Looking for the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? This round-up guide has got you covered!
I visited Antigua earlier in 2024. I loved it tremendously, and am ridiculously enthusiastic to share all of my love for this city with travelers looking to plan a visit of their own… and that begins with food!
This guide combines my personal recommendations alongside a team of travel bloggers who love Antigua, too.
Recommendations like Once Once for vegan food, Cafe Condesa for a unique greenhouse experience, or restaurants with beautiful terraced views are just some of the options covered in this list.
Together, we have created the ultimate guide to amazing restaurants in Antigua!
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Best Restaurants in Antigua
1. Once Once
Best for: Vegan
Once Once was exactly what I needed to fuel up before hiking Pacaya Volcano.
This tucked-away, underrated vegan restaurant is located in the back of a building shared with an outdoor gear rental shop, Wicho & Charlie’s. It’s a decent 10-minute walk from Antigua’s city center.
It’s a relatively casual, art-deco restaurant and no reservation is needed. The restaurant feels like it’s inside of a secret garden, with modern-style features like eclectic chairs and decor.
Now for the food! I love, LOVED the veggie burger. During my visit, entrees came with a small cup of vegetarian soup.
I also ordered a peach tea cold brew which might be one of the most beautiful drinks I ever received. And it was so fresh!
This was one of my favorite restaurants while spending 3 days in Antigua.
2. Cafe Condesa
Best for: Garden
I made friends with a wonderful traveler from Guatemala City during my stay at Maison Bougainvillea (one of my favorite hostels in Antigua).
She was intent on not leaving Antigua until she stopped at her favorite spots, including Cafe Condesa. I was sold.
Cafe Condesa features a charming garden ambiance with fountains and greenery throughout its dining area.
They are known for serving all-day breakfast, traditional Guatemalan dishes, and a prime location in the middle of the city center.
Located directly across from the central park, it’s convenient to swing by Cafe Condesa for a quick bite, dessert, or full meal on any Antigua itinerary.
3. Caoba Farms
Best for: Unique dining experience
For a memorable lunch experience in Antigua, I recommend Caoba Farms. It was one of the highlights of my time in Antigua.
Dining at Caoba Farms feels like being immersed in a lush garden oasis. The property boasts numerous cozy tables surrounded by greenery, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy from other visitors.
The variety of colorful, exotic plants and flowers adds to the charm.
As a sustainable farm, visitors can explore the grounds while enjoying fresh and flavorful food. The menu has a variety of foods such as omelets, wood-fired pizzas, bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies. The ingredients come from the farm.
Although it’s great for all types of visitors, families with young kids will appreciate the on-site playground and the chance to interact with farm animals like chickens and pigs.
Additionally, there’s a butterfly preserve available for a small fee. Caoba Farms is conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from the outskirts of Antigua or a short tuk-tuk ride away.
No reservations are needed. After an adventurous few days of trekking Acatenango, this tranquil restaurant with healthy and satisfying food was the perfect escape.
Contributed by Taylor of Taytrum Travels
4. Restaurante Frida
Best for: Classic
Restaurante Frida is known for their delicious Mexican cuisine, tequila, and unique mezcal cocktails. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service, and you don’t need a reservation.
Located on 5a Avenida Norte, this little gem is around the corner from some of Antigua’s top sites like the iconic yellow Santa Catalina Arch.
That means, if you travel with chronic pain or need a break from sightseeing, you won’t have to venture far to enjoy a tasty lunch and afternoon cocktail.
With meal prices ranging from $7-$17, Restaurante Frida is a great spot for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.
We loved Frida’s laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The interior had an artsy vibe, with colorful paintings, a black and white checkered floor, and a fully stocked bar.
The must-try dishes include the tacos and tortilla soup, which was the best I tasted during our entire Guatemala adventure.
Make sure to try one of the many mezcal cocktails. I recommend the Mango Passion Fruit Mezcalite, you won’t be sorry!
Tip: If you miss Frida’s in Antigua, they have many other locations in Guatemala City.
Contributed by Robyn of Two Empty Passports
Read Next: Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Hobbitenango
5. El Tenedor
Best for: Art
El Tenedor is one of the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala!
