Location: Panajachel
Top Restaurants in Panajachel
Countries
Where to Eat in Panajachel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Panajachel (Spanish pronunciation: [panaxaˈtʃel], Pana) is a town in the southwestern Guatemalan Highlands, less than 90 miles from Guatemala City, in the department of Sololá. It serves as the administrative centre for the surrounding municipality of the same name. The elevation is 1,597 metres (5,240 ft). Population was 11 thousand in the 2000 census, estimated as 15,000 now (Insituto Nacional de Estadística de Guatemala), and has approximately doubled each of the last few decades. The town of Panajachel is located on the Northeast shore of Lake Atitlán, and has become a centre for the tourist trade of the area as it provides a base for visitors crossing the lake to visit other towns and villages.
Things to do in Panajachel
1. Hotel Atitlan Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Nominated by Travel + Leisure; "World's Best Awards 2011".This charming hacienda-style hotel is a formerworking coffee farm situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan, with a picture perfect view of volcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlan. Highlighting numerous unique Guatemalan traditions with its colorful and vibrant interior, each room is individually decorated with hand-woven fabrics and carpets, handcrafted furniture, paintings and tile floors. All rooms have private balconies and breathtaking views of the lake. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlook the entire lake and the hotel’s magnificent wedding, tropical and rose Gardens. The Botanical Gardens of Hotel Atitlán are a true garden lover’s paradise. Bird-watching is a popular pastime within its botanical Gardens. Enjoy a cocktail or a refreshing tea from the selection of tea infusions by the fire in the hotel’s bar, and dine in an elegant setting where you will savor regional and international cuisine. You can’t miss this beautiful Hotel!!!
Reviewed By longbo1 - Cambridgeshire
Beautiful grounds and comfortable room but the food is below average for this price of hotel. the bar is chaotic, one person serving with coach loads arriving. Very high prices for wine and very small measures.
Needs to improve food and service to qualify for the 4 star rating.
2. Guajimbo's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By Steve R - Oregon Coast, Oregon
We ate at Guajimbos about six times. Good food, generous portions and low cost. Very good value. Move into the restaurant one set of tables to avoid the street vendors, or sit out and engage them in conversation. Very friendly and efficient staff. Great place!!
3. Circus Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 478 reviews
Restaurant Pizzeria With Life Music, Gipsy Jazz, Rumba Flamenca, Latin. Meet Locals, Familyfriendly, Bohemian Atmosphere. Every Night Live Entertainment Menu Mediterranean Dishes, Homemade Pasta, Artesanal Pizzas, Meats, Seafood, Soups, Salads, Snacks, Desserts. All Made From Scratch. Vegetarian And Vegan Options. Delivery Service To Hotels And Homes
Reviewed By Doris M - Frankfurt, Germany
Beware of the delicious pizza - even though we always shared we never managed to eat all of it, same happened when we ordered the likewise delicious pasta or salads.
Very nicely decorated place, watch out for every detail of the circus memorabilia.
Friendly staff and service. We've been there a good number of times during the past weeks, and I'd certainly go again!
4. La Palapa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
La Palapa is a thatched roof bar in the center of Panajachel nightlife. Popular with gringos during the day, night time activities attract travelers and locals looking for fun. Monday is game night, Tuesday karaoke, Wednesday open mic, Thursday trivia competition (free Tequila shots for round winners) and Friday and Saturday nights live music with local and national bands. Saturday afternoon is BBQ with Smokin' Joe.
Reviewed By Hannah E - Puebla, Mexico
Honestly, La Palapa used to be a cool place to hang out, but it has gone severely downhill in the past year. They have raised their prices, and instead of being a fun place for young people to party and hang out, it has become a place where all of the gray haired, creepy expats go to drink all day every day. If that is your thing, then this is your place. If you are a traveler looking to have a good time, in my opinion there are other places more worth your time. Apparently they have good burgers.
5. Pupuseria Cheros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Here are other mentions of this awesome place on the web:<br>http://www.mayanadventure.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=76%3Acheap-eats&id=291%3Apupuseria-cheros&Itemid=398<br>http://www.suite101.com/content/top-10-things-to-do-at-lake-atitln-a181873
Reviewed By timtamalam - London, United Kingdom
There is a live kitchen experience so that means Smokey atmosphere in the restaurant and really hot. Food was barely edible. Like a panini with some cheese in it. Pulled pork was gross. Only pro is that it's really cheap but you don't really want to eat a lot there anyway. Avoid
6. Deli Jasmin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Great breakfast place, popular with foreign travelers and expat residents. Lovely garden setting.
Reviewed By 5614661 - San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Arguably, the best lunch in Pana! Super garden atmosphere. All their dishes are made from high quality foods and are very tasty! They do not accept credit cards or US dollars. The only negative in the place.
7. Crossroads Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 426 reviews
This is one of the most popular coffee shops in Panajachel especially with the ex-pat population. Run by Michael, he finds, buys, roasts, grinds, and serves the best beans in Guatemala! And then washes the dishes and loves every minute of it. We hope to meet you soon over a cup of coffee and hear your story!
Reviewed By annecelinejm - Solola Department, Guatemala
It you're looking for a nice cup of locally grown coffee and a sweet treat- definitely hit Crossroads Cafe! The owners are very happy to chat and there are always an excess of travelers and locals around. Also, It is nice situated outside the major touristy zones closer to the central Church.
8. Chez Alex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Imported meat, seafood and nice collection of wine and liquers
Reviewed By SRudders - El Paso, Texas
Recommended by friends and not one to stumble over but what a great restaurant. Good service and a nice wine selection from France. Great food and worth a visit if in Lake AtitlanHello Thank you so much for your nice review and thank you to your friends who recomended us. Welcome back.
9. Jose Pinguino's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By Ida E - Stittsville, Canada
Lovely evening out on the town in Guatemala. Very good food with Jose's daughters playing the traditional tune-catching Miriamba. Shared appetizer, 2 Gallo beer, 2 white wine, 2 mixed tacos meals, coffee and shared dessert...$53 Canadian. Very reasonable. Live Band to start up after daughters at 8:30pm however we left as tiring day. Highly recommended !
10. Restaurante Hana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Experience traditional Japanese dining in a beautiful, authentic Japanese restaurant located inside the historic Casa Cakchiquel in Panajachel Guatemala. Restaurante Hana offers the rich traditions of Japanese home cooking with Chef Mihoko Azumi. Like we do in Japan, we cook with the seasons, and savor the peak flavor of ingredients. We adhere to the fundamentals of Japanese cooking: respecting the ingredients and their natural flavors, cooking in the moment, and not doing too much. Restaurante Hana presents a wide range of typical Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi, tempura and all manner of lesser known dishes from the East, both large full dishes and smaller plates for sharing as well as daily specials. Restaurante Hana offers a welcoming multicultural family style dining setting for travelers as well as local customers. We look forward to serving you.
Reviewed By Astrid A
This place is heaven. The garden around it and the food is great! The sushi and soups is amazing. I adore the lady in charge, she is super sweet! She is really dedicated to the restaurant! The small details everywhere makes it a especial spot!
