Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Grilled Eggplant

Por Qué No is one of the best places to eat in Antigua, Guatemala, because of its unique space, excellent service, and quirky atmosphere. I’ve never been to a restaurant that has a set up like Por Qué No. This tiny restaurant has two levels, yet can only fit 20 people. To get upstairs, you have to walk up with the support of a rope. I’m surprised how the owners were able to make such a small space work as a restaurant.

Don’t be put off if you have to wait for a table since the service is quick. Instead, grab a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated. Por Qué No allows you to use markers to write on the walls, so get creative and leave your mark. The food is delicious, especially for the price, but the reason this place is special is that it is a one of a kind, refreshing experience.

What perks make Por Qué No one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• An artsy space, where you can draw on the walls, tables, chairs, or anything you can find.  
• Unique set up – no other restaurant is like Por Qué No. 
• Food is made with love.
• Great for vegetarians. 

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Whatever the special of the day is!

Caoba farms has a lot to offer with yoga classes, a farmers market, butterfly houses, and, most importantly for this list, a farm to table restaurant. I love eating at Caoba because the ingredients taste incredibly fresh, and the menu changes depending on the season and what’s available on the farm. I will never forget the teriyaki lamb bowl I ate! I’m drooling thinking about it, and if you are lucky enough to see this special on the menu, then order it!

Not only does Caoba have great food, but they also have a mission I support. Caoba’s goal is to promote sustainable agriculture and provide communities with local and organic food. Caobo delivers fresh produce to some restaurants through Antigua and Guatemala. It’s important to note that Caoba farms is only open for lunch. 

What perks make Caoba Farms one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Menu changes so there’s always something new to try
• Food is fresh from the farm
• A beautiful setting like a garden jungle
• Lots of other activities to get involved with

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Mezcal shots and shrimp tacos

Fridas is a well-known small franchise and is a favorite weekend spot, amongst the locals from Guatemala City. Initially, I only went to Fridas because my hostel, Somos, provided me with 10% off coupon. Fridas surprised me, and the food there was better than expected. The tacos are B-O-M-B.

The atmosphere is fun and active, and depending on the night, you can catch live music. I’d recommend going on taco Tuesday or during happy hour. The happy hour serves 2×1 cocktails, which are very tasty. Try any of the mezcal drinks, if you want to guarantee happiness. Or if you are a bit adventurous, order a mezcal shot because it is served with crispy crickets as a chaser.

Frida’s has a higher price than other restaurants on this list, but there are nightly specials, or maybe your hotel offers a discount. 

What perks make Fridas one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Social vibe on weekends – you can come to eat, but then stay and hang out
• Daily special deals, like Taco Tuesday
• Yummy cocktails
• Tacos! Tacos! Tacos!

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Any pizza

Pizza is the item to order at Angie Angies. I must admit, I’ve never had a meal at Angie Angie’s,  since I always eat the pizza for takeaway. I still know that they have a lovely backyard garden and a fun atmosphere. I’d recommend dining in, to enjoy the outdoor fire and live music (on certain nights). If you’d rather stay at home, then Angie Angie’s is perfect for takeaway, especially on Sunday’s when there’s a 2×1 pizza combo. 

Angie Angie pizzas all have rave reviews, with its thin crust, and variety of toppings. There are mixed reviews on the pasta dishes, so to be on the safe side, order the pizza! 

What perks make Angie Angie one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Fun Atmosphere with a beautiful backyard
• Sunday 2 for 1 Pizza Special 

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Nachos

Did you know there was a hobbit town in Antigua? The main reason Hobbitenango is one of the best restaurants in Antigua is because of the spectacular view. Hobbitenango is situated up in the hills, and it’s worth the trek to get there. It’s awe-inspiring to be up in the clouds and see the volcanoes. Hobbitenango is a magical place, and it is much more than a restaurant; it is a whole experience. You can even spend the night in one of the hobbit rooms. This place is Instagram-worthy, so come ready with a  camera.

It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon in Hobbitenango after having lunch. The food here is good, but that is not the main draw to visit.  Hobbitenango is revamping their restaurant in 2020, so expect some new yummy treats in the future.

What perks make Hobbitenango one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Instagram-worthy
• Eating in the clouds
• A whole experience – come for lunch, but stay for a full afternoon to explore the grounds

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: La Tipica Pizza (I prefer the cauliflower version)

Look at the picture – it’s mac & cheese on a pizza! Although Vice is on the pricier side, the menu boasts different types of loaded pizzas with unique toppings,  which is why I included it as one of the best restaurants in Antigua.  On their pizzas, you can find breaded cauliflower, boneless wings, french fries, and more. The pizzas are a good size to share between two people.

Vice is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala, with decorations that give it a hip vibe.  The restaurant is connected to the only nightclub in Antigua, Las Vibras. After indulging in dinner and drinks, go and hit the dance floor in Las Vibras.