They offer delicious meals three times a day, with a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You can try typical Guatemalan dishes, such as Guatemalan pasta, pizza, and grill specialties.
The menu and buffet both feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options catering to a variety of needs. There is also an open bar where you can drink and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and volcanos.
The best part about El Tenedor? This restaurant is located in a complex filled with museums, art expeditions, and gardens. I would recommend you to get there early, so you can explore the surrounding area.
I made my reservation for late afternoon and unfortunately did not have time to explore everything. However, this was a small price to pay in exchange for amazing sunset views!
Tip: Consider the Sunday buffet to sample a variety of local dishes.
Contributed by Ossama at Awesome Travelers
6. Antigua Brewing Company
Best for: Rooftop Views
Conveniently located in the heart of Antigua, just a block from the Parque Central, Antigua Brewing Co. is the first brewery in the city, offering artisanal beer from a locally built three-barrel system.
But beyond just delicious beer, the brewery also serves up some seriously good food. The menu mostly consists of American staples, like salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
However, there’s also plenty of options with a Guatemalan flair, like Guatemalan-style nachos or Dobladas Antiguenas, a crispy tortilla that’s stuffed with cheese and avocado and topped with pickled onion.
It definitely is a popular spot for tourists, so you should expect to pay a higher price point, as compared to some of the hole-in-the-walls in the city that cater more to locals. You can expect to pay about $8-12 USD per entree here.
The slightly higher price point, though, is worth it for the restaurant’s lively vibes. There’s three floors of dining space here, each of which has a unique atmosphere.
However, the best space is definitely the rooftop, which offers epic views over the city of Antigua and the volcanoes that tower over the city.
In fact, if you’re not quite up for doing the Acatenango hike, this is definitely one of the best alternatives to see the Fuego Volcano erupt every 15 to 20 minutes!
Plus, on most nights, there’s even a deejay spinning some tunes to increase the party-like atmosphere.
While the atmosphere is definitely buzzing, most visitors generally stick to their tables—so it’s likely best for families or small groups. Solo travelers who are looking to be more social might have better luck sitting at the bar on the first or second floor.
The brewery generally doesn’t take reservations. although you may consider contacting them if you have a really large group. There’s tons of space here, though, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a table.
If you do want to snag a table on the rooftop, though, I’d suggest showing up a bit earlier than the dinner rush, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend—it’s definitely not unusual to have to wait for a table up there!
Contributed by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
7. El Local
Best for: Bistro
After returning to town from an exhilarating day trip from Antigua, I entered one of the best restaurants in town — El Local.
El Local is a charmingly old-fashioned yet vibrant spot that combines the essence of Guatemala with a touch of modern elegance. Renowned for its authentic local cuisine, El Local presents dishes that explode with the authentic flavors of Guatemala.
Each creation, from the incredibly tender Pollo Pepián to the mouthwatering Tamales, celebrates the richness of local ingredients and the art of traditional cooking techniques. And oh, the desserts! Their Tres Leches cake is a slice of heaven.
It’s affordably priced and incredibly welcoming, making it perfect for solo travelers, families, and small groups looking for peace, and comforting meals without breaking the bank.
No reservations are needed, which perfectly suited my spontaneous nature, especially after the venture down from the volcano. The serene ambiance of El Local and its nourishing and wholesome meals provided the ideal setting for my recovery.
Situated in the heart of Antigua, it’s conveniently located near the city’s bustling markets and majestic churches, allowing for a seamless transition from dining to exploring.
Contributed by Giorgy of Sabiduri
Conclusion
In wrapping up our culinary tour of Antigua, it’s evident that this vibrant city offers a diverse palette of dining experiences, each with its unique charm.
From the hole-in-the-wall gems dishing out local flavors to the more upscale eateries providing epic volcanic views, there’s something to satisfy every palate and occasion.
You have your pick of restaurants to fill an exciting Antigua itinerary or to enjoy in between day trip excursions.
Whether you’re craving an intimate dinner, a family feast, or a lively rooftop gathering under the stars, Antigua’s best restaurants promise memorable meals against the backdrop of its rich history and stunning landscapes.
