The Best Restaurants (& Bars) in Antigua Guatemala
A quick, curated guide to the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala, plus the bars you need to visit.
Antigua Guatemala has undergone its own shift in recent years. Once known mainly for its colonial charm and volcanic views, the city has quietly grown into one of the most interesting dining destinations in Central America.
The food scene here is driven by a mix of young chefs returning home, international transplants bringing new ideas, and locals who’ve been cooking the same dishes for generations and are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
What you’ll find is a balance: tasting-menu restaurants looking inward toward local markets for inspiration, cozy dining rooms serving regional home cooking, and casual spots putting their own spin on classic Guatemalan flavors.
There’s also a growing number of places leaning Mexican, Mediterranean, and plant-based, reflecting the mix of cultures, travels, and influences that flow through the city.
I spent time here eating my way around town, from tiny counter spots to white-tablecloth dining rooms. Below, you’ll find the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala—plus where to grab drinks—so you can eat well while you’re here.
*This ‘best places to eat in Antigua Guatemala’ guide may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.
16 Best Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala
1. Quiltro
Quiltro is one of Antigua’s newest and, frankly, only true fine dining experiences right now.
It’s a tasting-menu-only spot where the chef, Rodrigo Salvo, leans hard into what’s local and seasonal—everything on the plate starts as something found in the city’s market that morning.
The dishes are thoughtful without being fussy: think watermelon with zucchini, black garlic cauliflower that somehow tastes like a main event, bass chicharrón that’s crisp in all the right places, and yes, beer ice cream that works better than you’d expect.
It’s intimate, creative, and refreshingly confident—a sign that Antigua’s dining scene is leveling up.
2. Casa Escobar Antigua
Located in historic Antigua (along with three other locations in Guatemala City), Casa Escobar brings serious steakhouse credentials to the city’s dining scene. Known for premium, oak-grilled cuts and attentive service in a colonial-chic atmosphere, it has long earned a reputation among both locals and travellers.
While meat-lovers will gravitate to their standout cuts, namely the tenderloin and puyazo for good reason, the menu also offers seafood, salads, and vegetarian-friendly sides, meaning everyone in a mixed group can find something.
With its polished yet relaxed setting and consistent quality, it makes for a reliable choice when you want to elevate a dinner out in Antigua without tipping into over-the-top formality.
Read more: 14 Best Luxury Hotels in Antigua Guatemala
3. El Comalote
El Comalote is a standout for anyone wanting to go deeper than the typical colonial-café fare. The kitchen is built around maíz criollo—native Guatemalan corn varieties of white, yellow, red and black—and the team is serious about it: they nixtamalise their own corn and hand-make tortillas on-site.
On the menu, you’ll find dishes grounded in Maya and indigenous culinary tradition: try the house pepián (a classic Guatemalan stew) or hilachas, served with the specialty tortillas of the house. The real plus here: you’re eating food connected to place and process, rather than just the usual tourist-friendly “Central American” plate.
El Comalote offers a taste of culture and heritage in every bite—perfect, if you care not just about flavour but authenticity and provenance. Top Tip: ask for the tortilla tasting (different corn colours) and if you can swing it, go for the evening when they sometimes host workshops or talks about maize and culinary traditions.
4. Nanik
If you’re after one of Antigua’s most creative and visually striking dining experiences, Nanik is it. The restaurant is the brainchild of chef Fernando Solís, and it’s built around the idea of giving local ingredients real stage time—not just as sides, but as the stars.
Menu-wise: you’ll find either a short “casual” set-menu of about four courses or a full eight-course degustation that traces Guatemala’s micro-climates and terroir—from the coast to the highlands. There’s also a main a la carte menu too.
The plating is meticulous; the mood is modern-minimal but welcoming; each dish plays with texture and color in a way that says “this is fine dining, yes—but rooted here.” You might also appreciate the story behind it too; the rhythm of Guatemalan farms, markets, and culinary tradition meets thoughtful technique.
Make sure to book in advance, go hungry, and bring your camera (and maybe a bit of extra time)—Nanik is one of the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala.
5. Barriga Llena
Barriga Llena is the kind of spot you hear about before you find it—small, walk-in only, and always buzzing.
Chef Mario Godínez (formerly of Bistro Cinq) and Carlos Sosa of Opíparo are behind it, and their pork dumplings are the thing everyone talks about. They come piled with pickled vegetables and a bright, herby chimichurri that makes them instantly addictive.
Other standouts include the fried chicken, heirloom tomato salad, and the tostada de ceviche is also worth trying.
