Eats: The Best Food on Ambergris Caye — Belize Happy Adventures

Here’s our picks for the best food and drink items on the Caye! If you need some nummy recommendations for great places to eat with their own special flair in San Pedro Town, then this is the post you must read! This list is no particular order, just by their amazing dishes!

El Fogon

When it comes to traditional Belize dishes, El Fogon located downtown just across the street from Tropic Air, serves the number one salbutes on the Caye. What is a salbute you ask? First you should know that it is the salbute originated from the Yucatan and is a staple in Belize. A salbute is a puffed deep-fried corn masa tortilla topped with cole slaw, maybe a sliced avocado, pulled chicken or shrimp, tomato and pickled onion. El Fogon is a family owned business, you will most likely find Olive, the daughter who now presides over her father’s legacy, and her wonderful husband, Luis, who is right by her side, together with their long-time staff make our top list of the Best of the Best!

The Dive Bar:

Doug and Lia McLain, owners of the Dive Bar, have established a great hang out for any visitor to come and enjoy some chill time, day or night. Being on our Best of the Best list, the Dive Bar hands down has one of the greatest breakfast sandwiches here on the Caye, the Waffle Egg Sandwich. Take 2 slices of square homemade waffles, add a fried egg between them, load it up melted cheese, topped with bacon, oh yea, then you dip it into a side of syrup! Oh, and double that to make one amazing breakfast! We recommend splitting it!

Waruguma

If you are hankering for a burrito, the Lobster Burrito (when in season) from Waruguma will satisfy your every need! Located on “Back Street” in downtown San Pedro. This magnificent burrito, which I don’t think words can describe, only the picture will entice you. Take a whole lobster tail, put it on top of a fresh tortilla which is also filled with flavorful Caribbean Lobster, add fresh cabbage and their spectacular special sauce, (don’t ask for the recipe as it is a SECRET) and you have the makings of one ginormous burrito. Grab your partner or friend because this is too much for just one person! And did we mention, what a great price it is?

Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar

This is one of our favorite spots to visit to have wine and watch the sunsets. Boyd and Keli the proud owners of Stella’s also offer many specialty dinners, but our recommendation for our Best of the Best list is their “Burger Nights”. If you are “carb” free then try one of them on a bed of delicious lettuce for the healthy conscious soul. But if you have no cares in the world about what you eat when you come on vacation, then eat up! Try the Brazilian or the Stuffed Burger. The great thing about these burgers is that you can always substitute with fresh fish or lobster! And don’t forget to order their crispy fries alongside! You won’t be disappointed!

Blue Water Grill

Thursday nights in San Pedro, Blue Water Grill is the place to be. You may just run into the owners, Kelly or her husband Mukul. Their experience in the service industry, their happy long-term staff and their extensive menu keeps locals, visitors, and expats coming back for more. Sushi night is well known here on the Caye, you can always find their specialty list updated with many new sushi rolls to taste. We love the Firecracker, the Shred Head, and the Surf and Turf, just in case you can’t decide!

Estel’s Dine By The Sea

You can always find a great breakfast here on the Caye, but the best spot in town to get the “FRY JACK” which is the traditional Belizean dish. These deep-fried dough pieces can be served many different ways. If scrambled eggs if your morning dish, try them filled in a fry jack, add some bacon, ham or sausage and don’t forget some melted cheese. You can also have a plain Fry Jack, instead of toast, add some powdered sugar, honey or jelly with a little melted butter. They will come out warm and tasty any way you have this wonderful Belizean treat

Crocs Sunset Sports Bar

Crocs located just north of the bridge, is best known to catch an amazing sunset and maybe even see a crocodile swimming in the lagoon. Crocs hosts all the sports events with their many big screen TVs. So, if you are just heading in for the sunset, or catching a game, you must try their spicy Guava Margarita, which they are known for on the Caye. Ivan your host is always there with a smile to greet you. This sporty place and great drinks make our Best of the Best list!

Caramba!

Every guest that comes to visit us, will always be encouraged to join us for the hottest margarita in town, we call it “Mark’s Habanero Margarita”. It is most certainly not for the faint at heart, and if you do dare to try this blazing cocktail, make sure you have a glass of milk nearby to soften the blow! You can’t miss Caramba! Charlie will be waiting for you out front to help you select your entrée from the fresh seafood catches on ice. This is one of our favorites here on the Caye and is a must for our Best of the Best list!

Dog House

The name most certainly fits the spot! Rhonda and Tim have created a great little “joint” to make you feel like a local! We highly recommend the Chorizo Queso and chips! We love this specialty appetizer, and the nummy homemade chips, loaded with melted cheese and chorizo! The perfect late-night snack, or stop in to say hi, grab a Belikin and order up the Queso and chips, your taste buds will thank you!

Pier 366
If you are hankering for pizza, then you must make your way to Banyan Bay, to feast at Pier 366. The atmosphere is mesmerizing, you can take a stroll down the dock and grab a cocktail on the pier, or enjoy the beautifully decorated restaurant with its beach décor theme, located on the white soft sand. Catch a cool breeze looking out over the Caribbean Sea. They recently added their handsome brick pizza oven; this incredible addition makes for the Best Pizza on Ambergris Caye. You can choose from their 11 scrumptious pizzas, something for everyone, if you are vegetarian, or even gluten free! Chef Laurent Girard with his wife and daughter make up some of the tastiest meals, but this gourmet pizza is on our Best of the Best list!

Pirate’s Not-So-Secret Beach:

I am a chicken wing snob, so when I find chicken wings that I love, I am going to brag about them! Pirate’s Secret Beach has the best chicken wings, ok I am just going to say it, in all of Belize! I don’t know what they put in their special marinated sauce, but the wings are prepared on an outdoor fire stove and served with the most delicious aioli dipping sauce! Hands down, these wings are a must do, even if you are a vegetarian, I am not sure if you can miss them! Best of the Best wings in Belize!

Rojo Beach Bar and Lounge

This Best of the Best spot made our list, but you will have to rent a golf cart to make your way to Rojo. This beach bar is known for their fun atmosphere, with sand games, small infinity pool, and, of course, the 75-year-old Toucan who will greet you when you arrive. But Rojo’s conch fritters are so tasty, you need to make the trip north just for a taste of these warm, savory fritters. I think they actually melt in your mouth! We have travelled all over the Caribbean, and I have to say that these conch fritters are worth the journey!

Lazy Chicken

A Belizean’s primary dish is chicken, rice and beans, served with cole slaw or potato salad. The Lazy Chicken, located on Back Street, has 2 tables that seats about 5 people. The chicken dishes have made our Best of the Best. You can get your slow roasted chicken either dark meat, white meat or both. Serve it up with pasta salad, spaghetti, or rice and beans. You will be thirsty so ask for the Lime Juice, it is a cold glass of what American’s call Limeade! This will quench your thirst after you have enjoyed your traditional meal! Oh, and did I mention, you won’t spend more than about US$10 for your meal and drink!

Ak’bol Yoga Retreat and Eco-Resort

This eco-resort makes our list as the best place for French toast! Now you may wonder, how can anyone make the “best” French toast. The sweet batter is loaded with coconut chips, the thick slices of homemade bread are dipped and prepared perfectly, served with delicious syrup. We love the owners, Milo and Kirsten have been on the Caye for years and own this quaint spot.