Top 5 Cayes: Food & Drink Gems in Belize Review
Thinking about a visit to Belize? The Cayes, those small, sandy islands scattered along the coast, they’re not just pretty faces; they’re home to some seriously delicious eats and refreshing drinks, too it’s almost like uncovering treasure. You know, the kind of places where the seafood is as fresh as the sea breeze, and the cocktails pack a tropical punch? After wandering through a good few of these spots, very few I feel, I wanted to pass on some personal faves that I’d definitely swing by again.
1. Estel’s Dine By the Sea, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Alright, starting us off is Estel’s, this joint sits right on the beach in San Pedro. Actually, the tables are literally in the sand, so too it’s almost like you’re dining with your toes dipped in the ocean which, in my book, is always a win. I’ve seen them here a bit. This place has got some reputation for the breakfast game here – so picture this – sunshine, the sound of the waves, and a plate of their famous fry jacks. Oh yeah, what’s a fry jack, is that you ask? This treat is a puffed-up, fried dough that’s just heavenly. Served alongside eggs, beans, and maybe some local sausage, very simple things really. It’s the ultimate way to kick off a day of snorkeling or just lounging around.
They also do a pretty great BBQ. You might get the whiff of grilled seafood drifting over. If you swing by for lunch, it smells terrific and makes a very easy choice, is that so? The lobster is cooked on a huge grill right on the beach, nothing but simplicity. You pick your piece, they fire it up, and soon enough, that gets dropped right down onto your plate with some sides. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (More Info)
2. The Truck Stop, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Next up, let’s scoot over to The Truck Stop. This place isn’t your usual restaurant – rather, it’s a cool outdoor spot made from shipping containers. Someone had some very interesting design aspirations, no? They put together what is now, several mini-restaurants, alongside a bar, and some of the coolest vibes on the island that, too it’s almost indescribable. It’s kind of like someone picked up several things and squeezed it altogether, not sure, though!
You can snag anything. How does anything like Asian dumplings to Venezuelan arepas grab you? I saw a couple eating that last time – and not too far back, neither. Basically everyone in your crew could find eats. The Truck Stop has an overwater deck where, some evenings, you can catch movies being displayed. How many food stops can offer that, eh? More Info (The Truck Stop Full Review and Details)
Oh and before I skip on, on that bar tip, they are amazing at cocktails, just perfect really. So, sip and snack! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Now)
3. Frenchie’s Diving Services and Restaurant, Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker’s laid-back island vibes means this is really the opposite of hustle and bustle – so just unwind and chill, is what I say. For anyone planning diving and eating – and I very much endorse both – Frenchie’s delivers. At Frenchie’s, I saw that you get to have all sorts of eats – from burgers to burritos; a whole spread that always hit the spot with people after a day out on the ocean. When I did my reef swim last year, it took me here.
It’s super relaxed with a nice big veranda and, guess what, that, too it’s almost perfect for sinking a couple of Belikin beers. It’s an experience here so there’s not really a comparison to back at home. Anyway, on Friday nights, Frenchie’s ramps up its party vibes by hosting live music that will get you shimmying about in all sorts of ways, no question at all, is what I saw with mine. More Info (Frenchie’s Full Review and Details)
Now what’s more, that you have a choice of a day’s diving and some seriously good eats – and also music, very good stuff, that can’t be beaten, right? So that means you are set and squared in one spot. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Frenchie’s Diving and Food)
4. Rose’s Grill, Caye Caulker
Now, have you any inkling as to whether your mouth watering at the thought of fresh seafood, then make a point of heading to Rose’s Grill, that I have some stories. Here, on the front deck, they cook their food, with what looks like simple charcoal and spice blends; it smells so damn delicious, is that something you understand too, yeah? Everything’s super straightforward: you choose what marine critter tempts your eye (snapper, lobster, conch… ), and then they cook it, it gets put onto your plate – quick-smart with tasty sides – like coconut rice and slaw.
There, I got chatting with the owner just slightly before. He seemed really lovely, and made sure all stuff gets locally supplied for prime taste and just amazing times – even stuff caught that same day too. Honestly it all seemed the tops! At Rose’s, food taste hits your spot, that place has all kinds of real Belize flavour that can get into all that wonderful island feel as a whole too, maybe just slightly? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out Rose’s Grill)
5. Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Kitchen, Placencia
Alright, heading on Southward towards Placencia you would come across Kareem’s spot that’s got reputation amongst the local crowd – just as, say, “the place to chow” with the big islanders there, yeah. Not actually so much along the Cayes perhaps, still it is worthy addition to list cause if you are at all near to island, pop right along. Anywho here, is that you’ll encounter Kareem using local twists upon conventional foods plus every menu selection makes for food discovery.
Have an inquisitive moment maybe at, stuff with mango, or try creole curries that give you island touch from this gorgeous peninsula found down south Belize way. This isn’t actually a fancy setting; yet, food itself is quite spectacular in showcasing local cuisine which, again, should appeal should one plan trips inland post-Caye tour? More Info (UnBelizeable Full Review and Details)
At this establishment that he runs there comes that guarantee he and squad place pride into taking whatever seafood straight via coastal line at that present second, delivering all possible yummy moments straight onto a tray at anytime. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (View More)
So, that all those food experiences provide that tasty cross cut along some best stuff there in all Cayes Belize presents! Be they simple BBQ grills or creative foodie takes either can enhance, probably even improve an escapade around this tropical paradise. Is there possibility find somewhere there worth chowing throughout coastal escape, really.
- Estel’s Dine By the Sea: Fry jacks on the beach are unbeatable.
- The Truck Stop: Diverse food trucks & movie nights – how amazing that, and more.
- Frenchie’s Diving Services and Restaurant: Dive in eat – repeat and do it right.
- Rose’s Grill: BBQ fresh seafood goodness with island charm.
- Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Kitchen: Regional food at finest standards with amazing new twists – give yourself great fun and feel alright now.