Where to eat in Lake Atitlan: Top 10 San Pedro Laguna Restaurants

Are you planning a trip to Lake Atitlan?

This post details the top 10 must-try San Pedro Laguna restaurants.

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Guatemala is a charming and vibrant country, and San Pedro La Laguna is no different.

Located around the magical Lake Atitlan, San Pedro is a colorful and lively town that attracts backpackers and local tourists alike.

The result is a harmonious blend of traditional Mayan culture with newer international influences.

And its culinary scene reflects this perfectly.

I spent two weeks in San Pedro exploring as many restaurants as possible.

There are heaps of delicious places to eat with cuisines from all over the world. Traveling the world without leaving Guatemala is certainly one of the best things to do in San Pedro.

The best part is that all San Pedro La Laguna restaurants are super affordable and many offer unbeatable views of Lake Atitlan.

There are loads of vegetarian and vegan options too.

This post will detail the top 10 best restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna for an unforgettable culinary adventure around Lake Atitlan.

Affordable San Pedro Laguna Restaurants

If you’re backpacking Guatemala on a budget, you do not need to worry about finding affordable Lake Atitlan restaurants.

Whatever you’re craving, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious that won’t break the bank.

The best part is, even when dining on a budget, most of the below San Pedro restaurants offer amazing views of Lake Atitlan whilst you dine too.

Amazing views and cheap eats that don’t compromise on taste? Sign me up.

Yakitori de Cava

• Authentic homemade Japanese food with a Guatemalan twist
• Aesthetic restaurant with lake views
• Vegetarian/Vegan options upon request

Note: Yakitori de Cava is only open Wednesday – Sunday and closes at 4 PM every day.

Yakitori de Cava is a must-visit San Pedro Laguna restaurant for lovers of Asian/Japanese cuisine.

Located on the waterfront, this cute little restaurant could be easily missed by those who don’t know it’s there.

Run by a friendly Japanese couple, this San Pedro restaurant has a distinct home-cooking feel and the chef cooks up an absolute storm in one of the world’s smallest kitchens.

The menu is simple but the food is all freshly prepared and bursting with flavor. Think curries, miso/teriyaki bowls, soups, and meat skewers.

This restaurant uses local ingredients and flavors to replicate the authentic Japanese taste. This puts a unique Guatemalan spin on classic Asian food.

Yakitori de Cava is beautifully designed with trendy artwork and seating overlooking the lake.

All the dishes are super affordable making this one of the cheapest places to eat in San Pedro La Laguna. They also have some pretty fantastic homemade ginger ale and matcha.

Moreover, all dishes can be happily made vegan or vegetarian upon request.

When I visited I ordered the Chicken Curry, Miso Soup, and Chicken Skewer. This came to 60Q ($8).

Tacomex

• Delicious Mexican cuisine at super affordable prices (3 x 20Q tacos)
• Views of Lake Atitlan
• Dine-in or takeaway, veggie/vegan options

If you’re a lover of Mexican cuisine, then you’ll be in your element with Tacomex.

The menu is small but certainly mighty. Whilst tacos are naturally the star of the show, they also have delicious quesadillas, gringas, and tortas.

They also serve delicious pico de gallo and guacamole with each dish.

Furthermore, Tacomex is located on the waterfront and has amazing views of the lake. The dining experience is laidback and great for socialising with friends.

The thing that truly makes this one of the best San Pedro Laguna restaurants is the price.

With 3 tacos for 20Q ($2.50), this is one of the most affordable restaurants for those backpacking Guatemala on a budget.

If you don’t fancy dining in, you can choose to takeaway. There are also veggie/vegan options for the plant-based lovers out there.

No Hay Deer

• The best burgers in San Pedro (one of the best I’ve tried worldwide)
• Unique cocktails and happy hour deals
• Vegan/Vegetarian options

No Hay Deer has one of the best burgers I’ve ever had worldwide. And that’s not something I throw around lightly.

Run by an Australian with a passion for creating San Pedro’s best burger, I can safely say that he has succeeded. And then some.

This is not only one of the best spots in San Pedro, but one of the best Lake Atitlan restaurants in general.

The burgers are all handmade from scratch and are absolutely delicious.

They are super cheap too at only 45Q ($6).

A light crispy bun, moist but lightly charred burger, homemade sauces, and a wide range of toppings – it doesn’t get much better than that.

No Hay Deer is a tiny hole-in-the-wall place conveniently located opposite Sublime; one of the best bars in San Pedro. This makes it great for those who need a post-party refuel.

This San Pedro restaurant is small but always has a buzzing atmosphere, with great music. They also have TVs so it’s worth swinging by if there’s a big match on.

