Restaurants in Guatemala City

Guatemala City has some excellent restaurants. As with the hotels, the best and most varied selection of restaurants is to be found in zonas 9 and 10. Likewise, there are some good restaurants in Zona 1, particularly for lunch, as the area can be a little sketchy at night. One excellent exception is the 2-square-block pedestrian mall area of Zona 4 known as Cuatro Grados Norte, which is full of bars, restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

For those with problems adjusting to the local flavor, you'll find no shortage of fast-food chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Quiznos, and KFC. If you want to sample a local version, try the fried chicken at Pollo Campero.

Zonas 9 & 10

In addition to the places listed, the restaurant at the boutique hotel Otelito Casa Santa Clara, 12a Calle 4-51, Zona 10 (tel. 502/2339-1811) is an excellent, upscale fusion restaurant with many local fans. For French food, try Jean François, Diagonal 6 13-63, Zona 10 (tel. 502/2333-4786), and for sushi try Sushi-Itto, 4a Av. 16-01, Zona 10 (tel. 502/2368-0181). Refined Italian food can be found at Pecorino, 11a Calle 3-36, Zona 10 (tel. 502/2360-3035). And for excellent Continental fare served up in an elegant, yet relaxed, open-air garden setting, Carpaccio, 14a Calle 0-25, Zona 10 (tel. 502/2368-0690), is a good bet.

Zona 1

Inexpensive -- For a quick coffee break or light bite, head to Cafetería Patsy, 6a Calle 5-13, Zona 1 (tel. 502/2285-0331), a simple and bright cafe on a busy corner of the Plaza Mayor.