Where to Eat in Panajachel: The Best Restaurants and Bars

January 14, 2018 Velvet Champine

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

Lake Atitlan | Bahia San Buenaventura, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi Guatemalan, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$78 - HK$196 +502 7962 0404
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

Hotel Atitlan Restaurant

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

Santander, Panajachel, Guatemala Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi South American, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +502 7762 0063
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Guajimbo's

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

Avenida de los Arboles, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Bar, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$110 +502 7762 2056
Excellent
43%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 478 reviews

Circus Bar

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

Calle Principal, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala (Formerly Calle Principal) Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Waitstaff American, Bar, Barbecue, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$78 +502 5851 9926
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

La Palapa

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

Avenida de los Arboles/Calle Principal, near the Bus Stop, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Latin, Salvadoran, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Excellent
73%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Pupuseria Cheros

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

Calle Santander, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, Guatemalan, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +502 7762 2585
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

Deli Jasmin

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

Calle del Campanario 0-27, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Takeout, Seating American, Cafe Drinks, Breakfast
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 426 reviews

Crossroads Cafe

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

Santander, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night HK$94 - HK$353 +502 7762 0172
Excellent
67%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Chez Alex

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

Calle Santander, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Guatemalan, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +502 5556 4747
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

Jose Pinguino's

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

Inside Casa Cakchiquel | Calle 14 Febrero, Panajachel 07010, Guatemala Highchairs Available, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$39 - HK$94 +502 4298 1415
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Restaurante Hana

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!

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