5 Best Restaurants in Northern Belize, Belize

Founded by an award-winning pastry chef, Maria's Bakeshop & Coffeehouse has quickly become the go-to spot for rich coffee and decadent pastries. The café's air-conditioned indoor area is artfully decorated, complete with cozy corners and spacious booths. While good old-fashioned Americanos are their signature, Maria's most popular drinks include frappuccinos and refreshing teas, serving as a respite from the Belizean heat. Visit during special occasions for creative seasonal drinks and pair with fluffy croissants or a toasted panini. 

Orange Walk Town may be the last place you'd expect to find an upscale restaurant like this, with its Maya-inspired decor, well-prepared food, and extra-friendly servers. Nonetheless, it opened here, on a corner behind the Shell station, to rave reviews. Sit in the tropical gardens in the back and admire the jungle-esque foliage, or sit in air-conditioned comfort in the main dining room and enjoy a cold drink and a delicious shrimp or conch (in season) ceviche appetizer. For a main course try the curry ginger shrimp or one of the Yucatán-inspired dishes such as poc chuc, grilled pork sauteed with onion and sweet pepper and served with corn tortillas. 

The Deck has established itself as the go-to hangout spot offering locally influenced tapas and innovative cocktails ever since it opened in 2021 under new management. The alfresco dining makes it easy to admire the tranquil views of the New River. Sit on a wooden lounge chair while waiting for your smoked wings to arrive and admire the sunset views. While the food preparation may take a while, it'll be worth it once you dig into the generous portions of appetizers ranging from seasoned Spanish-style croquetas, spicy chipotle dip, and peel-and-eat shrimps.

A well-run option in Orange Walk Town, Maracas Bar and Grill has one of the town's most scenic settings overlooking the New River—you might even spot a crocodile. Sit in the covered riverside patio or in the air-conditioned dining room and start your meal with an appetizer of shrimp, conch, or lobster ceviche (lobster is available mid-June to mid-February and conch is usually October to late April). Indulge your comfort food cravings with pizza, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, or a beef or fish burger. Escabeche is offered Sunday only. Occasionally local parties here get loud, but you'll probably be welcome to join the festivities.