A Photographer’s Guide to Antigua Guatemala’s Best Restaurants & Bars
Where to Eat and Drink in Antigua Guatemala: The 2025 Insider Shortlist
The essential list of Antigua Guatemala’s best restaurants, bars, rooftops, and cafes — curated over ten years living and working here.
Ten years of dinners, date nights, and post-wedding drinks in one curated list.
Antigua is full of “best restaurant” roundups written after 48 hours in town. This is not that. I’ve lived and worked here for nearly a decade—photographing weddings, hosting friends from abroad, befriending many of the chefs, and eating my way through the places that actually hold up.
And this year, Antigua Guatemala hosts the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, bringing the region’s top chefs and food travelers into the same streets where so many of my couples celebrate their wedding weekend. It’s the right moment for a guide that reflects the Antigua they’ll actually experience.
This guide isn’t meant to show you everything Antigua offers. It’s the shortlist I give to my couples, their families, and the guests flying in for a wedding weekend or a World’s 50 Best–adjacent trip. Think of it as a map for people who care about aesthetics, good ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and a strong drink list—people who travel the way they eat.
Nothing here is sponsored. No one paid to be included. These are the spots that stay consistent, treat their staff well, and carry the kind of atmosphere you want when you’re celebrating something meaningful.
Antigua is having a moment. Guatemala’s younger culinary scene, shaped by volcanic soil, local producers, and its position beside Mexico’s global food narrative, is finally getting the attention it deserves. Just outside Antigua, Villa Bokeh has helped anchor that moment, hosting World’s 50 Best adjacent gatherings and giving chefs, couples, and guests a design-forward space for long lunches and wedding weekends. It’s one of the region’s top wedding venues and a reliable lunch spot when you want to step just beyond the city center.
If you want to see how all of this connects back to the weddings we photograph, you can also revisit our earlier Antigua Restaurant Guide for more context on how this food scene has grown alongside our work.
Start here.
The Shortlist: Best Restaurants and Bars in Antigua Guatemala
Perfect for destination wedding guests, couples planning their wedding-weekend itinerary, and travelers visiting antigua for culinary experiences or in town for the World’s 50 Best Events.
How to use this guide: Save it, screenshot it, share it with your wedding guests. This is the shortlist, the places that have stayed consistent for nearly a decade.
Best Coffee in Antigua Guatemala
Where I start my day between weddings and morning shoots.
Artista de Café | specialty coffee, clean design, trained staff, perfect for mornings
Minimal design, precise espresso, and baristas who know what they’re doing. My go-to when I’m editing or heading out early for a shoot.
I love everything about Artista de Café, from the kindhearted, creative owners María André and Guillermo Durán, to the way coffee is respected in this space. Every detail feels curated. Here you’ll find coffee nerds who specifically seek out Artista for their reputation in the international coffee scene, influencers who need a photo in the Instagram-friendly space, and digital nomads using one of the laptop-friendly tables. It’s the best specialty coffee spot in the country with trained baristas, high-end beans, and a brunch menu to match. But don’t take my word for it, stop in and try it yourself.
Pro Tip: If you come in the early afternoon and want to try something different, ask for a carajillo. You can thank me later.
Y Tu Piña También | fresh, bright, delicious brunch in a friendly environment
Known in Antigua for fresh brunch, natural smoothies, and easy morning energy. Y Tu Piña is located steps away from the world-famous Café No Sé, and that’s not a coincidence. If you have a late night out in one of the many great bars located on First Avenue’s food scene, it’s likely you’ll sleep in a little the next day. That was the idea behind all-day breakfast at Y Tu Piña. My personal favorite, the one I have before nearly every wedding, is the McF*cking Muffin.
Le Gran Café | tiny espresso bar in the heart of Antigua
Located just off Central Park, Le Gran Café is perfect for a quick espresso after hours of walking around the cobblestone streets of Antigua. This small tasting room smells like heaven as soon as you walk in, and while it may look unassuming at first glance, this room represents one of Guatemala’s most impressive coffee exporters. Josué’s commitment to organic coffee has made a major impact on the coffee scene in Guatemala. Here, at Le Gran Café, you can find and sample some of the best coffee from around the country, including one of their farms that sits just outside of town. There is really nothing like it in Antigua.
Santa Clara Panaderia & Cafe | traditional breakfast on a rooftop with views
Years ago, on a visit to Guatemala, Dani and Mishka invited me out to breakfast on a rustic rooftop steps away from the famous Santa Clara Ruins. I still remember what I ate that morning and the conversations we shared. Now, nearly ten years later, I still take my closest friends and family members to have huevos rancheros and coffee while looking out at Volcán de Agua. And look, this is probably the least aesthetic place on this list (coffee snobs look elsewhere) and your hotel might have better food, but this place is special. No matter how many chic new brunch spots pop up around town (and there is a new one every few months), I will always go back to this little “hole in the wall” for a bit of nostalgia.
