Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala is incredible in terms of food and coffee options! The city offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Guatemalan cuisine to international fare, all set in beautiful colonial-era surroundings.

You should know that Antigua is my favorite city in Central America not only because of delicious food and amazing cofffee, but also because it’s a beautiful and vibrant colonial town with so many things to do around!!! You can read my guide for the best things to do in Antigua here.

Best places to have Breakfast and Brunch in Antigua

Let’s start with my favorite meal of the day: breakfast! It’s so difficult to find the best places to eat in Antigua when there are so many cute cafes with delicious pastries, smoothies and breakfast sets…

AM BKFST – Breakfast all day

A modern and stylish café dedicated to breakfast and brunch. It has a trendy ambiance with a focus on quality ingredients and creative dishes. I loved that you can make your own breakfast set.
Their specialties: Pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict, smoothie bowls, and various coffee drinks. They also offer healthy options like avocado toast and fresh juices.

Samsara

A vegetarian and vegan café that focuses on healthy and conscious eating. It’s a good option for every meal of the day, but I would suggest it particularly for breakfast/brunch because of the variety of potions (smoothies, juices, elixirs).
Their specialties are: smoothie bowls, vegan pancakes, tofu scrambles, fresh juices, and a variety of plant-based dishes. They also offer gluten-free options.

El Viejo Cafe

One of Antigua’s oldest and most beloved cafes, El Viejo Café offers a charming and rustic setting with a cozy courtyard.
Specialties: Traditional Guatemalan breakfasts, pastries, omelets, and freshly brewed coffee. Their bread and pastries are baked on-site.

Where to have dinner in Antigua

Antigua Guatemala offers a diverse range of dining options for dinner, catering to various tastes and preferences. Here are some of my recommendations for where to have dinner in Antigua:

Frida’s

Inspired by the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, it’s a restaurant that offers Mexican cuisine.Specialties: Tacos, enchiladas, margaritas.

Hector’s Bistro

Definitely one of the best places to eat in Antigua! It’s a lovely bistro with a cozy ambiance, known for its delicious food and excellent service. I’ve had here one of the best beef steaks ever! Specialties: Steaks, pasta, seafood.

Aqua Antigua

It is another excellent dining option in Antigua Guatemala, known for its high-end, contemporary dining experience. Specialties: Some popular dishes include gourmet seafood, steaks, and innovative vegetarian options. The presentation of the dishes is often artistic and visually appealing.

Best for going out & drinks

Antigua Brewing Company

This is a great spot for drinks in Antigua Guatemala, famous for their local brewed beers. One of the main attractions is its rooftop terrace, which provides stunning views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the sunset.

Por Qué No? Café

A quirky and colorful bar with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. They serve unique cocktails, local beers, and a variety of creative drinks.

Best coffee in Antigua, Guatemala

These are my favorite spots for coffee in Antigua, even though there are plenty of cafes in Antigua and maybe some would disagree. It’s up to personal preference, but I can assure you the coffee in Guatemala is one of the best I’ve ever had (it’s surpassed only by Colombia)

• El Gran Cafe

• Artista de Cafe

• 12 onzas

Bonus: Best Traditional Desserts in Town: Dona Maria Gordillo

Doña María Gordillo has been making traditional Guatemalan candies for several generations, maintaining recipes that have been passed down through the family. The shop itself has a historical charm and has become a beloved institution in Antigua.

The shop offers a wide variety of traditional Guatemalan sweets, known as “dulces típicos.” These include candies made from fruits, nuts, milk, and other natural ingredients.

Conclusion: Antigua’s food scene is diverse and dynamic, making it a fantastic destination for food lovers. The combination of rich cultural heritage, local ingredients, and innovative culinary techniques makes dining in Antigua a memorable experience.

Travel resources:

For accommodation, I usually use Booking.com

The best travel insurance for long term travellers and digital nomads is SafetyWing

For tours, if I don’t find something good locally, I always search on Getyourguide

To find the cheapest flights, I search them on Skyscanner