The Top 6 Guatemalan-Owned Restaurants in Antigua
Where to Find Guatemalan-Owned Restaurants in Antigua
The beautiful city of Antigua, the most visited city in Guatemala, welcomes over 1.6 million visitors each year! Antigua boasts a rich cultural history and gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a truly unique destination that captivates visitors from all over the world.
Antigua’s convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country whether you’re headed to Lake Atitlán, the Mayan ruins of Tikal, or the indigenous markets of Chichicastenango. The city offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels making it a convenient and logical stop in Guatemala.
If you’re headed to Antigua you’re in luck because it’s also a culinary paradise! The city’s vibrant food scene will satisfy every palate. Tourists and locals alike indulge in everything from traditional Guatemalan flavors and international fusion to tasty street food stalls and upscale restaurants with inventive gastronomy.
To help guide your tastebuds through Antigua, we’ve put together this curated list of our top Guatemalan-owned restaurants!
Supporting local is one of our top priorities and we want to point your mouths in the direction of the tastiest bites that you’ll find coming out of Guatemalan-owned eateries!
Pack your reusable utensils and keep on reading because, in this Naturally Smart Travel blog post, we’re sitting down at our favorite locally owned and operated restaurants in Antigua.
The Top 6 Guatemalan-Owned Restaurants in Antigua
Get ready for a tasty adventure! Guatemalan food showcases an array of local ingredients and preparation techniques while connecting to the country’s rich history and culture.
In Guatemala, the food and drinks are rich and flavorful. The country's volcanic soil produces exceptional cacao, coffee, and tropical fruits. The abundance of local ingredients makes Guatemala's food culture truly unique. The mixture of spices and fresh produce creates a tantalizing culinary experience.
The best way to get to know a place is through its food. We want you to have a fantastic gastronomic adventure while supporting the local community.
We’ll start things off by highlighting our favorite Guatemalan-owned restaurants in Antigua, which serve up tasty cuisine featuring traditional ties. Then, we’ll move on to a few eateries with menus that are boasting creative fusions.
Traveling is hard work, we get it, and eating well is essential. We want to make sure that you take some time to admire, reset, and reflect on your beautiful journey to Guatemala. And what better way to appreciate a place than over a meal that’s made with love and local ingredients?!
Antigua Restaurants with Traditional Ties
Let’s kick things off with restaurants in Antigua that are cooking up delicious dishes with traditional Guatemalan ties.
We’ve selected our top 3 restaurants in Antigua with Guatemalan owners who are showcasing mouthwatering Guatemalan gastronomy.
These eateries have a little something for everyone from inventive Mesoamerican dishes and chef-owned establishments to handcrafted cocktails with live music.
Keep reading and find out who made the list of the best locally-owned restaurants in Antigua that are serving up some tasty Guatemalan cuisine.
Photo Credit: @maxangt
Maxán
1a Avenida Sur #8, Antigua - +502 3722 1576
Feast your senses on the Mesoamerican delights coming out of the kitchen at the woman-owned restaurant, Maxán. This Antiguan restaurant’s name comes from the leaf that’s used for wrapping up tasty Guatemalan tamales.
Born and raised in Guatemala, Gabi, alongside her husband, were the previous owners of a hostel (which closed due to the pandemic). Today, the duo has reopened as the tasty fusion eatery, Maxán.
Blending history and creativity, the eclectic menu showcases traditional Guatemalan dishes from around the country using unique native ingredients.
Regional and seasonal is the name of the game here. Everything on the menu is packed with flavor but we recommend the freshly prepared jaguar milk ceviche (with local octopus) accompanied by a nice cold cerveza (beer). And for all you taco lovers, the cheesy dobladas are sure to hit the spot.
Vegetarians have plenty of tasty selections to choose from. However, the star in our eyes is the roasted cauliflower served with a pumpkin puree, sweet potato, and a chickpea and chipilí stew. Yum! Make sure to save room for dessert because the banana fritters with cardamom honey shouldn’t be missed!
Check out their Instagram here.
Open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm.
Photo Credit: @porquenocafe
Por Qué No? Cafe
2 Avenida Sur y 9 Calle Oriente casa No. 9, Antigua - +502 5610 2274
The vibes are great, the food is delicious, and the drinks are potent…what else do you need when sitting down to eat?! How about chef-owned and operated?! Pull up a chair because Por Qué No? Café has got it all!
A dynamic couple is behind Por Qué No? Café, a small restaurant with only 18 seats tucked into 2 floors. Chef Carlos is in the kitchen creating an approachable yet unique menu. Here, there’s a little something for everyone.
The eclectic space, friendly service, and tasty food have guests coming back for more! If the space is full and you can’t dine in, have no fear, you can place an order to go!
We return again and again for the loaded burrito with flavorful homemade sauces and the flavorful Cahabonero (Carabineer) Shrimp. You’ll want to end the meal with the decadent brownie served with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Bon Appetit!
