Eating In Utila
Utila has quite a few dining options to satisfy your taste buds- Choices are varied and range from a street side baleada (a great snack of tortilla, beans, cheese and onion) stand for about 20 lps to a nice sit down “American/European” style meal averaging 200-250 lempiras. (1 usd=24.65 lps as of January 2020). The local spots will run about 100-150 lempiras a plate. Most of the dive operations have a snack shop of some kind where divers can grab a quick bite between dives that are open to business off of the street! Check individual dive shop posts here to confirm if they have an associated restaurant/snack bar/bar.
We have tried to include all of Utila’s restaurants below in alphabetical order. Please note that restaurants here sometimes change, new ones open, and others close. So if something is stated incorrectly or if a new restaurant should be added, please let us know! If you are a restaurant owner and wish to change the description below, let us know that too!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Pizza)
Bakery closed: Sunday and Monday
With renovations that included expanding the front porch dining area to accommodate more people, The Bakery offers fresh baked baguettes, bagels, quiche, sandwiches to order and other breads and baked goods. They also have fresh orange and grapefruit juice when in season and always have tea and coffee. Located on the main street going toward the point from the centre of town, the bakery also becomes the PIZZA NUT from 5pm to 9pm daily and offers delicious thin crust pizzas for dine-in or take-away.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Baleadas are a great affordable protein packed snack of tortilla, beans, cheese and onion (Baleada-sencilla). Sometimes you can get with egg or avocado as well, or meat and chicken. The basic baleada costs about 20-30 lempiras ($1-$1.40). There are stands located at the main intersection, at the Public Beach and another up the hill on Cola De Mico Road just before the Mango Inn.
The Buccaneer (Formerly the Bundu Cafe)~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Bar
Spacious and airy covered outdoor deck, casual atmosphere, full bar, cappucino bar and big screen TVs for watching sporting events. Located just to the right of the center of town, about 1 “block” toward the point you’ll see the large patio from the street. Well stocked bar and diverse breakfast menu.
Caribbean Cafe (Hotel Utila)~
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 6am-10pm
Located just above the street at the hotel Utila (just past the public park after the Fire Station), the Caribbean Cafe serves reasonably priced island fare in a recently constructed (Jan 2015) restaurant above the main street. Offering a menu which includes burgers, nachos, wraps, wings and salads, the Caribbean Cafe is famous for its daily lunch specials which they post on Facebook and that’s where the island fare shines with Pork Roast, Coconut Chicken, King Crab, Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Soup, Rice and Beans and local sides such as fried plantains, breadfruit and cabbage salads. Budget minded and friendly it’s a good place for a true island meal.
Lunch, Dinner, Bar
Serving up cold beer and local food. Very low-key and casual- good spot for a sunset drink and some snacks located right on the public beach!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mama Rosa’s eatery is open from breakfast until the wee hours of the morning and makes for a good walking-home-after-the-party snack stop. Affordable Honduran snacks including a variety of pastilitos (crispy deep fried dough pockets filled with chicken, beef, vegetables or ham and cheese), and all kinds of baleadas made to order. They also offer lunch and dinner plates and a whole lot more. Located on the main street just past the Cinema on the left side of the road-you will see the lighted Pastilito display just as you pass through the entrance into the covered seating area. Open Daily.
Friday and Saturday
Caribbean/Austrian Restaurant serving fresh local food every Friday and Saturday. Secluded and romantic; a great date spot. El Castillo is a hidden gem right off of Cola de Mico road. Open Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 9 pm. A unique menu is created each night with fresh and local cuisine. Utila’s only farm to table restaurant!
Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks in between
Small colorful green and yellow café located just before the fire station intersection, the Hot Spot offers breakfast and lunch, shakes, smoothies and juices, sweet treats and WiFi! They also serve ICE CREAM! A good place to get tourist information from the friendly local staff.
Cafeteria Sandra (aka:Lydia’s Bakery)~
Early Morning Breakfast and Lunch
Located just past the fire station toward the Public Beach on the right side of the road, Lydia offers fresh cinnamon rolls, biscuits (Johnny Cakes), coconut bread and tortillas. Breakfast made to order (the ham, cheese and egg on a Johnny cake is recommened), as well as set meal plates for lunch with take-away options. Affordable and friendly open early 6am.
Mango Inn~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Mango Inn Bar and Grill is a quaint restaurant set in a tropical garden known for its tranquil setting, good food and drinks. They are located a short walk into the interior of the island from the central intersection of town. The Mango Inn Bar and Grill offers a great option away from the hustle, bustle and noise of the main road. Enjoy a serene atmosphere with candle lit tables and an eclectic music selection. They have one of the only wood-fired brick ovens on the island contributing to their authentic pizza. They also offer a full menu including: fish, chicken, steak, sandwiches, salads and daily specials and a full bar with an extensive wine selection. Full use of the Mango Inn swimming pool is offered with any meal.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mango Tango is now in its new location, across from Margaritaville hotel in Sandy Bay, just before the public beach.
With the new location, you can dine over the water as you watch a beautiful Utila sunset. Mango Tango serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is famous for their Tapas Tuesday menu, Eggs Benedict and Mimosas Sunday Brunch. Offering fresh bread, classic cocktails, delicious Mediterranean and international cuisine and fun atmosphere, Mango Tango is a good place to go for any meal any day of the week!
