6 Antigua Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

Antigua, Guatemala, is one of those towns that pulls you in quietly. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, volcano views in the distance—and somehow, food that keeps surprising you. At first, I didn’t expect much beyond good coffee and decent meals. But after eating my way around town, I realized something: Antigua is a seriously good place to eat.

What I loved most was the balance. You can enjoy deeply traditional Guatemalan dishes one day, then switch to farm-to-table meals or international comfort food the next. Nothing feels rushed here. Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, often in courtyards, gardens, or small family-run spaces.

If you’re wondering where to eat while in Antigua, here are 6 restaurants that stood out, not because they’re trendy, but because they felt memorable.

Guatemala might just be home to one of my favorite breakfasts anywhere. Known as Desayuno Típico or Desayuno Chapin, it’s a plate that somehow balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

At El Comalote, this breakfast feels extra special. The space is colorful and relaxed, and it’s slightly tucked away from the busiest tourist streets, which makes it feel more local. What really makes this place shine, though, is that the tortillas are handmade right in front of you. Watching them cook while you wait only builds the anticipation.

The Chapin Galán breakfast plate is the one to order. It comes with refried black beans, eggs, fried plantains, tortillas, and a gooey, cheese-filled tortilla that somehow steals the show. If you’re there on a weekend, don’t skip the chuchitos, Guatemalan tamales with a thick masa, filled with pork or chicken and topped with a red chile sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

One of the most memorable dining experiences in Antigua isn’t even right in the center of town. Caoba Farms Restaurant sits on what used to be a coffee and rose farm, now transformed into an organic farm, nursery, and community space.

The walk from town is absolutely worth it.

Lunch here felt fresh in a way that’s hard to describe unless you experience it. The salad was easily one of the most colorful and vibrant I’ve ever had, filled with herbs and produce grown right there. The wood-fired veggie pizza, with a corn-based sauce, was simple but incredibly flavorful.

But the food is only half the reason to come. The setting is magical. Seating is spread across a greenhouse-style space and tucked away in corners surrounded by plants. It’s quiet, green, and calming. Before or after eating, you can walk around parts of the farm, browse the market, or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. And if you’re lucky, a friendly cat might join you at your table.

While Antigua has no shortage of international food, trying traditional Guatemalan dishes is something you really shouldn’t skip. One of the most iconic is Pepián de Pollo, Guatemala’s national dish.

To try it, La Casa de las Sopas is a great choice. As the name suggests, this restaurant focuses on soups, and they take them seriously. The pepián here is rich, deeply flavored, and clearly cooked with care. It’s made with chicken, tomatoes, roasted seeds, and peppers, creating a stew that feels hearty without being heavy.

We also tried Jocón con Pollo, a chicken dish cooked in a tangy, slightly spicy green sauce made from tomatillos. Both dishes came with huge pieces of chicken on the bone, perfectly tender and filling.

Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones. Rincón Antigüeño is a small chicken spot that’s popular for a reason. It’s affordable, fast, and satisfying.

Their chicken plate includes a piece of chicken (you get to choose the cut), vegetables, salad, fresh corn tortillas, and a drink, all for around $5 USD. It’s one of the best lunch deals in Antigua.

The food isn’t fancy, but it’s cooked well and served quickly. If there’s one downside, it’s that the portion might leave you wanting a little more, but you can always add extra chicken or sides. Just remember that they close at 4 PM, so it’s best for lunch rather than dinner.

This is a great stop when you want something filling without spending much.

If you want to eat like do local, La Cuevita de Los Urquizú is a must. This restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Guatemalan dishes, displayed in clay pots so you can see exactly what you’re choosing.

The setup feels interactive and welcoming. For about $12 USD, you get a meat, two sides of your choice, a tamale, and corn tortillas. Choosing what to eat might be the hardest part.

Once your plate is ready, you get to enjoy it in their beautiful courtyard, which adds to the experience. It feels relaxed, unpretentious, and deeply connected to local food culture.

This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re truly experiencing Antigua.

Antigua is a town best explored slowly, and the same goes for eating here. Meals aren’t rushed, flavors are familiar yet surprising, and so many places feel personal rather than polished. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional breakfast, a bowl of rich soup, or a quiet lunch surrounded by plants, food becomes part of how you experience the city.

You can also read our full Antigua travel blog to get tips on sightseeing, local culture, and even more dining recommendations while exploring this charming town.

Sometimes, the best way to understand a place is simply to sit down and eat.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo