want a high-end vegan restaurant? You’re in luck because Once Once is the only one in all of Antigua Guatemala!
They serve a fusion of cuisines such as Thai, Mexican, Japanese and an overall International menu. You can get vegan food such as a pad thai, sushi roll, burgers, chilaquiles and more! The prices can range anywhere from 40Q to 85Q ($5.20 – $12 USD) here.
The restaurant is located in a courtyard and at night, they also put out candles all around which makes it really beautiful.
Best Drinks & Breweries Antigua Guatemala
Want to scope out the local brewery scene in Antigua? You’re for a treat with these restaurants in Antigua Guatemala!
19. Cerveceria 14 – Live Music, Volcano Views & Good Drinks
Cerveceria 14 is the best beer garden in all of Antigua Guatemala!
Located about 15 minutes drive from Antigua near Ciudad Vieja, you’ll find Cerveceria 14. They have a huge space with a stage and lots of picnic tables scattered across the garden. It’s a great space for big groups or families to spend the afternoon listening to live music, eating good food or enjoying a craft beer flight!
If I remember correctly, the owners are or have some connection to Caoba Farms in some way! I’m not entirely sure but we can see why it’s gained so much popularity.
We loved going here with friends so much! On a clear day, you’ll also get a good view of Volcan Fuego erupting every 15 minutes while drinking a delicious craft beer. Where else can you do that but Antigua Guatemala?!
This is one of our favorite restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer because of the outdoor atmosphere, craft beer and delicious food you can have with a group of any size!
20. Chermol – Market Hall With A Fireplace
Don’t want to drive all the way to Cerveceria 14? Chermol is a great alternative located in the northwest of the Antigua city center.
Chermol is more like a cafeteria or market hall with 7+ different stands that you can choose from. We had great empanadas from here and you can get craft beer flights here from Antigua Cerveza!
There is plenty of picnic tables and seating for a group of any size. In the middle of Chermol, there’s also a fireplace where you can gather around which makes for a cozy ambiance.
21. Antigua Brewing Company – Best Rooftop Views In Antigua
Love beer? You must visit one of the best breweries in Antigua Guatemala!
Antigua Brewing Company is a huge complex with 2 stories located in the city center. Make sure you sit out on the rooftop instead of the indoor dining area. You’ll get amazing views of the colonial architecture and volcanoes surrounding Antigua.
Matthew and I came here for a date night and it felt very cozy! You need to arrive just before sunset to get a good table because it does get full pretty quickly. We ordered a flight of 6 small craft beer glasses (65Q or $8.50 USD) and two cheeseburgers (also 65Q each or $8.50 USD)!
The food was pretty good but it wasn’t anything to call home for…however, those views were amazing! We recommend going for drinks just to enjoy the sunset and views!
BONUS: Ubrew Cocktail Lounge
Are you a fan of speakeasy bars?
Ubrew is the best one in all of Antigua! It’s even got a cool secret entrance that took us a while to find. I don’t want to give it away so it has the same effect on you – but I’ll give you a hint about where it’s located. Head inside the Antigua Brewing Company and look for something red! That’s it – that’s all you’re getting from us!
Once you find the entrance, like most speakeasy bars, you will be transported to a cool, cozy and intimate atmosphere. Ubrew doesn’t even have a drink menu – you just say what kind of flavors you like and let the experts take over!
I ordered something sweet, fruity and spicy! Unfortunately, I was overconfident with my spice tolerance and I couldn’t enjoy my drink because it was just too spicy. Thankfully, the mixologists at Ubrew were kind enough to help fix my drink to become less spicy! The drinks were obviously pricy at around 80Q+ ($10.46) per cocktail and they don’t really serve food.
Ubrew is a truly unique experience from start to finish. You NEED to add it to your restaurants Antigua Guatemala list right now!
Our Top 5 Favorite Restaurants Antigua Guatemala Has To Offer
Only have a few days in Antigua and need a shortlist of the best restaurants Antigua Guatemala has to offer?
Here are our 5 favorite restaurants in Antigua Guatemala:
- Toko Baru
- Cerveceria 14
- Caoba Organic Farms
- Rincon Tipico
- Kombu Ramen Shop
BONUS: Ubrew Cocktail Lounge
Restaurants Antigua Guatemala – Are They Any Good?
If you’re a foodie or someone just looking to enjoy some food…
…You won’t be disappointed with the restaurant scene in Antigua Guatemala. We spent a little (or a lot if I’m being honest) on eating out here. We just loved going to all the amazing restaurants Antigua Guatemala had to offer!
I hope you find this guide helpful and if you have a favorite from this list or maybe one we didn’t mention, let us know in the comments below!