Best Lunch Spots in Antigua Guatemala
Casual, consistent places perfect between wedding events or an afternoon in Antigua.
Kombu Ramen| a must for food travelers visiting Antigua
One of Antigua’s go-to Japanese spots when you want ramen done well and comfort food that actually hits. The Guatemalan chefs behind Kombu know what they’re doing. Born out of a love for travel and great food, Kombu seems to have had a waitlist since they opened seven years ago. The restaurant design is one of a kind in Antigua, seemingly transporting you directly to Japan. I love sitting at the bar under the neon lights with a bowl of steaming hot, spicy miso ramen and an ice-cold house biiru.
La Bariga Llena | quirky lunch spot with daily specials
You can’t mention Guatemala’s growing culinary scene without mentioning La Barriga Llena and chefs Mario and Carlos. The space feels electric and offers a menu to match. And while I can’t tell you my single favorite thing on the menu, I can say I’ve never had anything here I didn’t absolutely love. The menu is small and reliable, with daily specials to keep things fresh. It’s a great find for anyone looking for something a little more modern among the cobblestones.
Como Como | European garden bistro with great wine list
A fusion bistro in Antigua known for long lunches in the garden and an extensive wine and beer list. Directly in front of Antigua Guatemala’s premier wedding venue, the Santa Clara Ruins, ComoComo is owned and operated by Eric and Susan (alongside their adorable dog Mocha), with a menu rooted in both French and Guatemalan cuisine. For years it’s been considered one of Antigua’s top restaurants, and it’s obvious why: service, atmosphere, food, drink—they do everything right. I love the art throughout the restaurant, and honestly, there are few places in the world where you’ll find pepián on the menu next to steak frites and both cooked to perfection. I usually go for lunch to avoid the dinner crowds but always end up staying until early evening talking with friends from Antigua or playing a game of backgammon. ComoComo should be part of your Antigua food itinerary every time.
Cafe Mediterraneo | old school, authentic italian served in a classy setting
Francesco opened Café Mediterráneo in Antigua Guatemala 30 years ago. Since then, it’s been a constant go-to for great pasta and wine for families and travelers in Guatemala. The space is clean and bright and the walls are lined with great photography from Antigua’s Semana Santa processions. The menu is simple. Hand-drawn on chalk, there are a few antipasti, three different pastas, a few secondi, and of course wonderful tiramisu or panna cotta. The staff always has the perfect wine pairings for your choices and the owner keeps homemade limoncello stocked at all times. This is a classic Italian kitchen you wouldn’t expect to find in Antigua. I’m glad it does.
Toko Baru | asian fusion eats with great vegetarian options
My pick in Antigua when I’m craving a full lunch accompanied by European lagers on a budget. Food prices in Antigua have drastically increased over the last few years due to the pandemic, global inflation, and changes in weather patterns affecting food production in the country. Antigua has become one of the more expensive places in Latin America. TokoBaru has seemingly been exempt from all of those factors and remains one of the best budget spots in town. The menu offers Indonesian and Indian-inspired cuisine (great for vegan and vegetarian) served in big portions and complemented with their house garlic and spicy sauces. Paired with a selection of imported beers, this is the perfect casual lunch spot.
Pro Tip: Ask for the original garlic sauce (not the new tourist-friendly version) for an extra garlic punch.
Masil | authentic Korean in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
One of Antigua’s go-to spots when you want Korean comfort food and a low-key meal done right. Masil is the newest restaurant to take Antigua foodies by storm. The name is a Korean word for strolling through the neighborhood to visit with your friends, a nod to their hospitable and friendly service. The Korean family that runs this new gem put extreme attention to detail into keeping the recipes and ingredients as original as possible. Even the plates and chopsticks were imported from Korea. The food is incredible. Show up early for lunch or call ahead if you want a table for dinner; it is almost always completely full.
Casa Trócoli | standout rooftop spot for sunset drinks and a strong wine list.
My favorite rooftop in Antigua because of the view and a wine list that actually has depth. This is the spot I recommend for sunset drinks before a rehearsal dinner. Steps away from Antigua’s famous Santa Catalina Arch, Casa Trócoli has a deep and rich history as a family home in the center of Antigua before taking on its current form as a restaurant and wine shop. If you walk around the house and really pay attention, you can see family photos, notes, dedicated songs, fully furnished rooms, and even a horse stable just as it was used back in the day. The space feels like you’re having dinner in a home. It’s the perfect reflection of the hospitality Maya and Anita’s family embodies. I feel fortunate to spend my Friday nights here photographing couples and their families, watching the sunset, and sipping wine.