Its chilled laidback atmosphere and generous happy hour deals on cocktails make this a great spot to hang out before enjoying San Pedro’s vibrant nightlife.

Due to the size of the place, and the fact that everything is made fresh, you can expect quite long wait times.

However, the staff are super friendly and chatty and the burger is absolutely worth the wait.

You don’t have to worry about missing out if you’re vegetarian or vegan. There is a bean burger option with eggplant which is super tasty.

I didn’t order it myself but my friend opted for the veggie option despite being a meat-eater. She swears that it’s nicer.

Pizzeria El Callejon

• Italian chef – close to authentic-style Italian pizza
• Hidden gem tucked behind the main road
• Reasonable drinks & beer prices

Typically, I am a bit of a snob when it comes to pizza.

I’m a big fan of authentic Italian-style pizza. I’m not such a fan of super cheesy Americanised pizza. In this sense, Pizzeria El Callejon did not let me down.

Set slightly back from the main road, Pizzeria El Callejon is a real hidden gem in San Pedro La Laguna.

Tucked away and decorated with plants and hanging vines, this cozy San Pedro La Laguna restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of pizza and Italian cuisine.

The chef himself is Italian and the pizza is one of the best I’ve had when traveling Latin America.

They have an authentic woodfire oven and the crust is perfectly light yet crispy. For me, it was a little heavy on the cheese, but that’s nitpicking.

The portion sizes are generous and super affordable as per the quality. They also have a wide range of cheap drinks and beers.

With an open-planned dining vibe, trendy artwork on the walls, and large tables, this is one of the best San Pedro La Laguna restaurants to socialise and enjoy some food.

The service is relatively fast and they are open for takeaway and delivery too.

Shanti Shanti

• Cheap and cheerful family-run restaurant
• Amazing views of Lake Atitlan
• Large portions relative to the price

If you’re backpacking Guatemala on a budget, then you cannot miss Shanti Shanti as one of the best San Pedro Laguna restaurants.

There are two locations in San Pedro but the one I would recommend is on the waterfront, as it offers one of the best views of Lake Atitlan.

They have a wide menu with a variety of cuisines from all over the world. Whatever you’re craving, Shanti Shanti surely has something to satisfy it.

If you’re looking for a more upmarket dining experience, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. The aesthetic is basic and a little rustic, with a family-run local vibe.

Now, the food is certainly nothing to write home about. It is tasty and the portion sizes are huge, but it won’t blow your socks off.

However, if you’re looking for a super cheap place to eat in San Pedro La Laguna, with lake views, large portions, and a varied menu, then you can’t go wrong.

They also have very cheap drinks and a generous happy hour.

Note: service can be a little slow, even if the place seems empty. If you’re ravenous or in a rush, I’d recommend somewhere else on this list.

High-Budget Lake Atitlan Restaurants in San Pedro

If you’ve got a little more cash to spend, there are some delicious San Pedro Laguna restaurants for a finer dining experience.

By Western standards, all of the restaurants in this section are still super affordable and well worth it for the quality of the food.

Sababa – my favourite San Pedro Laguna Restaurant

• Delicious & authentic Mediterranean/Israeli cuisine
• Aesthetic restaurant with extraordinary lake views
• Divided into a bakery & restaurant

Sababa is my favourite restaurant in San Pedro Laguna and around Lake Atitlan in general.

They specialise in authentic Mediterranean, Israeli, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The food is absolutely incredible.

Furthermore, having lived in Israel myself, I can certainly vouch for the authenticity of the flavours and spices. The menu is extensive and varied, to satisfy any craving.

I would recommend the Schnitzel Chalah or the Shakshuka.

Sababa is divided into a restaurant and a bakery that are separate but located right next to each other. This gives the place two distinct vibes.

Whether you’re in the mood for coffee and cake or a full-blown three-course meal, both offer breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanos.

Personally, I think the combination of the waterfront location and the beautiful interior design makes this the best lake view from any San Pedro La Laguna restaurant.

The aesthetic of Sababa is stunning with a soft colour scheme that gives the place a laidback yet classy vibe. This makes it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or even a romantic candlelit dinner.

There is a wide variety of seating options, from comfy sofas and beanbags to waterfront stalls, or regular tables on the second floor overlooking the lake.

As well as delicious food, you have to give some of their freshly baked pastries, cakes, and bread a try. They also have some amazing desserts for those with a sweet tooth.

As with most restaurants on this list, there are also heaps of options for veggies and vegans.

Whilst Sababa may seem pricier than many other restaurants in San Pedro, the quality of the food is unmatched and the portion sizes are huge.

Note: be sure to check out the Sababa Resort as well for a delicious buffet breakfast every day for 70Q ($9). It’s worth every penny.

