Caye Caulker, Belize is full of restaurants and bars. At lunch time, you’ll also find some fun street vendors popping up along the main road. But which are the best restaurants in Caye Caulker? Well, I did my research, asked around and of course tasted plenty. Here are the best I found.
The best restaurants in Caye Caulker
Note, many restaurants in Caye Caulker are cash only. They accept US dollars or Belizean dollars. The exchange rate is 1:2, always. There are a few ATMs on the island but they tend to charge a fee of 1.5 – 3%. We also found most places that accept credit cards in Belize also charge a 3% fee on average. Cash is best.
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The best breakfast in Caye Caulker
Erroyln’s House of Fry Jacks
I’m not joking when I say we went here three times in 5 days. Yes, Mike absolutely loved Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks. He couldn’t get enough of the fluffy dough and decadent fillings.
Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks opens early, to match the needs of those about to embark on a snorkel or dive trip. But they close early too, around noon, depending on how quickly they sell out. Their menu is simple – Belizean Fry Jacks served with bacon, and any other fillings you like. They reminded me of the doughboys my mom makes on Sunday mornings.
The Fry Jacks are huge and filling. Our favorite was bacon, egg and cheese. Try the homemade hot sauce in the Tupperware outside. It was perfectly spicy.
Ice and Beans Cafe
Ice and Beans is not traditional Belizean food. If you’re looking for a more Western style breakfast, smoothie, yogurt bowl, a satisfying iced coffee, frappuccino, or bagel sandwich – Ice and Beans is the place to go for breakfast in Caye Caulker. They also serve lunch and ice cream.
We loved the good vibes here. Ice and Beans had the friendliest service, best coffee and fabulous outdoor seating area right on the water. There are plenty of picnic tables, hammocks and there is a restroom for customers. Also, open bright and early!
The best lunch in Caye Caulker
Chef Kareem’s Unbelizeable Lunch
Most days we were out on a snorkel or dive during lunch. However, we did get a chance to try Chef Kareem’s Unbelizeable Lunch in Caye Caulker. Directly on the street local families and friends are barbecuing fresh caught lobster and fish as well as kebabs of chicken, pork, corn and vegetables. We stopped by a few times and had a couple different options. All deliciously drenched in their famous sauce. Good prices, good food.
There are a few other stalls all located right next to each other, and they are some of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker. Betty’s was also great. They serve similar food for similar prices. Try them all.
The best restaurants in Caye Caulker for dinner
The Pelican Sunset Bar
First up the Pelican Sunset Bar. Pelican doubles as a bar and restaurant – so add it to both of your lists. Not to be confused with the nearby Italian restaurant, Il Pelicano. Pelican Sunset Bar is located directly on a dock on the water, where fishermen come in with a fresh catch in the early evenings.
The ceviche at Pelican Sunset Bar was my favorite on Caye Caulker. We tried the conch since it was still in season and then split a whole fish for dinner. Delicious food and incredible views.
Keep your eyes peeled. Rays love to pass under the dock here.
Reina’s
Reina’s was our favorite restaurant in Caye Caulker. In fact, we went twice. Reina’s opens around 5:30 pm every day. You’ll see a long queue out the door always. On the street they do the barbecuing – lobsters, thick pork chops, chicken and more. In the back, they prepare the fresh fish and drench those barbecued meats in your chosen curry, sauce or butter.
Our favorite dishes from Reina’s were the Jerk fish and lobster.
Reina’s has no thrills or views. It’s just on the side of the road. Simple and good. It seems you can make a reservation, so stop by the day before if you want to experience one of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker.
Elba’s Little Kitchen Restaurant
Elba’s Little Kitchen is more off the beaten path. This is a family owned and run business, perched high on a slightly unstable staircase overlooking the sea. Below you, you will see lots of abandoned coconuts, conch shells and trash as well as fishermen bringing in their daily catch.
The setting is probably not for everyone. But we really enjoyed our experience at Elba’s so it needed to make the list. Hospitality, food and price were all on point.
Elba’s Little Kitchen has their daily menu written on the chalkboard. Choose what you like and find a seat. They also have a bar and rotating dessert specials. We enjoyed the conch fritters, coconut fish and barracuda.
The lobster prices were the best we saw on the island. Support this lovely family.
Chef Juan’s Kitchen and Pastries
After a few days in Belize I was craving Key Lime Pie. Up in San Ignacio I was told they make the best at Erva’s Restaurant. But unfortunately, they were all out. In Caye Caulker, Chef Juan’s is known for the best on the island. The pie was deliciously sweet with a thick meringue, tangy center and soft crust. Perfect for a takeaway after dinner treat. The dinner options also look tasty at Chef Juan’s. Cash only.
Other restaurants in Caye Caulker
These restaurants all came highly recommended or looked delicious. But unfortunately, we only had so many days on the island.
- Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen – For a sunset view and fresh fish, casual dining
- Pasta per Caso – For fresh homemade Italian pasta, 2 options daily
- Chef D’s Creole Diner – A local favorite, by the airport. Lunch specials. We met the owner’s husband.