It’s casual, loud, and completely unpretentious—the sort of place where you lean against the counter, eat with your hands, and leave already thinking about when you’re coming back. Order a chicha soda with it; it ties the whole experience together.
6. 27 Adentro
If you’re after a spot in Antigua where modern meets comfort and local ingredients take the lead, then 27 Adentro should be high on your list. It blends Latin-American fusion with a genuinely relaxed vibe.
The menu is one of the more creative in town—expect to find dishes like yucca croquettes with pork chicharrón, mushroom and loroco flower ceviche, or tricolor corn tortillas with grilled beef and pickled vegetables. What makes it work: fresh, local produce; gluten-free and vegan options clearly labelled; and a presentation that looks good as well as tastes good.
The space itself is worth mentioning, too. There’s a garden-courtyard and rooftop terrace where you can bask in volcano views while you dine (make sure to reserve in advance). Service is friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy to navigate dietary preferences or pick the perfect dish.
7. La Fonda de La Calle Real
La Fonda de La Calle Real has been doing classic Guatemalan home cooking since 1975, and it shows. The menu reads like a greatest-hits list of family recipes from across the country—hearty stews, slow-simmered sauces, and masa done right.
It’s simple, familiar, and comforting in the best way. I especially loved the pepián here—deep, rich, and layered—along with their tamales, which have that soft, almost custard-like texture you only get when someone really cares about the process.
It’s an easy place to settle in, order what sounds good, and enjoy the culinary journey through Guatemala.
8. Libra
If you’re looking for a fresh, stylish spot in Antigua to hit up for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, check out Libra. It’s brand new, but already hitting its stride with bright, lively energy and a menu that leans Mexican in all the best ways.
I loved their roasted chicken seasoned with Yucatán-style spices—it’s juicy, full of zing, and just the right amount of comfort. And the pozole verde? Superb—a hearty bowl with depth, tang, and just enough crunch in the hominy.
The atmosphere is light and airy, perfect for a mid-day culinary stop, and the team behind it clearly knows how to serve up good food without making it overly complicated.
9. Bistro Cinq
Bistrot Cinq has been an Antigua staple for years, and it’s still one of the most reliable spots for a proper sit-down dinner. It’s a French bistro at heart—steak frites, mussels, classic salads, good bread—and the kitchen does it well.
The room has that warm, lived-in feel, the kind of place where you settle in and stay a while. It’s polished without being overly formal, consistent without being boring.
When you want something solid, familiar, and not tied to the usual Guatemalan menu, this is where you go.
10. Caoba Farms
What makes Caoba Farms special is that it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a full farm-to-table ecosystem tucked just a short walk from the centre of Antigua. Founded as an organic farm and now sprawling over two sites that total around 45 acres, the place grows more than 100 different crops and supplies top restaurants in the region.
When you dine there, you’re surrounded by greenhouses, gardens, a butterfly pavilion, and the real feel of a working farm. The restaurant serves fresh-harvested vegetables, wood-fired breads, salads, pizzas, and burgers made from ingredients that came directly from the fields just steps away.
It’s especially great for those who care how their food is produced—or simply want a lovely brunch spot in a green, relaxed atmosphere. On weekends, they run farmers’ markets, live music, and family-friendly activities. It really is an essential experience when in Antigua.
11. Por Qué No?
Por Qué No? is tiny—truly tiny—so you’ll want to reserve ahead, but that’s part of its charm. It feels like eating in someone’s home: warm lighting, a few tightly packed tables, handwritten menus, and a kitchen that cooks with real care.
The food is simple but excellent. The burrito is one of the best in town—comforting, balanced, not drowning in anything—and the stacked eggplant is the sleeper hit: soft, rich, and deeply satisfying.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down, talk to the people next to you, and remember that good restaurants don’t need to be big or flashy to be memorable.
Read more: 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary: The Complete Travel Guide
12. Hector’s Bistro
Hector’s Bistro is one of the true stand-outs among the best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala — and for good reason. It blends international cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and sophisticated, local flair in a way that works.
From breakfast through to dinner, the menu delivers: wood-fired pizzas, steak with sweet-potato fries, and even fine-dining touches like duck breast or boeuf bourguignon. Add in a spacious courtyard, a tap-room with local craft beer, and multiple dining zones (including a comfortable upstairs area), and you’ve got a place that suits everything from casual brunches to dinner with friends.
13. Las Antorchas
Las Antorchas is a major player on the list of the top restaurants in Antigua Guatemala—and with reason. At its heart, you’ll find Argentine-style lomitos (steaks) cooked just right: charred outside, tender inside, served with classic sides and sauces.
