Belize City's Best Bites

Belize City is a great place to experience the unique blend of cultures that make up Belizean cuisine. The city's food scene is influenced by its Caribbean location, as well as its Mestizo, Creole, Mayan and European heritage. From inexpensive local spots to upmarket restaurants catering to the city's elite, here's where to eat in Belize City.

For a true taste of Belize, try the country's national dish, rice and beans, or sample Creole chicken stew, Mestizo tamales or Mayan fish. Belize City also has a healthy dose of Middle Eastern influence thanks to its Lebanese community, so be sure to try some shawarmas, kebabs and gyros.

Popular spots include the vegan/vegetarian Harbour View Cottages, which serves dishes like curried chickpeas and plantain waffles; 501, a training facility for hospitality workers that serves dishes with whimsical names like Not your mamma's waffles, unless she's vegan; and Bird's Isle Restaurant, a five-minute drive from downtown, which serves Creole dishes and seafood.

For a more upmarket experience, try Celebrity Restaurant & Bar, where you'll find a mix of US-inspired dishes and Belizean comfort food, or Sumathi Indian Restaurant, which has been known to attract diners from across Belize.

Upmarket restaurants

Belize City is a food lover's dream, with a unique blend of cuisines reflecting the city's diverse cultures and an abundance of fresh seafood and locally grown produce. While the city caters to a range of budgets, there are several upmarket restaurants serving the city's affluent elite. Here are some of the top picks for fine dining in Belize City:

The Smokey Mermaid

Located in the inner courtyard of the Great House Hotel in the Fort George area, The Smokey Mermaid offers a range of dining options, including a lush garden courtyard, private jungle decks, palapa dining, and an air-conditioned dining section. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with special dishes for occasions like birthdays and Mother's Day. It is also one of the few places authorised to serve lobster during the off-season.

Stonegrill Restaurant

Stonegrill Restaurant, located at the Radisson Hotel, offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere under a thatched roof. Their signature dish is a lean and delectable steak, but they also offer a variety of seafood, chicken, and vegetable options prepared on volcanic stone grills. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and signature cocktails crafted by their in-house wine connoisseurs.

Celebrity Restaurant & Bar

Celebrity Restaurant & Bar is a dressier restaurant that attracts Belize City's "movers and shakers", including attorneys, businesspeople, and politicians. It offers a large menu featuring US-inspired seafood, steaks, pasta, salads, and Belizean comfort food. While the main dining room features flamboyant wallpaper, the restaurant also has a guarded parking lot for added convenience.

The Tavern

The Tavern is known for its signature hamburgers, which come in various sizes, and steaks from cattle raised on the owners' farm. It has both indoor air-conditioned seating and an outdoor covered patio overlooking Haulover Creek. The Tavern is one of the few restaurants in Belize with a dress code—no shorts are allowed in the evening. It also offers a fenced and guarded parking lot for added security.

Bird's Isle Restaurant

Bird's Isle Restaurant is located on the southern coast of the town and is a popular spot for dinner. It features a large wooden deck built over the water with a traditional thatch roof, making it one of the most beautiful restaurants in Belize City. The tourist-friendly menu includes dishes like chicken wings, conch fritters, and daily specials like beef soup served with white coconut rice and plantains. The restaurant also offers entertainment, such as karaoke, for those who stay for dessert.

Vegan/vegetarian spots

Belize City has a number of vegan and vegetarian spots to choose from. Here are some top picks:

Vegan Bites

Vegan Bites, located in the BTL Park, is an excellent vegan restaurant with a variety of options. The menu changes daily, offering dishes like vegetable patties, sweet and sour tofu, cilantro lime brown rice, and vegan honey mustard chicken. It's a great place for a filling meal, with friendly staff and a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea.

Veggie Garden

Veggie Garden, located in Belmopan, is about an hour's drive from Belize City. This eclectic Chinese restaurant offers a range of tasty vegan options, including spring rolls, fresh juices, sweet and sour soy meat, and curry veggies. The pitaya juice is a must-try!

Sahara Grill

For a cozy and elegant dining experience, Sahara Grill is a great choice. This Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. Their tabbouleh salads are a favourite among vegans.

Martha's Cafe

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea on Fort Street, Martha's Cafe provides delicious meals, creative menus, and stunning sunsets. They offer vegan and vegetarian options, as well as cold juices and smoothies. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and take in the beauty of Belize.

