Dining at Lake Atitlan

These are the best meals in San Pedro and Panajachel. Be sure to try at least one of them while at Lake Atitlan. It will be updated with recommendations for restaurants in Santa Cruz, San Marcos, as well as other towns and villages at Lake Atitlan.

Best Meals in Panajachel

"The best sandwich I've had in Guatemala," one San Pedro bar owner said of the quarter-pound US-style subs at Panajachel Meats, across from Atlantis Cafe. The Cuban is one of the new hot sandwiches. From Q18.5 and up and include a bag of chips. All sandwiches are made to go, but they have shaded outside seating.

The Restaurant, Cafe and Music-Pub Atlantis has a beautiful garden dining area as well as indoor seating. Look for the lasagna, Asian-style chicken wings and, for breakfast, Eggs Benedict. Atlantis is also a popular drinking spot for locals as well as tourists. Across the street from Atlantis, Restaurante Casablanca has the town's top gourmet meals.

On Calle Arboles, Circus Circus is the place for pizzas, especially the Mixto and Re Ne. Farther down the street, Chero's Bar has excellent rotisserie chicken.

San Pedro's Best Dining

Fata Morgana's pasta is gourmet quality. For dessert, try the amazing Tiramisu.

The Clover's Stuffed Chicken, made with cheese, black olives and basil, and Beef Medallions, as are popular with locals as with tourists. Try any special at Ventana Blue, which features Asian, Guatemalan and fusion.

The Buddha's Pork Tenderloin is marinated in five spices..

At el Barrio on Seventh Avenue, don't miss the towering Club Chicken sandwich, made with bacon and two kinds of cheese. Gourmet pizza fans, beat it on down the line to Bistro Nuevo Sol for the Chicken Parmesan Pizza.

At Hotel Mikaso near the Santiago dock, go for the Paella and the Chocolate Fondue for two.

The Southern-style barbecue at Smokin' Joe's is as authentic and tasty as it gets. At La Piscina every Sunday.