7 Best Restaurants in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

After a pineapple-ginger-lime smoothie in this restful thatch café, pop up to the rooftop at 9 am for drop-in yoga. What better way to start your island day? This three-story open-air eatery, which is almost always buzzing, is a welcome addition to Caye Caulker. The yoga classes are locally famous (and you'll have great views while you're in Trikonasana pose). Reasonably priced egg casserole, chia pudding, sandwiches, and salads can be ordered at the counter until mid-afternoon. There’s even house-made kombucha!

Here is the island's classic spot for a warm smile, coffee (including espresso), and a morning bite to eat. Sit on the cozy porch, people-watch on Front Street, and try the homemade yogurt or the yummy fresh breads.

For a good cup of coffee and a splash of color, this little café cum art gallery in the heart of Front Street is the place to go. Owner and longtime expat artist Lee Vanderwalker sells her painted canvases and silks here. The café serves up good pancakes, huevos rancheros, bagels (rare in Belize), and a smattering of healthy lunch plates, including gluten free and vegan options. 

Glenda's menu is on a chalkboard, short and sweet, and you place your order at the window of a pretty clapboard house. At breakfast, when this café is most popular, you can get a hearty meal of eggs, bacon, beans, johnnycakes, and fresh OJ, all for a pittance. Dine under the solemn eyes of a print of The Last Supper, or take it to go. It starts up at 7 am; get there early to snag a cinnamon bun. The hours are island style, so Glenda's may not be open when you want it to be, especially at lunch.

If you’re jonesing for a caffeinated treat—maybe a Nutella frappe or a cappuccino—look no further. Ice n’ Beans is your quick seafront coffee bar where tasty samples are dished out to anyone who walks up. Bagel sandwiches and tasty smoothies are also on offer. You can get your coffee here until early evening.

You'll recognize the circular logo from the monolithic coffee chain it references, but vibrant-tiled Marbucks is far better. Part of the intimate Daydreamin' B&B, Marbucks is a charming breakfast joint with pleasant outdoor stools and tables. We recommend the drip coffee and the frittata, served in a cast iron skillet. If you're hankering for a back-home bagel, the egg sandwich is delicious. Marbucks hosts the groovy and hugely popular Wine Down Thursdays gathering from 4:30 to 7:30, with live music and complimentary appetizers.

More than a just pit stop, this cute roadside joint offers pick-me-ups in the way of creative smoothies, iced mochas, healthy and not-so-healthy shakes, and baguette paninis. It also stocks a small market with Belizean cheeses, jellies, cacao beans, meats, and fruits. Swing by on your way to Secret Beach or anywhere north.