Despite its geographic isolation, Lake Atitlan has some pretty good eats! From Pana to San Pedro, below you’ll find a list of our top 10 favorite restaurants and meals. If you’re craving good pizza, Japanese soul food, or even a local cheese & meat tasting, you’re in luck!
10. Pizza & Pasta at Circus Bar, Panajachel
A Panajachel classic since 1983. If your dining companion suffers from coulrophobia (fear of clowns) this is a hilarious choice with an outrageous Under The Big Top theme. Grab a seat at the bar to enjoy the frequent live music or on the patio and order up a pizza or a pasta. My favorites: the Renato pizza with mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, capers and jalapeños or Tagliarini Tonetti with bacon, cream, egg and parmesan.
9. Tolimán Ceviche at Hotel Tolimán, San Lucas
In San Lucas Tolimán seek out the Hotel Tolimán dining room. On a deck over manicured gardens order the Tolimán Ceviche made with grouper, red onion, cilantro lime and shaved jalapeños. This dish is always a showstopper. Their Chicken Cordon Blue is top notch as well! Not only is their food remarkably tasty, but their dinning terrace overlooking the lake from the perspective of San Lucas, makes for a unique and tranquil experience.
8. Spätzl and Goulash at Posada, Jaibalito
At the heart of the tiny town of Jaibalito -literally at the intersection of the only two paths- is Posada Jaibalito. Part tienda, part coffee roaster, part community center and part barn yard, Posada is hard to describe. The menu options are half typical Guatemalan and half German dishes following the eccentric theme. Regardless of your order, expect delicious and extremely economical food, and an experience you won’t soon forget.
7. French Onion soup and Caesar Salad at Taberna del Barrio, Panajachel
Only a few blocks north of the market in Panajachel is a relaxed back garden that feels miles away from the hustle of downtown. Perfect for any special occasion, the diverse menu offers many great choices from fondue to steaks (the lomito with porcini sauce is excellent) and seafood. But before the main event, don’t miss the from-scratch Caesar Salad or the gruyere laden French Onion soup. This is arguably the Lake’s most upscale restaurant.
6. Empanadas at Hotel Terrazas del Lago, San Antonio Palopo
Pull up a chair and order a beer while you wait. And wait. And wait. But not to worry, the 45 minutes of prep time gives you a chance to enjoy the spectacular lakefront view and gaze at all 3 volcanoes that ring one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Options are beef, chicken, cheese, spinach or any combination of them. Each steaming basket is served with a refreshingly acidic tomato based salsa.
5. Mabou Nasu Don at Restaurante Hana, Panajachel
If you are looking for sushi or Japanese soul food at Lake Atitlan, Restaurante Hana is the place to go. That said, my favorite dish here is not sushi but Mabou Nasu Don, a dish made with spicy ground pork, eggplant and pickled radishes. The local eggplant is filled with so much flavor, you may not believe it’s actually eggplant.
4. The Burger at La Palapa, Panajachel
Craving a big juicy burger? The recently renovated La Palapa Bar in Panajachel is the place. There is only one burger on the menu but the kitchen will add just about anything you can dream up. I suggest avocado and sautéed mushrooms. The wedge fries and chili is also great, just ask for “Fries Palapa”. And as a bonus, La Palapa offers a selection of over 100 beers from Belgium to Belize to wash it all down.
3. Traditional Western Highlands Cuisine at Cafe Sabor Cruzeño, Santa Cruz
For exceptional food representative of the region, head to the community-focused CECAP culinary school and restaurant in Santa Cruz La Laguna. From the dining room you’ll take in a 180 degree view of Lake Atitlan. Here you’ll tuck into some Mayan classics, such as hearty jocón, subanik or kak’ik stew. And if you’re interested, Culinary courses are offered here as well!
2. Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ, San Pedro La Laguna
Imagine the best type of backyard pool party barbecue and you can imagine Smokin Joe’s. The outstanding bar features some of the best cocktails and drink specials anywhere, a long buffet of sides and of course most anything you could dream up from the grill. Sundays in San Pedro La Laguna and Saturdays at La Palapa Bar in Panajachel (see above). For a more detailed guide with directions to the BBQ, check out The Best American BBQ On Lake Atitlan.
1. Wine and Cheese at El Artesano, San Juan La Laguna
Possibly the finest meal available in the entire country, and certainly the most coveted reservation, is an afternoon in the garden at El Artesano. Although the entire menu is exceptional, order the cheese and (if you are really hungry) the charcuterie for the table. Chef Diedrich Gantenbein will walk you through a mind bending cheeseboard featuring tastes of around 2 dozen cheeses cured in house and nearly as many cured meats and sausages accompanied by a variety of fruits, nuts, jams, mustards and olives. Reservations well in advance are mandatory.