🌴 Recommended Restaurants Around San Pedro
🍽️ Walking-Distance & Local Favorites
These are still great — and many are rated highly by travelers and locals alike:
Very well-loved staples:
Aji Tapa Lounge & Restaurant: offers beautiful seaside dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with live music entertainment starting at 6:00 p.m. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance through the online platform to secure your spot, especially in the evenings.
Elvi's Kitchen – classic Belizean favorites right in town and highly recommended.
Blue Water Grill – oceanfront dining; sushi nights and seafood are still crowd pleasers.
Estel's Dine By the Sea – excellent beachside breakfast and lunch.
Caliente Restaurant – great beach dining on the southern strip.
Aji Tapa Lounge & Restaurant, Maxie's Restaurant & Lounge, Purple Pelican Restaurant, San Pedro Belize – choices for dinner and relaxed evenings.
Waruguma: well-known casual restaurant and bar in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye (Belize). It’s popular with both locals and visitors for its affordable Caribbean, Latin American and Central American food, especially its handmade pupusas and seafood dishes like lobster burritos and fresh seafood plates.A relaxed eatery and bar serving Belizean, Salvadoran, Caribbean and Latin cuisine.Known for authentic pupusas, seafood items (like shrimp and lobster), and generous portions with good value. Features outdoor seating and a laid-back island vibe.Offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.📍 Location & Hour: Located on Angel Coral Street (off Back Street) in San Pedro, on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Typically open daily from around 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (hours can vary).
Caramba Restaurant & Bar – popular spot for seafood with a local twist.
Palapa Bar and Grill – lively bar + grill in Boca del Rio (great for day or night).
El Fogon Restaurant – beloved Belizean casual fare for lunch or dinner.
Robin's Kitchen (Visible on their facebook page)– tasty jerk and Jamaican-style eats.
Mesa Cantina San Pedro previously known as dive bar – beachside cantina, lovely for lunch or evening views.
The Hidden Treasure Restaurant & Lounge – great lounge vibe and solid dinner choice.
La Fonda De Nilo (on facebook) & Margie and Kenny's Hangout – excellent local dining spots worth exploring.
Sweet treats & casual bites “ Little small Jewels on the island”:
Sweet-Tutz & Delights Restaurant (on facebook)– dessert and casual options perfect for lighter bites or coffee.
Salvadorena Papuseria: 📍 2101 Almond St, San Pedro, Belize ☎️ +501 226-3237:
A beloved family-owned pupusería since 2005, serving authentic hand-made Salvadoran favorites right in the heart of San Pedro. Locals and visitors alike rave about the fresh pupusas, prepared to order and crispy on the outside with flavorful fillings inside. In addition to pupusas, you’ll find fajitas, made-to-order ceviche, tostadas, carne asada, Belizean rice & beans, and delicious burritos — all in a casual, welcoming setting.
Briana’s fast food: Briana’s Fast Food is a well-loved local spot in San Pedro, Belize, offering affordable and flavorful Belizean comfort food. Ideal for a quick, casual meal and a true taste of local life.
Popular dishes to try: stewed chicken with rice & beans, fry jacks, burritos, and tacos.
💡 Note: Due to rising local costs of living and food prices in San Pedro, dining out in 2025–2026 can be pricier than in years past (especially for imported ingredients and upscale sit-down meals).
Specialty or newer openings:
LIV Agave Beach Club – opened 2025 with a tequila-focused kitchen and cocktails, beachside dining and live music vibes, open Tue–Sun (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Margaritaville Beach Resort’s “Shoreline” & Riddles in the Sand – new beachfront casual dining and curated Belizean tasting experience at the resort.
🍻 Weekly Fun & Events Around Town
Local rhythms can shift, so these are general patterns locals and visitors enjoy — check specific venues’ current socials for exact times/days.
🎉 Weekly Entertainment & Social Events in San Pedro
Sundays
Biggest island party vibe — locals and visitors mingle, drinks and swimming start mid-day.
Bars like Palapa, Nauti Crab, Sandy Toes, Pur Bar and similar hot spots in town get lively.
Secret Beach is a major Sunday destination with beach parties.
Enjoy BBQ specials at Pur Bar with live music entertainment by Manny Music Band form 2pm onwards
Enjoy a beautiful seaside dinner at Aji, accompanied by live guitar music from Amaurist, performing from 6 PM to 9 PM.
🌞 Monday:
Many venues kick off the week with live music, especially around Palapa and other central bars.
🎸 Palapa Bar and Grill – Live music vibes by the water.
🎶 Wayo's Beach Bar – DJ and laid‑back beach bar energy.
🎷 303 Belize Bar & Grill – Happy hour & live music (check FB).
🍹 Crocs Sunset Sports Bar – Jam night / guitarist sets.
🍸 Margie and Kenny's Hangout – Chill cocktails & conversation. (Check for theme nights.)
🍻 Island Games or Pool Music – Various bars often have casual social games early evening
Aji Tapa Bar and Restaurant features live sax evenings by Richard Pitts from 6pm - 9pm
Tuesdays:
🦀 Crab Races – Nauti Crab Bar (local FB) – Fun competitive evening event.
🎶 Jam Night – Crocs Sunset Sports Bar – Good music and atmosphere.