But don’t stop at the meat: the pastas here hold their own—homemade, hearty, and beautifully executed, with sauce-rich options and expertly balanced flavors. Combine that with friendly service and a polished yet comfortable setting, and you’ve got a spot that does both robust grill cuisine and satisfying Italian-inspired fare with equal finesse.
14. Once Once
Once Once is one of the popular vegan restaurants in Antigua Guatemala, and it’s the rare spot that delivers equally well at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The menu is fully plant-based, but it doesn’t feel limiting—think dumplings, ramen bowls, enchiladas with mole, fresh salads, and house-made pastries.
Everything is flavorful, colorful, and thoughtfully put together, and the space itself is relaxed with plenty of greenery. It’s the kind of restaurant you can drop into at any time of day and know you’ll eat well.
15. La Bruja
La Bruja Vegan Foods is a vibrant, fully plant-based restaurant that, since 2017, has been making a name for itself with creative vegan cuisine. I remember visiting on my first ever trip to Antigua, and I loved this spot. The menu is full of burgers, bowls, empanadas, and smoothies—made from freshly prepared ingredients and without preservatives.
The space is thoughtfully designed with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating, offering a relaxed atmosphere to match the food. Whether you’re vegan or just after a healthy meal, La Bruja is a strong choice when you want something nutritious, flavour-rich and locally rooted.
16. Samsara
Samsara is one of Antigua’s most long-standing and distinctive dining spots—dedicated to plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan fare, with a strong lean toward Ayurvedic and functional-food concepts. Located at 6a Calle Poniente #33, it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a go-to at any time of day.
On the menu you’ll find dishes that use whole, minimally processed ingredients—think quinoa and basmati bowls with kimchi, raw desserts made with nut-based cheeses, sweet potato chips, and specialty fermented foods like tempeh and kraut.
The vibe is relaxed, earthy, and vibrant—whether you’re starting your day with a smoothie bowl or winding down with a flavorful vegan dinner, Samsara delivers something thoughtful, different, and satisfying.
Best Bars in Antigua Guatemala
Ulew
Tucked behind a red phone-booth entrance at 3a Calle Poniente #4 in Antigua, Ulew is one of the best cocktail bars in Antigua Guatemala and delivers one of the most memorable night-out experiences in town. There’s no printed drinks menu here—the bartenders ask what flavours and spirits you like, then craft a bespoke cocktail just for you using local ingredients and creative technique.
The ambiance is intimate, candle-lit, and a little mysterious—think speakeasy meets craft lab. Arrive early if you want a bar seat, as it’s small and fills fast.
Wisdom
Wisdom Cocktail Bar nails the blend of sleek, modern décor and a top-tier cocktail menu. Located just off one of Antigua’s central streets, the black finishes, clean lines, and ambient lighting give it an upscale feel without going stuffy.
On the drinks front, the bartenders offer both signature creations and inventive twists on classics—with strong attention to fresh, local ingredients and layering of flavour. If the perfect choice if you’re starting your evening or winding it down; it’s a dependable stop for well-crafted drinks in a polished setting.
El Efervescente
Tucked up on the rooftop of Antigua Brewing Co. in the heart of Antigua, El Efervescente is the go-to spot when you’re after something more than your average bar. With sweeping views over the city’s rooftops and volcanoes, it’s ideal for celebrating with bubbles—prosecco, champagne and a carefully selected list of sparkling wines all feature strongly.
You’ll find the vibe relaxed but elevated: good for a pre-dinner drink, a laid-back night out, or a sunset toast. It’s one of the top hidden gems in Antigua right now.
Cafe No Sé
Café No Sé isn’t your average café—it leans way more into bar territory, particularly into mezcal bar territory. Located down a narrow street, it features a low-lit, rustic interior with exposed brick, vintage décor, and a slightly grungy, lived-in feel that somehow works in its favour.
The mezcal list is deep and thoughtfully curated, and the music tends toward indie, funk, and late-night rhythms rather than soothing background lounge. If you’re looking for a spot in Antigua with character, good spirits, and an atmosphere that bends the usual rules, Café No Sé has your name on it.
Suelo
Suelo is Antigua’s first proper wine bar, and it makes a strong case for itself. It’s a cosy, wood-fired-oven spot with a generous selection of natural wines—orange, biodynamic, pet-nats—you name it. What puts it over the top: the pizzas.
Yes, the wine list is the draw, but the sourdough pizza from their wood oven (mushrooms, or char with fresh ingredients) is surprisingly excellent and pairs beautifully with the wines.
Whether you’re stopping by for a few glasses or a full-on light dinner of wine and pizza, Suelo is an option I love.
Which of these best restaurants in Antigua Guatemala will you be heading to? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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