El Gato Perdido

• Classic recipes with a modern innovative twist
• Fun & enjoyable ambiance overlooking the lake
• Great for a romantic date night

Another one of the best restaurants in San Pedro Lake Atitlan is El Gato Perdido.

Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant I got around to trying myself, but it was recommended to me a few times by people living in the area.

El Gato Perdido fuses a mixture of cuisines but is mainly Italian-inspired. They offer some delicious meat dishes, pasta, and pizzas.

Tip: I have heard raving reviews about the Lomito 8oz (steak)

The menu is inspired by the idea of honest and simple cooking, using fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients.

Located high up and a little out of the center of San Pedro, the reward is extraordinary panoramic views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanos from the rooftop terrace.

This San Pedro La Laguna restaurant has a fun and enjoyable ambiance, with occasional live music. It is a great spot for a romantic date night or an upmarket dinner.

As well as tasty food, they also have a wide range of delicious cocktails – some of the best in San Pedro I’ve heard.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, or if you fancy a slightly more sophisticated atmosphere, you cannot miss this restaurant in San Pedro.

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TLV Chef Bar

• Delicious fusion of different cuisines
• Amazing cocktails
• Aesthetic design & upbeat atmosphere overlooking the lake

TLV Chef Bar is one of the best places to eat in San Pedro La Laguna for delicious food and great vibes.

This San Pedro restaurant offers a harmonious fusion of different cuisines. They are known for their delicious burgers, tasty tapas, and sushi.

The interior design is beautiful, with aesthetic seating and fun swings overlooking the lake. As this restaurant is raised, it has one of the most incredible views whilst you dine.

As well as a great restaurant, this is also one of the best bars in San Pedro. They play amazing music and you can always expect an upbeat atmosphere any time of day.

They have some amazing cocktails, not only the classics but also some unique innovative cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.

Tip: I had the best vodka lime soda I’ve ever tried here.

Depending on the night of the week, they have different deals on food. For example, on a Thursday when I visited they had a buy one get one half price on sushi rolls.

Check out the board at the front of the restaurant to see which offers coincide with your visit.

Note: TLV Chef Bar only accepts cash.

Veggie/Vegan Restaurants in San Pedro Laguna Guatemala

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, then you do not need to worry about finding amazing places to eat in San Pedro La Laguna.

Whilst most restaurants on this list have veggie and vegan options, there are also a few restaurants solely specialising in plant-based goodness.

Salud Para Vida

• One-stop-shop for natural ecological food & health products
• Whole food vegan-friendly oasis & gluten-free options
• Rooftop terrace overlooking the lake

Salud Para Vida is one of the best San Pedro Laguna restaurants for anything and everything health food related.

Known for natural organic food, health food products, and personal care items, this is the place to go in San Pedro for the health and nutrition conscious.

Salud Para La Vida is a vegan-friendly oasis that prioritises sustainability above all else.

It is the best San Pedro restaurant for whole organic foods, gluten-free options, homemade and artisanal snacks, Beyond Meat Products, and much more.

This restaurant strives to help customers enjoy the most nutritious, ecological, natural, and delicious foods and products. Everything is made fresh and there are of course no additives or chemicals.

Whilst Salud Para Vida initially looks like a health food shop, if you head upstairs you will find the restaurant on the rooftop terrace overlooking the lake.

On this floor, you will also find a cute little bookstore, with books in both English and Spanish.

The staff are super knowledgeable and the menu puts an imaginative vegan spin on a lot of classic dishes.

If you’re vegan, or simply a health-conscious individual, then you have to give this San Pedro Laguna restaurant a try.

Note: the service can be a little on the slow side

The Fifth Dimension

• Extensive & imaginative veggie/vegan options
• Fusion of Guatemalan & Western cuisine
• Rooftop terrace with amazing lake views

The Fifth Dimension is an absolute must-visit restaurant in San Pedro La Laguna.

Specialising in vegan food, this restaurant is as delicious as it is nutritious.

Even if you’re not veggie or vegan, this San Pedro Laguna restaurant is well worth a visit for its quality, freshness, and uniqueness.

You can expect a harmonious fusion of Guatemalan and Western cuisine, with a contemporary flair and innovative spin on the classics.

Note: recently, they have also started to include a couple of meat options on the menu so those meat-loving friends don’t get left behind.

Located on the waterfront, there is a wide range of seating options. The lower level is very chill, with hammocks and comfy seating.

There is also a rooftop terrace that has extraordinary lake views to appreciate whilst you dine.

The menu is extensive and all the food is fresh and flavorful. They are known for their imaginative pizzas and delicious homemade kombucha.

Recommended: Can you swim in Lake Atitlan? EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Where to stay in San Pedro La Laguna

There are heaps of accommodation options in San Pedro La Laguna.

