WHO'S HUNGRY?
Utila is, granted, a small island, but it is also blessed with an abundance of good dining options. Our little island has everything from the street side baleada vendors to upscale bistros and restaurants with views to die for!
Here are some of the places that WE frequent regularly!. (and we're constantly updating this page, so check back to see what's new!)
MANGO TANGO
Monica's Mango Tango is located in the harbor; look to your left as you ferry into Utila. Access is also on Main Street, west of the Municipal Dock down towards Cheppe's Beach..
With some of the most unique offerings to be found on the island, it is a favorite for those that have been missing a proper steak. Also popular are the handmade pastas, the homemade bread that comes to every table, and their famous Tapas Night on Tuesdays. A broad selection of high quality dining options makes this an Utila favorite. If you can make it in about 4:30PM grab a seaside table, a bottle of wine and watch the sun set before settling in for a great dinner!
HOT SPOT CAFE &
WET SPOT
Naomi Jackson is one of Utila's most industrious young ladies, and is always looking for ways to improve the Utila Experience... so she built Hot Spot.
Hot Spot Cafe, now under the able hand of Eva Kordovsky is just west of the Dock on Main Street (just this side of BICD). Bright colors made her place easy to find, and the food will keep you coming back. Breakfast is a specialty here and seating can become premium real estate. Indoor and outdoor seating, free WiFi, and smoothies to complete the breakfast or lunch is enough to keep us coming back. There is even seating in the back at Sea Side! where after your meal, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, floatie tubes, or even just jump into the sea from her private dock! Tell Eva we said "hi!"
RJ's
RJ’s is the last restaurant on the left as you head east from the Municipal Dock and well worth the walk.
Located just before the bridge and open only three days a week, this restaurant has grown from a novel place to grab a piece of fresh fish while sitting on an old tree stump into a full service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, an extensive menu featuring fish, pork, chicken, and steaks with heaping sides. (save room for dessert!
You can walk through to the back and see Robby prepare your entree as you watch.
Open Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.
ULTRA LIGHT
In Sandy Bay just across from the BayView Hotel, Ultra Light is an anomaly.
Owned and operated by Joya, a native of Utila, this newly remodeled restaurant features low tables, large pillows on the floor instead of chairs, and the best Israeli food to be found on this side of the Atlantic.
Pita bread is homemade daily making their Falafels a favorite with the diving crowd. Curries, Hummus and pastas are standard. Don’t miss the fresh fruit shakes and fabulous vegetarian fare.
Utila Brewing Company
Utila Brewing Company, east of the Municipal Dock and right behind the bright yellow Mariposa Building, just might be the nicest hidden gem to be found there.
Just look through the arches on Main Street, and you'll find this most pleasant brewery and cafe
sitting near the water's edge.
Open for lunch and dinner you'll find a delightful menu with some unique offering, a full service bar that includes their signature craft beer, and a staff that is eager to see that your first visit will bring you back for more.
Check it out; it's one of our latest favorites!
FOOKING WOK
Just east of the Municipal Dock and in front of well known Tranquila Bar.
Wonderfully prepared Indian and Asian foods including Curries, Satays, Vegetable Rolls, Sushi and Stir-fries are served at Fooking Wok.
The menu is brought to your table promptly by an attentive staff and you can enjoy a glass of wine while you wait for your freshly prepared meal in comfortable and inviting surroundings.
NEPTUNE'S
Neptune's is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
Just across the cut on the far west end of the harbor, they run a free boat back and forth; generally on the hour.
If you have a day to kill, this is a great use of that time. They have a nice restaurant, great places to sit on the beach in either the sun or the shade, and the longest dock on the island. Bring your snorkel gear, some sunglasses, and a book. Make a day of it. Neptune's is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
Blue Bayou Beach Bar
Blue Bayou Beach Bar
So very much like what every beach bar, on every beach, everywhere, used to be... Pretty much just a palapa on the beach with a dock and a kitchen. You'll not find many of these left. You can sit with a cold beer watching dogs play with crabs on the beach or order something from their rather remarkable kitchen. You'll be surprised at the upscale offerings and as pleased as we always are!
