7 Best Restaurants in Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, The Cayes and Atolls

Those who dream in chocolate, this one's for you. Owners Chris Beaumont and Jo Sayer work with over 500 Maya cacao farms (in a handful of collectives), which average 1½ acres each and typically use organic methods. As a result, the company does marvels with one of Belize's most ancient crops. Here, the Belizean bean appears not only in bars but as champagne truffles, milkshakes, and---get ready---chocolate balsamic vinegar. Make time for Chris' amazing class on chocolate-making at about BZ$30 per person (offered at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm on weekdays; just call ahead to schedule). Expect U.S. chocolatier prices here.

If you’re hankering for a steaming bowl of cow-foot soup or just a good old plate of succulent stew chicken, join San Pedranos on their lunch break at Briana's. Crunchy eats like salbutes and garnachas won’t disappoint, but for faithful homestyle Belizean cuisine, try whatever is on special that day: think pigtail or curry chicken with coconut rice and beans, plantains, and a scoop of slaw.

Snug as a pink box of pastries, Annie's is open only in the late afternoon and evening and offers empanadas, sandwiches, and miniloaves of banana bread at local prices. If you're feeling spontaneous, select from the unlabeled display in the window and see what you bite into.

More than a just pit stop, this cute roadside joint offers pick-me-ups in the way of creative smoothies, iced mochas, healthy and not-so-healthy shakes, and baguette paninis. It also stocks a small market with Belizean cheeses, jellies, cacao beans, meats, and fruits. Swing by on your way to Secret Beach or anywhere north.

You'll recognize the circular logo from the monolithic coffee chain it references, but vibrant-tiled Marbucks is far better. Part of the intimate Marbucks Bed & Breakfast, this is a charming breakfast joint with pleasant outdoor stools and tables. We recommend the drip coffee and the frittata, served in a cast-iron skillet. If you're hankering for a back-home bagel, the egg sandwich is delicious. 

Line up beside the smoking grill for a delicious, no-nonsense plate of jerk chicken with sides. Homemade sauce is dished from a big plastic mixing bowl, and Fanta and juices are in the back (but don't expect mixed drinks). Eat under the thatch and chat with the lovely Jamaican-Belizean owners, or get your meal to go. Bring napkins---and cash, as no credit cards are accepted.