Belize

Eating out in Belize

The most common dish in Belize may be rice and beans, but fresh lobster, conch, and tropical reef fish abound. Belize also offers an exotic range of tropical fruits.

Gourmet

Mata Chica can only be accessed by water taxi from Ambergris Caye. Colored stucco walls sparkle against the white sand and the charming décor includes seashells used as salt-and-pepper shakers. The creative menu offers something for everyone. Diners can choose from tortellini, which is made fresh daily, bruschetta, or stone crab with homemade mayonnaise. 5 miles north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Highly Recommended

The Smoky Mermaid Restaurant and Bar is housed in the inner courtyard of a beautiful colonial bed and breakfast. A fountain and an abundance of tropical plants create a refreshing atmosphere. While the breakfast and lunch menus are generous, the real treats come out at night. Diners can choose from meat dishes such as rosemary lamb chops, or fish delicacies, like crusted fresh snapper. Finish with the chocolate walnut amaretto cake or the piña colada pie. 13 Cork Street, Belize City.

Local Flair

BJ's is the perfect place to go for traditional Belizean fare. Inside the thatched cabana the chef whips up the best local dishes in the area, including serre, which is made with lobster, cassava and coconut cream. Diners can also get fresh juices made from fruit that grows right on the property. South of the football field, Placencia.

Romantic

Fort Street Restaurant is set in a 1920s house with white trim, green-and-white striped awnings. Dine on the lovely wraparound porch, or inside the air-conditioned dining room. The inventive and ever-changing menu focuses mainly on Belize's fresh seafood. Lobster, shrimp, crab and conch always make an appearance. House specialties include steamed reef crab claws with parsley-lime butter and grouper del rey, served with sautéed spinach and cheddar cheese. Leave room for the luscious lime pie! 4 Fort Street, Belize City.

Going party in Belize

The nightlife in Belize is considerably tamer than that of other tropical destinations. But almost every town has a handful of bars, many with live music and dancing on the weekend. Keep in mind that the bars and dances don't normally get going until midnight.

Bayman's Tavern

A large central bar and giant television help make this one of Belize City's most popular nightspots.

Harbor Room

This bar, with its pastel décor and wicker chairs, is where the city's expatriates go for live music in Belize City.

Calypso

Bands get the crowd jumping on the high-ceilinged dance floor at this Belize City club. There is a bar at one end and a restaurant at the other.

Princess Belize Hotel and Casino

The first Las Vegas-style casino opened in Belize recently, with a sparkling marble lobby and enormous game room. A big bar, free drinks, and buffet for players make this a great gaming location.

Fido's Courtyard

When in Ambergris Caye, head to this San Pedro hotspot for live music, even on weeknights.

Celi's

Also in San Pedro, Celi's has a great beach barbecue, and a local band often plays on the beach.

Cahal Pech Tavern

Situated near the ruins above the town of San Ignacio, this tavern is actually a giant hut where guests dance until dawn to some of Belize's best bands.

Common events in Belize

Baron Bliss Day

This holiday celebrates Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, a British sportsman who gave Belize an enormous estate in exchange for a holiday devoted to sailing and fishing. March 19.

San Pedro Sea and Air Festival

This multicultural party takes place in Ambergris Caye. Entertainers come for 4 days from around Belize, as well as from other Central American and Caribbean countries. August.

Battle of St George's Caye

A week of carnivals and parties mark the anniversary of the victory by British settlers over the Spanish navy. September.

National Independence Day

This festive affair celebrates the country's independence from Great Britain in 1981. September 21.

Garifuna Settlement Day

Dancing and processions take place in memory of the day the Black Carib settlers (known as Garifuna) arrived from the West Indes in 1823. November 19.