From stunning lake view resorts to affordable shared dorms, there is something for every type of traveler and budget,

San Pedro is fairly concentrated and most things can be accessed on foot or with tuk-tuk no matter where you stay.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re staying in the center near the waterfront, you can expect things to be pretty loud at night. Stay a little further out if you’re hoping for more peace and tranquility.

Amigos

Amigos is the perfect place to stay for those traveling on a budget.

Despite being called a hotel, Amigos has a hostel vibe. It is very social but certainly not a party hostel.

Depending on your budget, there is a choice of dorms or private rooms. The dorms are clean, spacious, and super affordable. There are two rooftops for socialising.

Amigos is perfectly located in the center of San Pedro, directly opposite the popular bar Sublime. The only downside to this is that it can get a little loud at night.

The price for dorms is 60Q ($8) per night and private rooms start at 300Q ($38).

Sababa Resort

The best accommodation in San Pedro for the luxury traveler.

Stay in style at Sababa Resort, with lakeview suites, beautiful decor, and exceptional amenities.

Sababa is designed with relaxation in mind. There is a pool, spa, a delicious restaurant, and bar, as well as heaps of activities to enjoy.

Private rooms start at about $130 per night.

What is San Pedro La Laguna known for?

As with other towns around Lake Atitlan, San Pedro La Laguna is home to the Tz’utujil people.

This indigenous community makes up one of the 22 Maya ethnic groups that live in Guatemala.

However, in recent years, San Pedro has grown as a popular tourist destination. It has been coined Lake Atitlan’s ‘backpacker town’.

San Pedro is a magnet for like-minded travelers looking to deeper understand Mayan culture and marvel at the beauty of Lake Atitlan.

It is known for its affordable Spanish schools, buzzing nightlife scene, and is a popular jump-off spot for nearby hikes.

Is San Pedro Guatemala worth visiting?

San Pedro La Laguna is well worth visiting and absolutely deserves a spot on your Guatemala itinerary.

I was lucky enough to spend over two weeks in San Pedro and having visited many of the towns around Lake Atitlan, it was by far my favourite.

Known as the backpacker town, I was worried that San Pedro would lack authenticity and be full of tourists.

I was however pleasantly surprised. Whilst there is certainly a lot of international influence, this seems to work harmoniously with the local traditions and culture.

Personally, I think San Pedro La Laguna is the perfect base to explore the surrounding towns, and feels like getting home whenever you come back.

How to get to San Pedro Laguna

Getting to San Pedro La Laguna is super straightforward and there are connections with most popular destinations in Guatemala.

The most common way to reach San Pedro is from Guatemala City or Antigua. There are direct shuttles every day and the journey takes about 4 hours.

You can book directly with a tour agency or book online in advance here.

The price tends to be the same everywhere – roughly $20.

Most shuttles will drop you in Panajachel and you will have to then take a boat to San Pedro. However, there are a few direct shuttles.

We booked a direct shuttle from Antigua with a guy called Marco. He organised all our shuttles for us and guaranteed us the best price.

You can contact him on this number +502 5437 6307.

Full Post: How To Get From Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan: 3 Different Ways

How much is a boat from Panajachel to San Pedro?

As the most popular transport hub around Lake Atitlan, it is most common for shuttles to drop you in Panajachel.

You will then have to take a 40-minute boat ride to San Pedro. This will set you back 25Q ($3).

Which is the best town to stay around Lake Atitlan?

This is a very difficult question to answer as the best town around Lake Atitlan totally depends on the type of traveler you are.

There are different Mayan communities living in each of the towns around the lake. They all have their own traditions, customs, ways of dressing, and foods.

This means each town has a distinct character and its own unique charm.

I personally loved San Pedro. I would recommend it to anyone to use as a base to explore the surrounding towns.

Below is a quick summary of some of my favourite towns I visited to help you decide –

• San Juan – 10 minutes from San Pedro, local vibe, cute aesthetic town with pretty art
• San Marcos – hippie town, yoga retreats, vegan restaurants, super Westernised, 12-meter jump, good for swimming
• Santa Cruz – amazing viewpoints, lake diving, chill vibes, Free Cerveza Hostel
• Panajachel – main transport hub, touristy, nature reserve
• Tzununa – local vibe, very tranquil & peaceful, farms & permaculture

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed the very best San Pedro Lake Atitlan restaurants.

If you liked this post and you’ll be spending some time around Lake Atitlan, feel free to check out the following –

• Can you swim in Lake Atitlan? EVERYTHING You Need To Know
• San Pedro La Laguna Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars
• How To Get From Guatemala City To Lake Atitlan: 3 Different Ways