Roatan and the Bay Islands Restaurants

Traditional Bay Island cuisine centers on the obvious ingredient: seafood. The undisturbed reefs and endless waters provide the islands with a bounty of fish such as grouper, wahoo, snapper, and yellowtail, all cooked up in a variety of options. Fried chicken is equally as popular for lunch and dinner. The crispy dish is served along with Honduran staples like rice and beans, plus fried plantain chips. Mainland cuisine such as baleadas (tortillas with beans and cheese) is typically served at beachfront stands or in local dives, although they're not nearly as ubiquitous as on the coast. The Garífuna culture is strongest in Roatán, where residents munch on pan de coco (coconut bread) and dine on sopa marinera (seafood soup) and machuca (a uniquely Garífuna conch stew).

The most fascinating part of the islands' gastronomy, however, is the eclectic offering of international fare. As more foreign expats grow to call the Bay Islands home, more restaurants offering European, Asian, and Latin American delights are popping up. In Guanaja, there are velvety German sausages and roasted pork at a two-story bar-restaurant. Utila boasts eateries serving authentic Italian dinners, American-style brunches, spicy Indian curries, zesty Caribbean barbeque, and cheesy Mexican treats. In Roatán, there's incredible Thai food, Argentine steak joints, brick-oven pizzerias, sushi fusion, and Memphis-inspired smokehouses. The wide variety of cuisines here is a tasty alternative to the ubiquitous seafood or heavier Honduran dishes of the mainland. Most international dishes will set you back around L300 to L450. For the most part, the Bay Islands proudly boast about their lack of American chain restaurants and wealth of local eateries.

Travelers opting to stay in dive hotels (as in "diving") or all-inclusive resorts will have most meals provided as part of the package. In-house meals and buffets tend to serve underwhelming beef, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes, but with the generous portions you'll never be hungry.

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  • 1. Ilene's Kitchen

    $ | West End

    If you're looking for authentic island food, you'll need to stop here, where Miss Ilene herself dishes up traditional island fare such as stewed chicken with rice and beans, fried plantains and cabbage salad, and whole fried fish. If she's making soup, be sure to try some even if it's hot out—her soup is legendary in West End.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    No phone

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 2. Lala's Gallery and Garden Cafe

    $$ | West Bay

    When you've had your fill of the beach crowd, head back to the main road and enter into Lala's garden, a beautiful space that exudes some much needed zen vibes. The café offers healthy, vegetable-centric fare at reasonable prices. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly, the international fusion menu changes based on seasonal availability. Central American art is featured around the alfresco dining area.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9572--0433
  • 3. Roatán Oasis

    $$$$ | West End

    There's a reason Oasis is constantly on the top of Roatán's best restaurant lists—its international fusion menu and laid-back atmosphere consistently come with good food and drinks. The menu changes frequently, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date menu items. But you'll usually get at least a few local favorites, like the famous chipotle-glazed baby back ribs or a homemade Snickers bar. Creative cocktails flow freely, and this is one of the only places on the west side serving imported beers.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9484--6659

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No lunch
  • 4. The Jade Seahorse

    $$ | Utila Town

    Looking a bit like a psychedelic museum, this longtime favorite is decorated with island paraphernalia and tunnels, sculptures, and gazebos built from mosaics of colored glass. The best place to enjoy the big platters of seafood is in the pleasant garden. Stop by for one of the best fresh fruit shakes you'll find on the islands, and top off the evening with a drink in the tree house bar. If you want to stay the night, the Nightland cabins have two double beds, spacious bathrooms, and stunning interior decor.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2425–3270

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 5. The Thai Place

    $$$ | West End

    You'll hear locals still calling this place Tong's Thai, and while former owner Tong left the island long ago, thankfully the cooks stayed on. Spicy noodle dishes are served on the beachfront gazebo, and at night, the candlelit dock makes for a romantic dinner on the water. Honduran twists are added to traditional favorites by adding lobster to pad thai or squid to vegetable curry dishes.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9959--1149

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, No credit cards
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  • 6. Argentinian Grill

    $$$ | West End

    Grilled meats served fresh off the parilla (charcoal grill) are this steak house's specialty. Juicy fillets of beef tenderloin accompany local fare like wahoo steaks and lobster tail. Italian pasta and vegetarian dishes are also available. In the evenings in good weather, there is an option to dine barefoot on the beach with large lanterns lighting your table. The service is friendly but slow.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2445–4264

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Daily 10:30–10. Closed Mon.
  • 7. Beach Club San Simon

    $$$$ | West Bay

    Set in the intimate garden of a very posh, very private beach club, the eatery serves up high-end surf and turf fare. Grilled lobster, shrimp, and grouper are listed alongside vodka-infused baby back ribs and buttery rotisserie chicken—San Simon's specialty. Sun beds and beach cabanas can be rented for half or full days. The club also has free Wi-Fi and private showers for guests.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2445--5035

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Bundu Café

    $ | Utila Town

    Hearty breakfasts and generous dinners please many a hungry diver at this popular hangout. Start the day with banana pancakes, baleadas, or a taste of the full espresso bar. The lunch menu lists hot submarine sandwiches and chicken nachos, and evening dishes include seasoned fish burgers and veggie enchiladas. The open-air lodge has seating at comfy booths or out on the street-front patio.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2425–3557