Pro Tip: Down the street and under the same ownership you can find La Fonda de la Calle Real, a staple in Antigua for home-cooked traditional cuisine.
Rincón Tipico | a comedor serving fresh tortillas and delicious traditional chicken
If you find yourself getting tired of the elevated kitchens and chic aesthetic of the spots on this list, Antigua has an endless number of comedores around town serving up cheap local food. Think of these as something between a restaurant and a street food vendor. You can’t miss the giant comal taking up half of the entrance where women make the fresh tortillas commonly used for the three square meals of the day, or “los tres tiempos.” The rich aroma flows out into the street and there will often be a line around peak lunchtime. Inside, the giant rotisserie fills the courtyard with the smell of smoked chicken. This is also where you can try classic Guatemalan dishes like pepián and kak’ik alongside stacks of handmade tortillas, all served comedor-style at shared tables. This was one of the first meals I remember having on one of my early trips to Guatemala and it continues to be one of the best values for lunch in town.
Best Dinner in Antigua Guatemala
The restaurants I trust for great food, warm service, and a strong wine list.
Santo Spirito | one of Antigua Guatemala’s best date-night restaurants
One of Antigua’s (and now Mexico City’s) best choices for a refined dinner and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. A long, narrow hallway lined with art sets up the entrance to one of Antigua Guatemala’s most creative kitchens. Stepping out and into the garden lets you know instantly that Santo Spirito is different in every way. The lush, spacious garden is bordered by wide cushioned chairs and large tables made to hold the many plates that come out of the kitchen. Rather than paper menus and QR codes, the waiter brings over a large handwritten menu that rotates seasonally. The concept is simple: art, wine, and a modern take on the Italian kitchen. No endless list of pastas, no overly sweet cocktails and desserts, no changes to plates or their ingredients. Just a carefully crafted concept where chef Mattia Belucci puts intention into every detail.
See this New York Time’s article featuring Santo Spirito.
NifuNifa | one of the most consistent kitchens in Antigua
Argentinian steakhouse with one of the higher-end experiences in Antigua. I come here when I want a meal that never misses, especially for a wedding-weekend dinner with family in town. NifuNifa is family-owned and operated and offers a top steakhouse experience. The service goes above and beyond every time. And the steak—don’t get me started. Ownership keeps the best quality on hand and it’s incredibly well cooked over a charcoal grill by Diego Stela and his grill masters. The wine list and cocktails are great and the dessert menu is easily the best in town. For an incredible dinner with family and friends, I always recommend NifuNifa.
Pro Tip: If you’re around for lunch, this steakhouse has the best hamburger in Antigua Guatemala, hands down.
Suelo | casual, stylish, natural wine bar
A natural wine bar in Antigua known for good bottles, good people, and a relaxed atmosphere. Natural wine is having a moment, so it makes sense that Antigua Guatemala would have a bar dedicated to natural wines and Neapolitan-style pizza. It just happens that Suelo serves up the best pizza in the country, no exaggeration. The pepperoni and garlic with hot honey is to die for and pairs perfectly with any of the many natural wines they serve.
Pro Tip: Show up early to have a look through the vintage secondhand collections and handmade jewelry in the store by the same owner located in the same house.
Por Qué No? Cafe | tiny, iconic, artsy dinner spot with a big heart
A tiny, iconic Antigua restaurant loved for intimate dinners and the kind of atmosphere you don’t forget. This spot is run by a local poet-turned-chef and his wife, Carol. Located on a corner of 9th Street, this small restaurant hosts one of Antigua’s most coveted tables. Once you get past the line of travelers asking for availability, the first thing you notice is the joy and warmth with which every guest is greeted. The second is chef Carlos cooking every meal from his open kitchen behind the bar. Once you’re seated at one of the small tables, you begin to notice the writing on the wall, literally. From floor to ceiling, XQNO? is covered in writing from travelers and locals alike. Then there’s the art, some of it beautiful, some of it bizarre. Even the music here is perfect. But all of that still doesn’t outshine how wonderful the food is. If you have only one night to have dinner in Antigua Guatemala, it has to be here. This is my mother’s favorite restaurant in Antigua and I’m confident it will be yours too.
Clio’s | classic fine dining in a refined event space
Clio’s Antigua is a French-inspired restaurant and event space known for its beautiful atmosphere and attentive service. It’s the kind of place you book for a special dinner or a rehearsal event that needs to feel elevated but not stuffy. The menu leans into rich, classic flavors: think Clio salad, mussels, orange duck, mushroom steak, and a crème brûlée flight with three different flavors. It’s a polished, fine-dining option when you want a full experience rather than a casual night out.