They are popular -for good reason- so if you have a group it is best to make a reservation in advance
Phone: 504-3211-9469
Mermaids~
Lunch, Dinner-closed Friday Sunset to Saturday Sunset
Mermaids is a buffet style restaurant with a variety of offerings. The owner, Hughbert, is almost always on site, in the restaurant or adjoining supermarket, and is extremely friendly and helpful. They serve up a wide range of buffet lunch options, including fresh baked bread as well as inexpensive lunch plates. Great for a to-go option as well. They also will do Pizza and Chinese food if you order in advance (1 plate of chop suey or chow mein will definitely feed 2 people; the egg rolls/taco chinos or wantons are also tasty) AND, they will deliver if you order enough – just give it about one hour or more. Located to the right of the main intersection on the left hand side of road, before the Cinema. 2-2425-3299
Mo Sub~ Open daily 7am -9pm Mo’ Sub snack shack is located on the Point in Utila across the street from the Utila Dive Center. Friendly and welcoming, they specialize in big. mouth-watering sandwiches, they also have pizza, home made doughnuts and other baked goods and baleadas. They are expanding their eating area and have a nice shady and conveniently located place to sit and eat your snacks! Look for them on Facebook or call 8893 9671
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A nice location in a converted Heritage house that used to be located on the Utila Cayes -right on the main road toward the beach from the main intersection. The menu has a large selection of dishes from burgers and fries to pasta dishes, salads and island fare. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Munchies is a great place to people watch while you dine on the covered porch.
Lunch and Dinner
Neptune’s is a popular place to eat, drink and snorkel! The beach front location offers lounge chairs, hammocks, picnic tables and an air conditioned dining room. There are spectacular views and access to Little Bight Dive Site. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear or rent it from the bar. On the menu: Organic Salads, Cubans, Burgers Fresh Fish…and more! Some unique and delicious mixed and frozen drinks can be ordered here as well. The frozen mojito and spicy margaritas are a must try! Great food, friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere this place should not be missed! Spend a day relaxing and playing on the beach! Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM every day. Boats can moor at the dock on the sea side or take one of Neptune’s regular water taxis. Pick up from Blue Bayou is on the hour, 9am to 5pm and returning on the half hour, 8:30 to 5:30. Call 9512-8095 to arrange a boat at a different time or book a special event! E-mail:neptunes@coralbeachvillage.com
RJ’s BBQ Grill~
Dinner- Wednesday, Friday, Sunday from 5:30pm An Island Establishment that offers BBQ grill specialties in a casual setting. Order at the counter and grab your seat. Get there early – it gets busy. Open only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. This is a long-time “institution” on the island known for their large portions, consistently good food and home made desserts (which sell out fast, you can reserve one in advance). Robbie and Julie (RJ), and their extended family members are always on premises, working the grill, running tables and enjoying the town news service (the ’round’ table). Try the “rum’n’ade!” Located just before the bridge towards the OLD airport road.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serving local food and located just past Big Mama’s restaurant, toward the point. Seven Seas has an affordable menu including the Super Baleada, and will serve up local specialties in season such as fried Breadfruit (Masapan), which is a delicious alternative to French fries and a must try!
Lunch, Dinner
Fun low-key spot, offering a full bar and inexpensive pub food including Mexican style tacos, burritos, pizza, calzones, chicken fajita and more! Here’s a little secret- the food here is REALLY GOOD! Large ex-pat crowd. Located in Sandy Bay before the public beach. Evenings: Skid Row is home to the Guifitti Challenge…beware!
Breakfast, Lunch
Economical and a tradition in Utila. Thompsons is a local favorite for breakfast, and very good. Get the cinnamon rolls when their hot out of the oven- about 10am! Open early around 6:30am. Located on Cola de Mico Road, just up from the main intersection, about 1 block up. Selection of sandwiches and local food – offers an affordable daily lunch plate.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner-Open 7 Days a Week
Trudy’s Bar and Restaurant is located on the grounds of Underwater Vision Dive Resort on the point, Trudy’s offers one of the most affordable breakfast and lunch menus around! They serve good-sized portions and use lots of fresh produce. Check for daily lunch and drink specials.
A professional espresso machine keeps the caffeine flowing with cappuccinos, lattes and espressos from 6am – 2pm. Trudy’s is known for its Nightly Menus: Monday: Burger and a Movie-Gourmet burgers and sides and film on a big screen projector; Tuesday: Wing Night! With 6 different sauces to choose from this is a weekly event that locals and tourists make a habit of attending. Friday: Pizza Night! Serving up pizza to order on a fresh thin crust one pizza can feed two people (or one for one if you’re a hungry diver)! Saturday: Trudy’s Barbecue – Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish, Shrimp and Kebabs available with accompanying homemade side dishes that change weekly. Sunday: Trudy’s famous Sunday Brunch- a menu that changes weekly and offers delicious dishes such as stuffed French toast, fried chicken and waffles, strata and fruit salads. The menu is varied and has something for everyone!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner-Closed Saturday
Brand new building as of December 2011. Don’t miss this great spot featuring Israili food run by a friendly islander, Joya. The Ultralight offers selection of breakfast items, fresh juices and smoothies is the only place that makes falafel sandwiches, and has a nice selection of vegetarian food, and also chicken dishes. Located on the main street, to left of the main intersection a few “blocks” toward the public beach, just after the Bayview Hotel. Really good stuff.
UtilaGuide Tip on Tipping:
Most restaurants are adding the 10% Service charge to the bill which is supposed to cover the tip. Check your bill before handing over your money, or be sure to ask if the tip was included. If it wasn’t and your service was good, it is customary to leave a 10% tip for your server which usually gets shared among the wait and service staff.
For counter or take out ordering, it is not necessary to tip the 10%, but if someone is friendly or helpful, then leave them something- they are still working for you!
Bottom line- if service was good- tip well! If it wasn’t- don’t tip, and speak to management.