One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food. And this doesn’t just mean sampling traditional dishes. Finding the places that most appeal to locals and long-term travelers will give you a glimpse into community life.
Antigua, however, is truly a town of restaurants and bars, which can make it difficult to narrow it down. Businesses come and go with the winds of tourism, and not every eatery is unique enough to reign in a regular crowd.
Another factor to consider is the price tag on a night out on the town. The charming weekend getaway that it is, Antigua attracts a steady rhythm of domestic and international visitors alike. And businesses know this.
Due to its popularity, Antigua is not quite as cheap as the less tourist-trodden areas of Guatemala. It is, however, a magical place to explore—full of history and color. And it’s home to a vibrant community of Guatemalans and expats.
So, whether you’re volunteering in Antigua for a week or studying for a full semester, here are a few dinner spots que valen la pena. That are “worth it.” They’re not as cheap as grabbing a chevere or pupusa in the street, but they have character.
Many of these recommendations aren’t far from the Maximo Nivel campus. And Antigua, for the most part, is a friendly city to navigate. Sometimes I wonder if the Spanish conquistadors were given a piece of graph paper on which to lay out the colonial capital. Antigua is essentially a ten-by-ten grid.
Sunshine Grill & Pizza
Starting on the north end of 6th Avenue, the Sunshine Grill is an eclectic pizzeria with an amiable Danish owner. This restaurant has a large beer selection and full bar, and in addition to fresh-made pizzas and calzones, they serve up killer wings. On occasion, the proprietor will also throw in a Danish dish of the day.
Though it’s housed in a discreet blue building amongst pharmacies and tiendas, the restaurant opens into a lively back room. The walls are covered in patrons’ signatures and filled with nostalgic Americana decor. There’s a jukebox and a dart board, which are usually in use.
Rainbow Café
Head south past the Maximo institute and hop over to 7th Avenue, and you’ll find Rainbow Café—an indoor/outdoor space with an incredibly friendly waitstaff. The space is covered in mystical murals and hanging plants. And it’s a triple threat: restaurant, bar, bookstore. What more could you need?
The environment is relaxed, and the dishes are reasonably priced. At night, the venue sometimes hosts open mic nights or bonfires and is used as a meeting place to raise awareness for several nonprofit organizations. The meals are simple but delicious whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
If you’re the “early to bed early to rise” type, stop by for the Pajaro Madrugador (Early Bird Special): grilled tomatoes, eggs, black beans, rice and your choice of coffee or tea. Their lunch and dinner specials also won’t disappoint. I usually go for the nachos or chicken fajitas (and a mojito if I’m not on my lunch break).
La Bruja
Not too far away on 4th Street lies a beautiful garden surrounded by several restaurants—essentially a high-end food court. My favorite restaurant of the bunch is La Bruja, which literally translates to “the witch.” Don’t let the name scare you away! It’s less Snow White, more vegan hippie aunt.
And though it’s a little bit pricier than Rainbow Café, the food is healthy and the portions are generous. In addition to entrées such as the vegan tacos, hummus platter and falafel, La Bruja lets you build your own juices, smoothies and vegan/vegetarian burgers.
For the burger bar, you get a generous allotment of 5 toppings and 2 sauces with your choice of patty and bun. I usually opt for the breaded eggplant on sourdough. The side salads are generous, and the produce is fresh and safe to eat. Feel free to check out their board game selection while you wait!
Café Sky
Continuing toward the south end of town, don’t miss out on the terrace at Café Sky. Again, meals are a little bit more expensive here, but really you’re paying for something else: the view! Café Sky is the perfect place to enjoy an Antigua sunset and the vista is no less breathtaking at night.
Once I was even lucky enough to be front row for an impromptu fireworks display. And though their spinach quesadilla is excellent, if you’re not in the mood for food, the rooftop is the perfect place to just sit and sip. Select cocktails are two for one on weekdays!
Por Qué No? Café
And now, whether you’re dining alone or looking for an elegant date night, I’ve saved the best for last. Por Qué No? is tucked away in a more residential area of Antigua on the east side of town, but don’t let its inconspicuous location deceive you!
The tiny two-story building is decorated with antique cellos and shoe horns and surrealist art because “why not”? Due to the café’s size, I would recommend making a reservation in advance. You’ll likely speak to Carol, one of the owners. She wears many hats and will probably also seat you when you arrive.
You’ll be treated like an old friend, but this doesn’t mean the food isn’t gourmet. Their menu is simple and innovative. The chef takes pride in making each dish to taste. You truly can’t go wrong here, but my vote goes to anything with the shrimp cobanero, which pairs well with a cup of sangria…or a pitcher.
Needless to say, each of these local hubs has its own flare, and Antigua is home to a wide range of flavors. But whether you’re after the perfect slice or eager to try something new, cuisine is an ideal way to explore your new community. So what’s first?