Elvi's Kitchen

Elvi's Kitchen is one of the most famous restaurants in Belize and offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Options include avocado quinoa salad, black bean soup, vegetable coconut curry, fried tacos, and more. It's a great choice for those seeking a wide range of mouthwatering vegetarian dishes.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, Belize City has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to satisfy your cravings!

Creole dishes

Belize City is a melting pot of cultures, and Creole cuisine is one of the predominant ones. The Creoles are descendants of slaves who worked on Belize's sugar plantations, and they have a unique language and culture. Here are some Creole dishes you can try when visiting Belize City:

Rice and Beans Dinner

Rice and beans is a classic meal in Belize and can be found on the menu of almost every diner and restaurant. This dish typically includes stewed chicken or beef, along with potato salad or coleslaw. A traditional dinner would use gibnut meat, but as gibnuts are now a protected species, most people serve it with oxtail or fried fish. Don't forget to pass around the Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce for an authentic Belizean experience!

Boil Up

A "boil up" or "bile up" is a hearty and traditional Creole meal often served during big celebrations. It includes boiled eggs, fish, pigtail, sweet potatoes, cassavas, bananas, plantains, onions, and spices. It is usually served with "boil cakes," similar to dumplings, and a spicy tomato sauce.

Creole Bread

Creole bread is an easy yeast-raised loaf made with coconut milk. It is commonly eaten during dinner with other local favourites like fried fish, stewed chicken, or stewed beans.

Johnny Cakes

Johnny cakes are similar to American biscuits but are made with coconut milk, giving them a unique Caribbean flavour. They are often served with beans, cheese, sausage, eggs, or bacon for breakfast or dinner. You can also enjoy them with butter, jam, or honey.

Fry Jacks

Fry jacks are fried puffs of dough with a soft centre and a crisp golden crust. They are commonly served for breakfast and can be topped with refried beans and cheese or jam and honey. They make a great side dish to any meal.

When in Belize City, you can find these Creole dishes at various restaurants, including some that cater specifically to locals and others that are more upmarket. Enjoy your culinary adventure and remember to pair your meals with a cold Belikin beer or a homemade fruit drink!

Chinese eateries

Belize City has a variety of Chinese eateries, ranging from inexpensive to moderately priced options. Here is a list of some popular Chinese restaurants in the city:

Chon Saan Palace

Locally adored for four decades, Chon Saan Palace is often regarded as the best Chinese restaurant in Belize City. It offers a vast menu of over 200 dishes, primarily Cantonese-style, including sweet and sour pork and Chinese-style crab legs. The restaurant also features a live seafood tank with lobster and the catch of the day. On Sundays, they switch it up and offer sushi and sashimi. Chon Saan Palace is known for its high standards of quality and customer service, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Friendship Chinese Restaurant

This restaurant is known for its delicious fried chicken, which is considered the best in Belize City. While their menu offers a variety of Chinese dishes, it is their fried chicken that keeps customers coming back for more.

Milky Way Restaurant

The Milky Way Restaurant provides a family-friendly atmosphere with excellent food and a pleasant ambience. While details on their specific menu items are scarce, reviews indicate that the food is tasty and portions are generous.

Atlantic Restaurant

The Atlantic Restaurant offers tasty and affordable Chinese food. While there is limited information available, reviews suggest that it is a good option for travellers on a budget.

Ma Ma Chen Healthy Meal Coffee & Snack

A family-run business, Ma Ma Chen is known for its delicious dumplings. While the restaurant may be small, it is definitely worth a visit for a quick bite.

When it comes to Chinese cuisine in Belize City, these restaurants offer a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a more upscale dining experience, these eateries are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Indian cuisine

Sumathi Indian Restaurant is a popular spot for Indian cuisine in Belize City, serving both locals and visitors. The restaurant offers a wide variety of tasty food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. It has daily lunch specials and buffets, and many vegan and vegetarian options. The menu includes curries, kormas, biryani, masalas, dosas, and mango lassis. Sumathi is located off the beaten path on a residential street and has a spacious interior and an outdoor veranda. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 to 22:00.

Reviews for Sumathi Indian Restaurant are generally positive, with many praising the food as authentic and delicious. The restaurant is also known for its large portions and friendly service. However, there are some reviews that mention the food being too spicy and expensive.

Frequently asked questions