What perks make Vice one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Social vibe and you can dance afterward
• One-of-a-kind gourmet pizzas
• Vegetarian friendly

If money is a big factor, do not fret, because some of the top restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala are budget-friendly. All the restaurants in this section are perfect places for backpackers to eat, yet foodies will also like them. I recommend these places if you don’t care about the ambiance, and want to eat a quick, delicious, and cheap meal.

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Pork Tika Lomo

This little nook, cash-only restaurant is a hidden gem. This restaurant is my favorite cheap food option in Antigua because of the variety of the menu, and deliciousness of the food. Although the menu appears random, I’m not complaining that I can choose between an Indian, Indonesian, or Middle Eastern Dish. There’s even a fish and chip special on certain days! This restaurant has huge portions and is an excellent option for vegetarians.

You can choose to have your main meal with rice, pita bread, or with a tortilla. I love the pita bread option because it makes for one of the best sandwiches in Antigua, Guatemala. The different sauces that come with your meal are one of my favorite things about Toko Baru. Each sauce is quite different, yet they all complement the main dish.

What perks make Rincon Tipico one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Diverse menu options
• Big portions
• The best sauces  – one sweet, one creamy, and one with some spice

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Roasted Chicken

If you are looking for traditional Guatemalan food in Antigua, Guatemala, then Rincon Tipico is the place to find it. Try this place for either breakfast, lunch, or both. The main reason people visit Rincon Tipico is for the roasted chicken, which is juicy, flavorful, and cheap. I rarely finish my plate of food, so I always make sure to bring Tupperware so that I can have a snack later.

Although Rincon Tipico lists different menu options, they usually don’t have other meats available, but chicken is always on the menu. The chicken comes with potatoes, a side salad, and juice. Rincon Tipico offers the best value since you get a lot of food for less than $4. 

Eating at Rincon Tipico multiple times can get old quick, though, since it’s always the same meal.

What perks make Rincon Tipico one of the best places to eat in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Huge portions
• Meal costs less than $4
• Best tortillas in Antigua, Guatemala
• Guatemalan food

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Ranchero Eggs

♦ Best Breakfast Antigua Guatemala

Looking for the best breakfast in Antigua, Guatemala? Doña Lupita is always my recommendation to any tourist looking for a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. You can’t beat the tremendous value since the food is good and very cheap. You can have breakfast for <$3. Their menu is not fancy but it includes favorites like eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, and more.

Dona Luisa is also known for their baked goods. Whenever I sit down to eat breakfast, I can always smell goodness coming from the bakery, yet I still have not tried a baked treat. (I prefer savory over sweet). People highly review the banana bread, though!

What perks make Doña Luisa one of the best Antigua, Guatemala restaurants? 

• Cheap – breakfast for <$3
• Fresh juices
• Fresh baked goods
• Local vibe – the building was constructed in the 1600s, making it a historic place in Antigua

Quick Stats

Must-Try Dish: Anything! It’s all cheap and good

When I am too lazy to cook, my go-to spot is Dona Lupita because the food hits my three main requirements: cheap,  delicious, and quick. The menu is small, and you can’t go wrong with what you order. You pick your style: taco, quesadilla, or burrito, then select your meat and add your fillings. Be careful which hot sauce you use, because one is extremely spicy. I love a good spice, and don’t mind if my nose starts to run or I sweat a bit, but this is your fair warning!

This taqueria is great for dining in if you want to be tempted to order a second round of food, or take-away if you are in a rush. Can you beat the value of 3 tacos  $3?

What perks make Doña Luisa one of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Cheap and good- lunch for <$3.5
• Quick service
• Good for take-away

Cafe No Se is the perfect spot for a date, to hang out with friends, or to bring your parents. Find your way to the mezcal bar, which is tucked away in a corner. There’s nothing better than sipping on mezcal, in dim light, chatting with the friendly bartenders. I instantly feel cool when I am in Cafe No Se because it provides a comfortable and hip vibe. 

What perks make Café No Sé one of the best bars in Antigua, Guatemala? 

• Live music in the front
• Friendly and knowledgable bartenders
• It’s all about the Mezcal

In recent years, Antigua has birthed several craft beer breweries. All the breweries have great bars, so I’ve grouped them all together. The three breweries are:

1. Antigua Brewing Company  – There’s a rooftop bar where you can see the volcanoes. Order a flight so that you can try the various beers. There’s also a speakeasy cocktail lounge on the first floor of the brewery.

2. Antigua Cerveza: Cerveteca –  Started in 2012 and is known for brewing fresh, true craft beer.

3. Cerveceria 14 – This brewery is on the outskirts of Antigua, but is worth the trip. This brewery brings Brooklyn, NY vibes to Guatemala, with open green space, and a stage for any concerts. The food here is also excellent, and is a contender as one of the best restaurants in Antigua. .

If I’m not drinking at Café No Sé, then you can find me drinking a craft beer at one of these places.