Open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Photo Credit: @cactusantigua
Cactus
6a Calle Poniente 21, Antigua - +502 7832 2163
Located in the heart of Antigua’s action, Cactus is the perfect pit stop for a little refuel on a festive night out! Grab a seat, order up some tasty tacos, take a breather, and then keep on going into the night!
This woman-owned business is equipped with a great staff and a festive vibe. The small but cozy space is serving up handcrafted cocktails and inventive tacos. Guests can enjoy live music while eating delicious food.
Come for the great gastronomy and stay for the fun!
Travel to sea with the fresh shrimp quesadillas accompanied by a nice cold beer. Taste history and love in the Birria tacos. made with slowly marinated beef that’s wrapped in golden tortillas served with a decadent side of secret sauce that’s perfect for dipping. Find your favorite libation amongst the beverage list that includes Mezcal mules, tropical mojitos, and signature margaritas.
Save us a seat, we’ll meet you there.
Open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm.
International Influences
Even though we don’t believe that there’s such a thing as too many tamales and tostadas, there are moments when you crave familiar flavors.
Sometimes when traveling, you just want to revert to what you know…a warm slice of sourdough bread, a simple breakfast sandwich, or a good ol’ piece of pizza!
To help you on your culinary quest we’ve included our top 3 Guatemalan-owned restaurants in Antigua that are stepping outside the traditional box and serving some delicious and creative cuisine.
Here are our top 3 locally-owned eateries creating food showcasing an international influence!
Photo Credit: @nana.antigua
Nana
4ta Calle Oriente, No. 27 Antigua - @nana.antigua
A thrift shop, a brunch spot, a deli, and a sourdough specialist are all under one roof! That’s what you’ll find when you step into Nana.
This charming spot is owned and operated by a local couple who have already made their mark in the city (this is the same duo behind Kombu Ramen Shop). After traveling through Japan for 3 years, they returned home to Guatemala, bringing inspiration and deliciousness to Antigua’s culinary scene.
The menu boasts a little something for everyone. It’s a friendly and eclectic space that’s welcoming to all kinds of diets: omnivore, pescatarian, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
The seasonally rotating menu features the best from local producers. Brunch boasts classic dishes with homemade brioche buns and sourdough bread. While lunch showcases locally caught fish, tomato tartare, and salads packed with local veggies.
Open for brunch daily.
Photo Credit: @francaguate
Franca
1 avenida sur 6, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala- @francaguate
Dine al fresco at this Italian-American eatery that’s serving up great cocktails, strong coffee, and decadent desserts. If you’re on the go just stop into the cafe to order takeaway.
For brunch begin your day with a typical taste of Guatemala, the chapín breakfast, “El Teco” - have your eggs however you’d like, accompanied by cheese, beans, bacon, fried bananas, and house bread.
This gastronomic experience is right in the center of Antigua. The fresh salads are the perfect sides to the pizzas which come in all flavor combinations from classic to creative.
Keep your eye out for the inventive specials! Take a gastronomic journey with tuna toasts, salted tenderloin tartare, savory soups, and more.
Everything on the menu is downright delicious thanks to the fresh ingredients, homemade dressings, and authentic creativity coming out of the kitchen.
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm. Sunday Brunch is from 8 am to 3 pm.
Photo Credit: @hectorsbistrogt
Hector’s Bistro
6a Calle Poniente 24 Antigua, Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
+502 7832 9867
Stop into this popular eatery morning, noon, or night. Here, you’ll find mouthwatering dishes and an elegant atmosphere. The owners have ties to the entrepreneurial community and are largely involved with NGOs and the community of doers that you’ll find in Antigua.
This converted old colonial home has a charming outdoor courtyard and volcano views from the rooftop. It’s a beautiful setting with French and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Our go-to dishes include the Hector’s Salad with refreshing mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, sliced apples, caramelized walnuts, goat cheese, and a homemade basil and mustard vinaigrette. Don’t sleep on the creamy gorgonzola pasta and the duck breast with scalloped potatoes and roasted grapes.
Their burger game is strong with a 100% beef blend topped with bacon, melted cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a house-roasted garlic aioli. And they don’t mess around with dessert, go for the homemade giant cookie topped with ice cream. You can thank us later!
Check out their Instagram here.
Open daily 7 am to 10 pm.
Thanks for Reading Our Guide to the Best 6 Guatemalan-Owned Restaurants in Antigua
We hope we’ve inspired you to go on a culinary journey while visiting the beautiful city of Antigua. Take a well-deserved break from the sightseeing and walking the streets while admiring the city’s extraordinary architecture.
Join us on a culinary tour at Naturally Smart Travel to experience the flavors and tastes of Guatemala. The array of aromas and delicacies means there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy while dining in Antigua.
We’re here to help with all your culinary and non culinary questions! Feel free to reach out! We can help you plan an amazing journey to this beautiful country.
It’s our mission to create sustainable travel experiences that weave together culture, social impact, adventure, and gastronomy!
Safe travels, friends!