NaNik | high end dining with local flair
A contemporary kitchen with ancestral approaches blended into this fine dining restaurant by chef Fer Solís. While the space is unassuming and casual, the plates served at NaNik are anything but. The food here is exciting and new while still feeling familiar. It’s a great space for solo foodies and couples alike looking to eat the food of a great chef.
Best Bars in Antigua Guatemala
Thoughtful cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and the places I bring friends and clients when we’re celebrating.
U’lew | world renowned speakeasy in Antigua Guatemala
A cocktail bar locals and creatives love for inventive drinks and lively energy late into the night. The name comes from an ancient Mayan language and translates to “earth.” When you first walk into U’lew, something magical happens. Stepping through a phone booth, you find yourself in a cozy, cave-like room filled with people wanting a taste of the magic Mario and Raúl have been serving for years. There’s no menu, just creativity and a passion for mixology. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and care about their craft. The waiter will ask you a few questions and then the bartender takes your preferences and creates something new and memorable. The presentation is always quirky and the service is top notch. It’s no wonder this small bar in the heart of Antigua Guatemala is known around the world for its incredible cocktails.
Pro Tip: U’lew is hidden inside ABC brewery in Antigua. While you may be tempted to skip straight to the speakeasy, don’t. ABC has one of the best terraces in Antigua to watch the sunset and serves cold beer and an excellent spicy chicken sandwich.
See what The World’s 50 Best says about U’lew.
La Taverna | this is where the locals drink
A great dive bar for shots with your friends to start or end the night. Here you’ll find a mix of expats, locals, and travelers all taking shots with the owner, Aury. She’s the life of the party, encouraging guests to dance on the bar, play darts, and knock back as many shots as you can handle. There are board games on the patio outside if that’s more your style, and if you get tired of the endless shots, you can always step into the back patio where one of Antigua’s best-kept secrets, El Local, serves strong cocktails and DJ sets on the weekends. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun (and late) night at this lively bar in Antigua Guatemala.
Blue Room | modern speakeasy with a charming intimate space
A speakeasy-style bar in Antigua with great cocktails and an intimate room that never feels crowded. When you step down into the cellar of Mesón Panza Verde into the Blue Room, you instantly understand where it got its name. Blue light streams into the room from the windows looking into the hotel pool above. An ironic hot red neon sign spelling out the bar’s name provides contrast. The room is beautifully designed and makes for the perfect place to enjoy cocktails or a bottle of wine. They have live music most nights and are an excellent place to end a date night.
Pro Tip: Show up early for dinner at the Mesón Panza Verde restaurant and check out the rooftop art gallery before heading to the speakeasy for cocktails.
Kuruk Kuruk | a new concept cocktail bar with mediterranean tapas
This tiny bar gets its name from the owner’s black cat, Kuruk. The newest project from the team behind the famous pizza and art café Angie Angie, Kuruk Kuruk brings a fresh take on Mediterranean tapas and cocktails to Antigua Guatemala. The space is cozy and decorated with items the owner has collected from her travels around the world. The food here is excellent and the cocktails are tremendous. With live music and friendly staff, this spot is a perfect place to begin or end a date night. Make sure you stop by on your trip to Antigua.
Cafe No Se | the world famous mezcal bar that changed everything
A mezcal bar locals and creatives love for strong drinks and lively energy late into the night. If you haven’t heard of Café No Sé, you’ve probably been living under a rock. This bar is the first mezcal bar in the world located outside of Mexico. The owner and his mezcal brand, Ilegal, changed the way the world consumed the now-famous Mexican spirit. From their feature on 60 Minutes to their bars under the same name in cities around the world, you might think this place would be stuck up. It’s not. Café No Sé is the same dive bar it has always been. Not much has changed and everyone is laid back and relaxed. You’ll find the local art community here listening to live music, discussing art and politics, and drinking maybe a little too much mezcal. It’s the bar in Antigua that everyone loves and it’s a must-see on your visit to Antigua Guatemala.
Still deciding Where to Eat and Drink During Your Antigua Wedding Weekend?
Antigua is small, but its food scene isn’t. These are the places I keep coming back to between weddings, editing days, and nights out with friends. If you’re planning a trip around World’s 50 Best, a destination wedding, or simply want a few reservations that will actually be worth it, build your days in Antigua around good meals.
If you’d like restaurant recommendations tailored to your wedding weekend or engagement trip, mention it when you inquire. I’m always happy to help couples plan the parts of Antigua they won’t find on the usual tourist lists.
Planning Your Antigua Destination Wedding? I Can Help You Curate Your Weekend Itinerary
