Le Petite Café
This quaint coffee house is in what might be the most beautiful part of Belize City, fringed by the sea and in an iconic colonial neighborhood. It is adjacent to the Radisson Fort George, in the lobby of their Villa Wing. It is bustling from early morning with locals on their way to work and tourists alike. There is cool seating inside as well as patio seating a block away from the seafront. There is a wide variety of coffees and luscious pastries, as well as panini. The fare ranges from local johnnycakes and powder buns to quiches, croissants, and a luscious banana bread. Great place for a quick breakfast or business meeting.
BakeD
This coffee house is the new kid on an old block. It is in the King’s Park area, a block west of Princess Margaret Drive, on a lovely, residential corner across from a park in a tranquil neighborhood. The ambiance is “cozy-hip” and a pretty parlor. They serve their own blend of great coffee, plus every kind of pastry, both sweet and savory. Tea is also available, and, of course, free wifi. It attracts young locals doing homework as well as tourists, chilling in a friendly atmosphere.
Martha’s Café
This lovely colonial house has a wrap-around verandah overlooking Belize Harbour. The view is second-to-none, and near to a park and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse. It feels like home. But don’t think that”s all it has to offer. The food is fantastic. A modern fusion of Caribbean, Asian, American, and Mediterranean, with Vegetarian options. The hosts are Martha Williams and her daughter Michelle who will really make you feel like you can kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Downstairs is the Om–Shanti Yoga studio and across the street, Harbour View Cottages, all part of the same complex. You can order coffee, or fresh smoothies, or organic wine, if you so desire. It’s a chill spot with a languid vibe.
Sugar Fix
This popular bakery and coffee house is very popular. It’s in the heart of a busy intersection near the Freetown Roundabout. Still, it is in a side street on a little crescent around the corner from a school and across from the Puma Gas Station. They open very early, and sometimes the lines are out the door. The proprietor, Mr. Ernest Bradley, had been a pilot for many years. This is his second career! His pastry recipes are a fusion of the traditional creole recipes, like johnnycakes and powder–buns, mini pizzas, and a tasty sausage rolled in a buttery soft croissant. The coffee flows and the brownies are molten, with toasty edges, truly sinful!!
So, wherever you find yourself in Belize City, take a break from work, shopping or errands, indulge your senses -and no counting calories.
Written by Nelita Castillo