To get here, just head as far west down Main Street as you can go, then keep going. Pass the public beach, and you'll be there in just about 3 minutes. Look for us there, as we're at Blue Bayou Beach Bar often!
Bando Beach Bar & Restaurant
Bando Beach Bar & Restaurant
Just about everyone has a place that they call their "home bar". For us, it would be here. Bando Beach is on the far east end of the island on the old airstrip. This gem in the rough has been being polished for the past couple of years by Vanessa, the owner, and Pat, who is all things important at a Bar/Restaurant and it is certainly starting to shine. From straight up drinks to cocktails, to a Piña Colada served in a fresh pineapple this is the place to be for sunset with a cool libation in your hand. Sunset photos from here are all over the Internet; come and take your very own! Then sit and enjoy a meal whilst sharing the events of your day with like minded people. Kid friendly as well and you'll find games aplenty to occupy their time (or yours!)
Bring your snorkel gear, some sunglasses, and a book. Make a day of memories at Bando Beach.
Mister Buddha
Mister Buddha is THE sushi place on Utila!
Located in Sandy Bay, about 5 minutes west of the Municipal Dock, Mister Budda is a Utila sea side delight. Serving the best hand rolled sushi from the largest sushi menu on the island we enjoy many an afternoon here. This open air bistro is just what the doctor ordered when he told you to grab a bottle of wine and chill by the sea.
Also serving a modest selection of craft beer in addition to a full bar we also find this place wonderful for watching a sunset on Utila before having dinner. We love that the music is never too loud and the staff all get kudos for great service. Wander down here and you won't be in a hurry to leave.
Utila Chocolate Company
Utila Chocolate Company is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
What started out somewhat in jest, has turned into a rather remarkable business conjuring up not just chocolate, but also a wide variety of desserts, hand made drinks, ice creams, cookies, coffee, and, you guessed it...chocolates.
Just up Jerico Road and to the left on a quaint path, you can't miss this place. There is always someone parked out front that probably just beat you there. The extensive menu is basically built around making you glad you stopped in, and if you're like us, not only will it hit the spot, but it will keep you coming back.
MANGO TANGO
Monica's Mango Tango is located in the harbor; look to your left as you ferry into Utila. Access is also on Main Street, west of the Municipal Dock down towards Cheppe's Beach..
With some of the most unique offerings to be found on the island, it is a favorite for those that have been missing a proper steak. Also popular are the handmade pastas, the homemade bread that comes to every table, and their famous Tapas Night on Tuesdays. A broad selection of high quality dining options makes this an Utila favorite. If you can make it in about 4:30PM grab a seaside table, a bottle of wine and watch the sun set before settling in for a great dinner!
Eva's Pirate Bay
Bar & Grill
Eva Kordovsky is one of Utila's most industrious young ladies, and is always looking for ways to improve the Utila Experience... so she built Pirate's Bay Bar & Grill at Capt'n Morgan's Dive Center.
Just west of the Dock on Main Street (located at Capt;n Morgan's
Dive Center) it is easy to get here, and you'll find a friendly staff and a comprehensive menu awaiting your selection. Your choice of covered or open air seating is set against the Caribbean shore providing a wonderful place to enjoy a meal by yourself or with friends. Long a breakfast staple here seating can become premium real estate. With the covered and outdoor seating, free WiFi, and smoothies to complete the breakfast or lunch is enough to keep us coming back, especially now that they are also open for dinner! One of our "go to" places and always praised by our guests, Pirate's Bay Bar & Grill is a just the place to go to when you're hungry and want to bask in the view while you eat! Go. Tell Eva we said "hi!"
RJ's
RJ’s is the last restaurant on the left as you head east from the Municipal Dock and well worth the walk.
Located just before the bridge and open only three days a week, this restaurant has grown from a novel place to grab a piece of fresh fish while sitting on an old tree stump into a full service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, an extensive menu featuring fish, pork, chicken, and steaks with heaping sides. (save room for dessert!
You can walk through to the back and see Robby prepare your entree as you watch.
Open Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.
ULTRA LIGHT
In Sandy Bay just across from the BayView Hotel, Ultra Light is an anomaly.