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Credit cards accepted
  • 9. Creole's Rotisserie Chicken

    $ | West End

    Known simply as "Rotisserie Chicken" to locals, you'll be asked by nearly everyone in town if you've been here for chicken yet. A charming little restaurant with plastic chairs and a nice view, quarter, half, and whole chicken dinners are served here along with a large variety of sides and homemade limeade. Try to get here on the early side for dinner or the chicken might get sold out.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2445--4275

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 10. Foo King Wok

    $$ | Utila Town

    This Asian joint with a cheeky name dishes up Thai curries, fried rice, noodle dishes, and more. Portions are big but the daily stock is limited, so get there early before they run out. The menu changes daily, and hours and closed days vary wildly (which is common on Utila), so check their Facebook page for the latest updates and specials.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    No phone
  • 11. Gio's

    $$$$ | French Harbour

    Famous for its king crabs, Gio's is something of an institution on Roatán. Served with lemon butter, the seafood comes in heaping portions. There's a slew of other satisfying seafood specialties, as well as great steaks. Sit in the air-conditioned dining room or on the terrace overlooking the Caribbean.

    Main St., Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9995--1774

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 12. H.B. Warren (Sun Supermarket)

    $ | Coxen Hole

    The most centrally located supermarket on the island, H.B. Warren has a lunch counter where you can sample some delicious fried chicken. It's also a great place for a quick breakfast. Colectivo taxis and public buses depart from the store.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2445--0317

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 13. Hole in the Wall Restaurant

    $$ | Jonesville

    As you would expect from a restaurant with this name, Hole in the Wall is a local favorite—so much so that the community helped rebuild it after a 2005 fire burned the place to the ground. Come here for the lobster, shrimp, and sirloin steaks; it's a quick boat ride from Oak Ridge, and any water taxi will know exactly where to take you. If you call ahead, they'll send a boat for you.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9813--4004
  • 14. La Pirata Bar & Grill

    $$ | Utila Town

    The main drag's most popular sports bar offers breezy harbor views from the open-air, third-floor restaurant. Bacon cheeseburgers, nachos, chicken fingers, and buffalo wings are the house specialties, and La Pirata has the island's largest liquor selection. The place gets packed around 10 pm or during any major sporting event, and live bands play during the week.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2425–3988

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 15. Manati Bar & Restaurant

    $$$ | German

    Run by German expats, this waterfront eatery is wildly popular with both locals and visitors. Billiards, darts, a breezy terrace and picnic table seating give a casual vibe to this island hangout, which livens up in the evening with the occasional German jam session. The menu constantly evolves and often includes homemade spätzle, roasted pork, and chicken schnitzel. The bar has a big selection of German beers and imported wines. Come out on a Saturday night, and you just might meet the entire island.

    Guanaja, Guanaja, Bay Islands, Honduras
    -9714–6570

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 16. Mango Tango

    $$$ | Utila Town

    If you get tired of Caribbean food, head over to Mango Tango, which specializes in seafood dishes, mainly with an Italian spin. While a bit pricier than some other options in Utila Town, the quality of food and service makes up for it. The tapas are perfect for sharing with friends while watching the sun set over the water. The menu changes regularly, but if the lionfish or the Galacian-style octopus are on the menu, go for one of them.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    3211--9469
  • 17. Mexi Treats

    $

    Cheesy, creamy Tex-Mex classics like refried bean burritos and beefy nachos are served in a pink-and-purple room along Bonacca's main drag. Chill out with a frothy licuado (smoothie) or a freshly squeezed juice.

    Guanaja, Bay Islands, Honduras
    2453–4170

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends, No credit cards
  • 18. Munchies Restaurant

    $ | Utila Town

    A local standby, Munchies is located in a historic island home built in 1864, with a large front porch that's perfect for people-watching. Its large menu offers American or Latin-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with many familiar favorites. The fish dishes are excellent, as are the stir-fries and grilled chicken plates.

    Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9967--2217
  • 19. Por Qué No?

    $$ | West End | Irish

    Serving up traditional Mediterranean fare, Por Qué No? is a hidden gem tucked away off the main road. Assemble a mix-and-match meal of appetizers: couscous, hummus, and the best potato salad on the island will do well. If you're hungrier, chow down on any of the pizzas or pastas, or head further east with a plate of Turkish kofte (meatballs). Breakfast is healthy and quick. Pull up a chair on the deck and enjoy the views of dive boats speeding by.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    9628--6994

    Known For

    • Everything from hummus to pizza
    • Good breakfast option
    • Great water views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 20. The Crow's Nest

    $$$ | Oak Ridge

    Open to hotel guests and walk-ins alike, this restaurant is set in a lush tropical garden and has its very own line of jams and jellies. Creative seafood, salads, and sandwiches grace the menu, but don't skip the famous house-smoked pork tenderloin BBQ. Enjoy your meal with a signature mango margarita or two.

    Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
    3312–8439

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