I started running group trips to Guatemala in 2005. Back then I would forewarn my group, “Be prepared. The food is not great.” My message now couldn’t be more different, because Antigua, surprisingly, is home to so many incredible and elevated restaurants. I left our last group trip realizing I had not had a single bad meal. Even the traditional pepían we have at the Mayan women’s cooperative, or the chicken roasted over an open fire in the tiny village are outstanding.
These four restaurants, however, are the standouts in the Antigua, Guatemala food scene.

Caoba Farms

This organic farm is always a favorite and it is easy to see why. The food is incredible-the epitome of farm to table. The wood-fired pizzas are mouth wateringly delicious and with fresh ingredients and a perfect crust. The mezze platter…well, just look at that picture. Perfection from the fresh pita to the homemade hummus and the garden vegetables. The restaurant is carved into the farm, so it feels rustic and sophisticated at the same time.
Come on the weekend to listen to great music and take advantage of the little onsite market. Check the schedule, as they have yoga too. Be sure to wander around the gorgeous gardens to take in the vegetables, beautiful flowers and even animals.

Angie Angie

Angie Angie is magic-from the fire, to the twinkling lights, to the live music, to the garden teeming with tropical plants. Seafood, steak, gourmet pizzas and more. I had the clams. This is the perfect special occasion restaurant that you will want to come back to again and again.

Saúl

When our group gets home from Antigua, the restaurant we continue to talk about for months is always Saúl. Attached to the Good Hotel, the breakfast here is to die for. I count down the days to order the crocantes with one of their amazing cappuccinos. There are also rave reviews for the acai bowl, egg bites, and well, pretty much everything. The plant filled atmopshere is great with a water feature and boho chic aesthetic. It just calls you to linger. This is also a great place to grab a drink or have dinner.

Patio de la Primera

The gorgeous, tree lined courtyard of Patio de la Primera feels more like a place you would find in Tuscany than Antigua, Guatemala. It is filled with lights and candles, is so welcoming and charming. The food is consistently good and perfect for picky eaters. There is always wonderful music in the background. Don’t leave without roasting a marshmallow!

Rosanta

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Rosanta on this list. Excellent service, a beautiful romantic courtyard and the best octopus dish ever. The dishes are creative and upscale. Rosanta would make a perfect date locale, but it is great for a girls’ night too. Their brunch is said to be outstanding. Rosanta’s motto is el jardín a tu mesa (the garden to your table.)

The food scene is constantly blossoming in Antigua, so this list will only continue to get longer. If you know of a restaurant that I need to check out in Antigua, let me know.

Buen provecho, Sunshines.

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