Owned and operated by Joya, a native of Utila, this newly remodeled restaurant features low tables, large pillows on the floor instead of chairs, and the best Israeli food to be found on this side of the Atlantic.
Pita bread is homemade daily making their Falafels a favorite with the diving crowd. Curries, Hummus and pastas are standard. Don’t miss the fresh fruit shakes and fabulous vegetarian fare.
Captain Willis Bistro
Captain Willis Bistro is a lovely addition to the restaurant offerings on Utila.
Located on The Point, east of the municipal dock and across from the fuel dock, this tidy little bistro is providing lunch and dinner in an air conditioned building that is an absolute pleasure. With a full bar, and a menu designed to take advantage of the freshest ingredients available this should be on your "go to" list, as well. We like to grab a window seat, and enjoy a glass of wine while we spend the time waiting for our meal watching the comings and goings on Main Street.
MAMMUT Steakhouse
Just west of the Municipal Dock in Sandy Bay, look to the right at UltraLight!
Located in a distinctive rock building just off of Main Street.
Mammut is a full blown, unabashed steakhouse that also serves a variety of cocktails and wines. If you're in the mood for a serious steak on Utila, this is the place. From USDA prime to Wagyu you'll not find a better offering for steak lovers. For those not inclined to a steak their salmon and shellfish specialties mean everyone in your party can get a favorite.
The full size bar features top shelf drinks served by a highly trained staff, and the abundant wine selections means you'll be able to pair a perfect bottle to you meal. If you like steak, this is the place to go.
Open only Wednesday and Sunday. Reservations are accepted and encouraged.
NEPTUNE'S
Neptune's is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
Just across the cut on the far west end of the harbor, they run a free boat back and forth; generally on the hour.
If you have a day to kill, this is a great use of that time. They have a nice restaurant, great places to sit on the beach in either the sun or the shade, and the longest dock on the island. Bring your snorkel gear, some sunglasses, and a book. Make a day of it. Neptune's is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
Blue Bayou Beach Bar
Blue Bayou Beach Bar
So very much like what every beach bar, on every beach, everywhere, used to be... Pretty much just a palapa on the beach with a dock and a kitchen. You'll not find many of these left. You can sit with a cold beer watching dogs play with crabs on the beach or order something from their rather remarkable kitchen. You'll be surprised at the upscale offerings and as pleased as we always are!
To get here, just head as far west down Main Street as you can go, then keep going. Pass the public beach, and you'll be there in just about 3 minutes. Look for us there, as we're at Blue Bayou Beach Bar often!
Bando Beach Bar & Restaurant
Bando Beach Bar & Restaurant
Just about everyone has a place that they call their "home bar". For us, it would be here. Bando Beach is on the far east end of the island on the old airstrip. This gem in the rough has been being polished for the past couple of years by Vanessa, the owner, and Pat, who is all things important at a Bar/Restaurant and it is certainly starting to shine. From straight up drinks to cocktails, to a Piña Colada served in a fresh pineapple this is the place to be for sunset with a cool libation in your hand. Sunset photos from here are all over the Internet; come and take your very own! Then sit and enjoy a meal whilst sharing the events of your day with like minded people. Kid friendly as well and you'll find games aplenty to occupy their time (or yours!)
Bring your snorkel gear, some sunglasses, and a book. Make a day of memories at Bando Beach.
Mister Buddha
Mister Buddha is THE sushi place on Utila!
Located in Sandy Bay, about 5 minutes west of the Municipal Dock, Mister Budda is a Utila sea side delight. Serving the best hand rolled sushi from the largest sushi menu on the island we enjoy many an afternoon here. This open air bistro is just what the doctor ordered when he told you to grab a bottle of wine and chill by the sea.
Also serving a modest selection of craft beer in addition to a full bar we also find this place wonderful for watching a sunset on Utila before having dinner. We love that the music is never too loud and the staff all get kudos for great service. Wander down here and you won't be in a hurry to leave.
Utila Chocolate Company
Utila Chocolate Company is another of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon!
What started out somewhat in jest, has turned into a rather remarkable business conjuring up not just chocolate, but also a wide variety of desserts, hand made drinks, ice creams, cookies, coffee, and, you guessed it...chocolates.
