The 10 Best Restaurants of Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, a beautiful Central American country. It is a bustling city, rich in history and culture with an eclectic mix of colorful architecture and vibrant street life. The city has a lively nightlife culture with plenty of entertainment options, especially when it comes to enjoying good food.

Belize City is a food lover’s paradise, with an abundance of gourmet restaurants and home-style diners that offer delicious meals. With that said, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Belize City that offer mouth-watering cuisine.

1. The Smoky Mermaid

The Smoky Mermaid is famous for its delicious seafood dishes that are bound to leave you licking your fingers. Their menu ranges from grilled shrimp, crab cakes to an array of sushi options. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as a fully stocked bar.

2. The Orchid Garden Eco-Village Restaurant

If you’re a vegan or just love healthy foods, then this is the restaurant for you. The menu features an array of plant-based dishes, each prepared with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve fresh smoothie bowls and detox juices.

3. Calypso Restaurant & Lounge

Calypso Restaurant and Lounge offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere with a variety of Latin-inspired dishes. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with an extensive cocktail menu.

4. Celi’s Caribbean Cuisine

Celi’s Caribbean Cuisine is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers an array of Caribbean and international dishes. Their menu is filled with fresh seafood, jerk chicken, and plantain fries, which will leave you savoring each bite.

5. The Red Orchid

The Red Orchid offers an Asian-inspired menu with flavorful Thai and Indian dishes. Their dishes are cooked to perfection and will leave you wanting more.

6. Midtown Restaurant & Bar

Midtown Restaurant and Bar offers a fusion of local and international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.

7. The Barracuda Bar & Grill

The Barracuda Bar and Grill is a waterfront restaurant that offers a range of seafood dishes with a Caribbean twist. The restaurant has an inviting atmosphere and offers indoor and outdoor seating options.

8. Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe

Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe offers an eclectic mix of international and Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its Bajan fish cakes and plantain chips.

9. Hour Bar & Grill

Hour Bar and Grill is a casual dining restaurant that offers an array of dishes from seafood, chicken, and steak. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a fully stocked bar.

10. Riverside Tavern

The Riverside Tavern is a charming restaurant that offers an extensive menu with an ample selection of dishes. The restaurant is known for its live music, cold drinks, and delicious food.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, Belize City’s cuisine is worth exploring. With an abundant selection of restaurants that offer everything from seafood to vegan options, there is something for every palate. However, we believe the restaurants on this list are the ten best restaurants in Belize City, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

With that said, we hope you enjoy your dining experience in Belize City, and don’t forget to try some of the unique drinks and cocktails that each restaurant has to offer!

The Insider’s Guide to Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country’s commercial and cultural capital. The city is located on the eastern coast of Belize and has a fascinating history, a vibrant culture, and exceptional cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Belize City, here’s an insider’s guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Local Attractions in Belize City

Belize City is a great place to explore, with plenty of local attractions to check out. Some of the most popular include the Belize Museum, the Belize Zoo, and St. John’s Cathedral.

The Belize Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in local history and culture. The museum features exhibits that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, including Mayan artifacts, historic Afro-Caribbean artifacts, and more.

The Belize Zoo is one of the most unique zoos in the world. It’s home to a diverse collection of animals native to Belize, including jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, and birds.

St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America, and it’s a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture. It’s also the final resting place of several important figures in Belizean history.

The Best Restaurants in Belize City

Belize City is a foodie’s paradise, with an incredible range of cuisines to choose from. Here are the top 10 restaurants you can’t miss:

1. Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe – Chef Rob is a celebrity chef in Belize, and his restaurant is known for its creative Caribbean-influenced cuisine.

2. The Smoky Mermaid – This seafood-focused restaurant is located right on the waterfront, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner.

3. Riverside Tavern – This classic bar and restaurant has been a Belize City institution for over 25 years, serving up hearty portions of classic pub food.

4. The Bird’s Isle – This family-owned restaurant serves up some of the freshest seafood in town, and it’s also a popular spot for live music and dancing.

5. Calypso Restaurant & Bar – Calypso is known for its exceptional cocktails and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

6. Caramba Restaurant – This colorful restaurant serves up traditional Belizean cuisine, including rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fried plantains.

7. Crave Restaurant – This upscale restaurant is known for its sophisticated menus and beautiful waterfront views.

8. Mangoes Restaurant – Mangoes is a local favorite, serving up classic Belizean dishes like shrimp ceviche and conch fritters in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

9. Street Food Vendors – Belize City is also home to an incredible array of street food vendors, offering everything from grilled meats to fresh fruit and pastries.

10. Seaside Restaurant & Bar – This beachside restaurant serves up fresh seafood and cold drinks, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Cultural Experiences in Belize City

Belize City is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich cultural heritage that’s shaped by the country’s history and people. To get the most out of your visit, be sure to check out some of the city’s cultural experiences, including:

1. The Belize Carnival – Each year, Belize City hosts a colorful carnival celebration, featuring music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

2. The Garifuna Collective – The Garifuna Collective is a musical group that performs traditional Garifuna music, a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and indigenous influences.

3. The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts – The Bliss Center is the premier venue for performing arts in Belize, with a diverse range of shows and events throughout the year.

Local History and Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Belize City has a fascinating history, and there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions for tourists looking to explore the city’s hidden gems.

One recommendation is to visit the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and Memorial Park, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea and pays homage to a British philanthropist who made Belize his home.

If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous experience, consider taking a trip to the nearby Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. These ancient ruins are some of the best-preserved in all of Central America, and they offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of this fascinating civilization.

Finally, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider visiting the city’s bustling street markets, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and souvenirs.

With so much to see and do in Belize City, this insider’s guide is just the beginning. Whether you’re interested in exploring local attractions, sampling the city’s cuisine, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Belize City has something for everyone.