January 12th, 2006, by Mary Winston Nicklin
Where Not To Eat in Antigua, Guatemala
Ringed by volcanoes, brimming with colonial charm, Antigua has become a hotspot for savvy travelers, who are enchanted by the pastel facades of churches and large Spanish houses, cobblestone streets lit by antique street lamps and Mayan markets. This town is the essence of romance. But finding a decent restaurant may prove difficult. Clinton may have dined at La Fonda de la Calle Real, but forget it— this place has gone to the dogs. Avoid Frida’s at all costs, where overpriced Mexican fare is bland and mediocre. Near the Parque Central, Monoloco serves ghastly American-style bar food to a crowd of eager Norteamericano youth and Guatemaltecans from the capital who trek to scope Antigua’s bar scene on the weekends. So what’s a hungry gal to do? Head to the exquisite, romantic Panza Verde, set in a graceful colonial building with candle-lit walkways, garden courtyards with fountains, and a menu that includes such delightful dishes as tenderloin slathered in mushrooms and escargot.
Thank you for your suggestions!
I ate a fews weeks ago at Panzon verde, nice romantic atmosfere… but i was a little bit disappointed by the choice of desserts.
The french chef Daniel is a nice guy, ask to meet him if you go over there…
is he really French or just a poseur?
what dessert did you choose? I devoured a macadamia parfait similar to Baked Alaska and it was divine…
Casa Nicolas is another resturant to mention, Nicolas and Panza Verde are the only places I will eat in town.
I came to Antigua just for a few days, and as so many other people have done so, Im still here 1month later working in a bar and loving it. I think that cafe sky serves really nice food and also Monolocos food is great, yes it is an american bar in the middle of beautiful Antigua but its hidden and if you dont like that kind of fun exciting happy atmosphere then dont go. but i bet you go there for girls night on a tuesday dont you….
thanks for your suggestion- will have to check out cafe sky. totally agree that Monoloco’s is a great spot for cheap drinks, and the plates are huge, but i prefer local specialties to the heavy fried stuff on offer there
I am sorry, but Monoloco’s is the worst place in Antigua. Food is too “trashy”, full of fat and the place is definitely OUT… For the dessert at Panzion verde, just try the very classic “tiramisu”.
A great place in town is Quinta Maconda on the arch street, but, one has to be a guest to eat there. Candle light dinner, great food and interesting guests. The place is full a antiques and is just tremendously authentic …
we visited a friend that was staying there and it was like entering another world, very magical.
A brand new place (opened May 2006) for exquisite boquitas/tapas style food and arguably the town’s best wine list, is SANGRE. Little portions but boy, do they pack a big punch. Try the ginger-infused lettuce leaves wrapped around goat mozarella and sundried tomatos, or the mini hamburgers with horseradish or the prawns with tamarind sauce or seared sesame tuna… AND they have done an outstanding job training their staff. NO place in Antigua has better service.
Dig Ceviche? “La Capilla” (just next door to above mentioned Meson Panza Verde) has the best Ceviche in town. Only Saturdays though! Bring your bathing suit and hang out by the pool, play cards, backgammon, chess too.
Panza Verde does provide an excellent meal. My favorite dining experience in Guatemala - and one of the most unique dining experiences I’ve had - was at Bistro Cassis. The shockingly young chef, Nicolas Palomo, runs this restaurant our of his home in Antigua and the food is fantastic.
http://www.ontheroadtravel.com/travel-recommendations/Guatemala/Antigua/Restaurants/Bistro+Cassis
I have been to almost every restaurant in Antigua. And by far a new INDIAN RESTAURANT opened up in July 2007 which is most definitely the HOTSPOT right now. Everybody is talking about it. Food is great and authentic. Papadoms, chutney, Tandoor, you name it, they got it. It is the only Indian Restaurant in Guatemala. Ambience is beautiful. The owners are actually Indian/ American. Ask for Karlo!
It is located at 4 Ave North # 42. Tel 7832 5331.
Went to check out the Indian joint - Just to be more clear on the directions, its on 4 Av Sur, all the way North, between 1st Calle, and the road that goes to Jocotanango.
Also - Its Closed on Sundays!
Nokiate is another great spot in town on 1st Ave next to Cafe No Se.
Closed MONDAYS.
I wanted ceviche (I had never tried it till we got to Guatemala), and my boyfriend was in the mood for some mexican (I agree that Frida’s is way overpriced), so we asked around at the place where we were staying and found this place called Ceviches Mex and I had the most awesome ceviche ever along with a beer, and he had some tacos and a giant burrito that he couldn’t finish! It’s not a classy place like some of the others mentioned here but is worth a visit! We chatted with the owner and three of his daughters help him there, they were all friendly and real nice and told us about good places to see, etc etc.
Oh yeah, Doug just pointed out that I didn’t write the address… I’m not sure what the address is, I just know that it’s on the corner of 7th Avenue and 2nd Street… about two blocks from the Arch…
Comparing Monoloco and Panza Verde is pretty ridiculous. Monoloco is a bar restaurant with great burritos, but it doesn’t claim to be a gourmet restaurant.
Go have a delicious gourmet dinner at Panza Verde, but go grab a burger and a cold gallo at Monoloco some other night. They both serve their purpose.
The Indian in Antigua is not the only one in Guatemala! There are for example one with delicious food in Xela, Sabor de la India.
Has anyone had dinner at Nokiate? We are staying at Panza Verde and look forward to eating there. We are not into the “Americanized Tourist” sceen, any recommendations on night lift with a local flair. Thanks!