Just up Jerico Road and to the left on a quaint path, you can't miss this place. There is always someone parked out front that probably just beat you there. The extensive menu is basically built around making you glad you stopped in, and if you're like us, not only will it hit the spot, but it will keep you coming back.
The Point Bar & Grill
The Point is Open for Business!
One of the newest editions to the Utila's restaurant scene is The POINT,
Located east of the municipal dock, over the bridge and at the entrance to TradeWind, The Point is serving top shelf cocktails with signature burgers in one of the most quietly comfortable spots on the island. You can sit on the deck or in the pool and get some sun, or chose a table in the shade if you've had enough for the day. We quite enjoy The Point because the service is excellent, the view is remarkable, the pool is great for a quick dip, and the food is tasty!
Josie's Cafe
Josie's Cafe on Main Street
Josie's is located on Main Street, about a 5-7 minute walk east of the municipal dock and easily found by her pink color scheme!
Josie's is one our favorite places on the island to kick back and enjoy a great breakfast or lunch. We have been coming since it first opened and we've never been disappointed. Offering healthful breakfast and lunch options, in addition to tried and true favorites, Josie's great coffees and her signature smoothies keeps this gem on our list of "go to" places.
Mermaids
We have long been customers of Mermaids because they have the fastest food available on the island. With a buffet daily for lunch and supper this is where we go when we just want to stop on the way home and grab a quick supper do we don't have to prepare our own meal. The selections are pretty standardized but there is a bit of variety to choose from. Whether we sit there in their spacious dining area for a quick lunch or snaffle something quick to take home we have never been disappointed in the quality.
Welcome to Mermaids Restaurant & Grocery Store.
We have large variety of food that you can choose from.
Mermaids is located centrally on the main street of Utila, with easy access to banks, diving schools, hotels and other businesses.
While you’re in Utila please come and visit us or call for FREE delivery.
Restaurant: (+504) 9728-2623
Grocery Store: (+504) 9730-6223
Buccaneers
Located east of the municipal dock about a five minute walk you'll see Buccaneers Restaurant. A great location to sit and people watch to see the comings and goings of Main Street. We often stop here for a simple cup of coffee or a lunch (a favorite of ours is the taco salad & a lemonade). The large outdoor dining area is always comfortable for us. They are also amenable to hosting events and are a favorite for birthday parities, graduations, or a special event of your choosing.
THE BEACH LOUNGE UTILA
Another Great Addition to Utila's Restaurant Scene
Another new addition to the growing restaurant scene on Utila is The Beach Lounge, a place we frequent often. Located just to the left of the Municipal Dock, it's one of the first things you seen when you arrive on Utila via ferry.
This crisp new restaurant/bar sits on the waterfront of the bay, and is a perfect place to sit with a bottle of wine with an appetizer while enjoying the sunset. Seating for those that want sun or shade is ample. The menu is varied and each thing we've tried has been prepared wonderfully, and presented by an attentive staff. Don't look for a baleada here; this is food to enjoy over conversation and companionship. Weekends a DJ is provided for the younger crowd. Go. Enjoy!
Open Sunday through Thursday. Serving starting at 1PM Daily Specials.
EDO'S PLACE BAR & GRILL
Edo's Bar & Grill, or otherwise... just EDO'S! Look for us sometimes at this absolutely 1960's Key West throwback of a sea side watering hole that serves a good meal as well as cold beer and a mix of top shelf drinks. Wander down Main Street towards Chepe's, the public beach, and you can't help but see it. If you're boating in, you can pull right up to the bar, tie off your boat on their dock and have a beverage waiting for you when you step out of your boat. While literally brand new, Edo's cannot help but do well. The brainchild of Elden and Shannon, two of Utila's most popular bartenders, (and named after Elden's "pawpaw") they are respected island wide and bring their combined skills into play with an enthusiasm that is reflected in all of their staff. Do yourself you favor and drop into a fun place where you're sure to be greeted with a smile and the newest pool table on the island!
Don't forget! Friday night dancing with local DJ's playing your favorites!