🍷 Stella’s Sunset – Tunes at Sunset – Chill beach vibes.
🎤 Live Music & Taco Tuesday – Gypsy Bar (local FB) – Locals & travelers party.
🍹 🍷 Wine Flight Mondays at Playa de Sala — fun social sipping (some weeks).
Sushi at Blue Water Grill (still popular).
Wednesdays:
Games & Music – Truck Stop – Trivia, games or music night.
🎵 Live Band or DJ – Wayo's Beach Bar – Live DJ or music evening.
🍹 Ladies Night – Gypsy Bar (check FB) – Drink specials & fun crowd mid‑week.
🎸 Live Music – Palapa Bar and Grill – Afternoon/evening bar tunes.
Asian Night at Aji Special dishes and live music by Lena Bravo (vocals, flute & piano).
Thursdays
Famous Chicken Drop at Corona Del Mar Hotel continues to be a big weekly social event. Trivia nights are common, too.
Pasta Night at Aji 🍝🎷 Live sax by Richards Pitts | 6–9 PM
🐓 Chicken Drop – Wayo's Beach Bar – Classic island party game night.
🦀 Crab Races – Nauti Crab Bar – Seasonal races continue.
🎶 Live Music – Crocs Sunset Sports Bar / Wayo's Beach Bar – More tunes & dancing.
Happy Hour drinks all day at Pur Bar
Fridays & Saturdays
Live Music Fridays entertainment at Pur Pur alongside Punta Boys, local Belizean music from 2pm onwards with drink specials
Live music, karaoke, trivia and beach bar vibes — especially around Palapa Bar & the local strip.
***Note - for televised sporting events or special occasions- Croc's, Ernie’s or Pur are THE place to be on the island!
🎉 Annual Festivals & Major Events in San Pedro, Belize
🌈 February – El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro
When: Typically 3 days leading up to Ash Wednesday (late February).
What: A vibrant pre-Lenten celebration with paint-throwing, music, dance, costuming and street parades; ends with the symbolic burning of Juan Carnaval.
🍤 June–July – San Pedro Lobsterfest (Lobster Festival)
When: Usually early July (e.g., July 1–12) with major activities around the Block Party & beach events.
What: Celebrates the opening of lobster season with lobster crawls, live music, beach bar events, restaurant specials, block party and beach party celebrations.
🐢 March – La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
When: Early March (dates vary each year).
What: A major national canoe marathon event; while not on Ambergris Caye itself, it’s a national spectacle connected to Belizean culture and sport that many visitors plan around.
🌴 August – International Costa Maya Festival
When: Early August (multi-day).
What: One of Belize’s biggest cultural festivals featuring international music, beauty pageants (Miss Costa Maya), parades, cultural shows, dance, and food — all grounded in Caribbean and Maya heritage.
⛪ Easter Weekend Activities
When: Holy Week (March or April; dates change yearly).
What: Religious processions and community gatherings, including Passion of Christ reenactments in town and beach activities at Secret Beach.
🎄 December Holiday Events
San Pedro Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade: Early to mid-December, festive lights and community celebration in town.
Christmas Lighted Boat Parade: Typically mid-December with decorated boats cruising the coastline, music, food and island holiday cheer.
New Year’s Eve Beach Celebration: Fireworks and big party on the beach to ring in the New Year.
📅 Other Seasonal & Community Events
Belize Independence Day
Date: September 21
What: National holiday celebrated with parades and festivities across Belize, including in San Pedro.
🎭 Garifuna Settlement Day (Observed November 19)
What: Belize national holiday honoring Garifuna heritage with drumming, parades and cultural events; activities often extend to San Pedro though main celebrations are in Dangriga.
🏖️ Seasonal Competitions & Sports
San Pedro Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge: Kayak event exploring local lagoons (April/May).
Fishing & Slam Tournaments (August): Tarpon, permit, bonefish competitions with community festivities.
🎶 Music & Local Cultural Events
Camp Belize Music Festival: A week-long music celebration with concerts and jam sessions (typically January).
Halloween Parties: Costume events and celebrations at local bars/hotels (late October).
Mother’s Day Celebrations: Community events with music & awards (May).
Marching Bands Appreciation Show & School Cultural Days: Local arts & culture showcases with wide community participation.
🗓 Suggested Event Calendar (For Guest Scripts)
MonthTypical HighlightJanuaryCamp Belize Music Festival, New Year’s Eve Beach CelebrationFebruaryEl Gran Carnaval de San PedroMarch/AprilEaster Weekend Events, La Ruta Maya (national), Lagoon Eco ChallengeJulySan Pedro LobsterfestAugustCosta Maya Festival, Slam Fishing TournamentSeptemberBelize Independence DayOctoberHalloween Parties & themed bar eventsNovemberGarifuna Settlement DayDecemberChristmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Boat Parade, New Year’s Eve
✨ Tips for Visitors
High Season Peaks: Carnival, Lobsterfest, Costa Maya and New Year’s attract early bookings, so reserve accommodations and tours early.
Local Traditions: Religious events like Easter processions are deeply rooted in community life and offer unique cultural experiences.
Nightlife & Music: Weekly and seasonal live music events often complement festivals, especially at beach bars and venues like Palapa Bar.