On my trips to Guatemala, I’ve had the opportunity to eat at many different restaurants in Panajachel. Here are my favorite restaurants that I’ve been to and some of my favorite foods.
THE DELI
Between the luscious atmosphere to the freshest, made from scratch food, this is hands down my favorite place to eat on Lake Atitlan. Not only is this restaurant charming and inviting, it has a phenomenal location. Settled right on Calle Santander (the main street) near the water. The Deli has anything from Traditional Guatemalan food to American options as well. Everything I have had is delicious!
A few of my favorite dishes:
- Pollo Milanesa
- Burritos
- Sopa de Pollo
Also try the fresh juice and smoothies, so clean and refreshing!
Just be aware that they are closed for dinner, so make sure you go for breakfast or lunch!
CIRCUS BAR
Craving pizza while in Panajachel? This is the spot for you! Located just on Calle De Los Árboles near the fork to Calle principal. Circus Bar is a little quinte Italian restaurant with one of the best local bands during dinner! The pizza is delicious and the atmosphere is romantic and fun! My favorite dishes:
- Vegetarian
- Pizza Margherita
- Pizza Calzone
Just be aware that the local band does not start until about 7:30 or 8, so if you are wanting to listen to some music come a little later!
GUAJIMBOS
The best restaurant if you are looking for a good piece of meat. While they do have great vegan options, they are known for having excellent grilled Steak, chicken, pork,etc. Located right on Calle Santander one of my favorite things about Guajimbos is the open restaurant concept to the street. This is a great place to eat, listen to music, and people watch on the main drag. The staff is also extremely kind and fun to be around!
My favorite dishes:
- Sopa de pollo con Aguacate
- Pollo empanizado
- Tacos
- Nachos
Just be aware the portions are very big, and the prices are more like a restaurant in the states.
LAS CHINITAS
By the end of the week if you are tired of tortillas and beans, stop by Chinitas! Chinitas is located in a nook right off Calle Santander with a cozy, quiet setting. While the menu is very broad with Guatemalan dishes, pizza, pasta, etc. They have great asian food! This is a place I love to come to when I am looking for some quiet and craving the asian cuisine!
My favorite dish:
- Mix and Match Stir Fry
JOSE PINGUINOS
If you have any interest in learning about the mayan culture, and having an awesome dinner show by the best staff, this family run restaurant is a great option for you! I personally think that some of the restaurants above have better food, but learning how to make tortillas, Miguel sharing about the mayan culture and telling a little bit of his personal story, and listening to his daughters play the marimba is definitely worth going to Jose pinguinos. The menu is pretty broad, however I would suggest getting a traditional Guatemalan dish here!
My favorite dish:
- Pepian de pollo
