4 Best San Pedro Belize Restaurants | Where to Eat in Ambergris Caye
Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Foodie Flash Packer | March 21, 2022
Belize, the youngest of the Central American countries, has handled the Covid-19 pandemic remarkably well. Its wide-open spaces and low population density allowed re-opening to travelers in October 2020.
Ambergris Caye, an island made famous by celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio is the most popular tourist destination. It’s a 13-minute plane ride from Belize City.
With diving the Blue Hole the primary reason most scuba divers would visit Ambergris Caye, good food and fun around dive time is key.
And there are plenty of good places to eat.
4 Best San Pedro Belize Restaurants
Blue Water Grill
Beachfront, Barrier Reef Dr // +5012263347
This fun, friendly and airy restaurant boasts seating on both the upper and lower patios.
The menu shown on the framed board changes regularly, but staples remain the fish tacos, Broccoli Chicken, shrimp & calamari as well as quinoa bowls, ceviche, conch fritters, and coconut shrimp sticks.
Never the adventurous eater, I opted for the fish tacos (other proteins include chicken, beef, and pork). The three tacos, double wrapped in corn tortillas, make for a satisfying lunch.
Simply and perfectly dressed with a tangy, spicy sauce, light onions, and cabbage, the accompanying salsa is wholly unnecessary.
They offer a key lime pie (known as their Caye Lime Pie) and chocolate molten lava cake for dessert.
Bottled water, sodas, juices, and a well-stocked bar provide great options to quench your thirst.
Elvi’s Kitchen
Pescador Dr // +5012262176
While this restaurant is officially Elvi’s (note the apostrophe) the way I’ve heard everyone say it is “Elvis.”
It’s a family business, established in 1977 before Belize became its own country. Elvi loved to feed people creating her own expansive community. A photo of her prominently positioned in the restaurant on the back wall welcomes all.
Also prominently placed is a tree trunk. Right in the middle of the dining room. This tree originally stood outside the initial building. As the restaurant expanded, they built around the tree, including it.
Sadly, when Hurricane Dean struck Belize in 2007, the tree was nearly destroyed.
As Elvi’s rebuilt, an arborist did their thing and created a non-degradable piece of art that they’ve strung with white Christmas lights – watching those lights turn on … quite the reveal.
The food is varied and easily accessed if you have a cell phone plan by QR code. When that doesn’t work, the staff happily provides a menu.
Their seafood selection stems from the fresh catch of the day. They’re well respected for their burgers.
When my server heard I was ready for my main meal of the day, he recommended the Mexican steak. Yes, beef. He touted its tenderness and accompanied by baked potato (butter, sour cream, and chives) would make a complete meal.
It arrived, accompanied by a freshly made coleslaw and fried plantain. The coleslaw was surprisingly refreshing, a little heavier on the mayo than the vinegar I’ve come to expect. The plantain created the sweet note so many people crave at the end of the meal.
The steak was grilled to my specifications. The potato was red and tastier than American potatoes. It’s interesting to explore vegetables in different countries.
0 Comments