You don't go to Belize for the gourmet cuisine, but quality restaurants can be found throughout the country. The quintessential Belizean dish is stewed chicken served with rice and beans and perhaps fried plantain or coleslaw, with a Red Fanta or Belikin beer to wash it down. We like the seafood, the fried chicken and all the rice-and-bean dishes. Mangoes and other tropical fruit are inexpensive and delicious.
Panades are popular deep-fried patties, usually stuffed with fish. Cow-foot soup (made with real cow's feet) is a Belizean favorite, though it is rarely on restaurant menus. Iguana and gibnut (a small rodent) are occasionally served. Vegetarians will find that most Belizean restaurants have rice-and-bean dishes on the menu. In addition, many larger towns have Chinese and sometimes Indian restaurants that offer meatless options.
Belizean lobster is wonderfully tasty and not too expensive. It's only available during the lobster season (mid-June through mid-February). Belize's lobster beds are feeling severe stress from overharvesting, and off-season lobstering only aggravates the situation. Also, if you see lobster on the menu at a very inexpensive price, around BZ$8-$12, it is likely a "short" lobster, meaning it is too small to be legally caught. For the lobsters' sakes, avoid restaurants that serve lobster in that price range. All of the above holds true for conch as well, though off-season for conch is July-September.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Belize City are Nerie's (probably the most popular restaurant in the city among locals), Macy's (long-established eatery serving Creole food), Smokey Mermaid (courtyard dining at the Great House Hotel), Harbor View (the most romantic restaurant in the city) and Wet Lizard (for an inexpensive, fun meal near the Tourism Village). Dit's Restaurant (50 King St.) is hard to beat for reasonably priced, typical Belizean dishes and baked goods. The Riverside Tavern has the best burgers and bar food in town.
On Ambergris Caye, international fine-dining options abound. Don't miss Capricorn (sophisticated international cuisine), JamBel Jerk (Jamaican), Caliente (for appropriately hot Mexican food), Elvi's (touristy but good), Blue Water Grille (don't miss the coconut shrimp), El Divino (an air-conditioned steak house at Banana Beach), Wild Mango's (local and creative dishes) and Papi's (inexpensive local food.) Rojo's Lounge, on Northern Ambergris, is one of most talked-about dining opportunities, located at Azul Belize. For breakfast, try Tropical Takeout (across from the airport) or Ruby's.
A popular restaurant in San Ignacio is Sanny's Grill (hidden away in a residential area north of town but worth finding for its spicy local dishes). A dozen other cheap, decent, diverse eateries line San Ignacio's Burns Avenue. In Belmopan, Caladium (delicious Belizean food) is run by three feisty ladies. In Corozal Town, head to Cafe Kela (a little bayside bistro serving grilled fish, delicious pizza and even French dishes at ridiculously low prices). Also, Cactus Plaza (Mexican) is inexpensive and cheerful.
On Caye Caulker, Rasta Pasta (conch fritters to die for) and Habaneros (upscale fish and other island food) are the way to go. In Placencia, the hotel restaurants still dominate, with those at Robert's Grove and Turtle Inn at the top of the list. Also, Omar's (Belizean) in Placencia Village is good and inexpensive; Pickled Parrot (tropical drinks, pizza and burgers) is a popular spot for expats and visitors. Tranquility Lodge (eclectic) and Earth Runnin' (American-Belizean) are the best in Punta Gorda.
