The Very Best
If you're only going to visit two restaurants in Guatemala City, these are the two. They are excellent even by international standards (i.e., if these restaurants were in New York or Paris, I would still choose to go there over nearly any other restaurant).
Tamarindos
This restaurant is on Condé Nast's 2001 Hot List of the 100 most exciting new restaurants in the world. Half of the items on the menu are Thai, the other half Italian, but they all have a Guatemalan twist. Usually "fusion" restaurants do one style well but are less skilled at the other. But Tamarindos does both excellently; they have the smoothest, most irresistible four-cheese gnocchi I've ever tasted, but it's difficult to decide whether to choose that or the scrumptious vegetarian Pad Thai that seems to blend a million flavors into one. The decor is interesting and stylish as well; you'd think you were dining in one of New York's hottest places, except that the prices are very low (under $20/pp, including drinks). Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 11 Calle 2-19A, Zona 10, 360-2815.
Jean François
This French restaurant, set in a lovely courtyard, will wow you not only with its decor but also with its amazing flavors. I had fettuchini with a mushroom and cream sauce, and every single bite was amazing. The wine list is also quite good. Jean François is very popular, despite the fact that you get to it through an unmarked corridor in an unmarked, small, posh shopping center. Open Tue-Sat. Diagonal 6, 13-63, Zona 10, 333-4785.
Other Excellent Choices
Jake'sRomantic Italian restaurant, complete with fireplace. Though it has a sophisicated decor overall, each table comes with a few crayons for drawing on the paper tablecloth. This restaurant was created by a guy named Jake from New Jersey. The food is wonderful, made with very high-quality ingredients. 17 calle 10-40, Zona 10, 368-0351.
Jake's Tomato Pies
This restaurant, created by the same Jake as above, serves the best pizza in town (and other Italian dishes, too). 4th avenida and 14th calle, Zona 10, 368-0351.
Mezza Luna
Great Italian food with a lovely atmosphere and the best tiramisu I've had yet in Guatemala. 10 avenida 3-28, Zona 14, 367-5470.
Foccacia
The food at Foccacia -- mostly Italian -- is great, and they serve foccacia in place of the traditional pre-dinner rolls.
CamilleThis beautiful French restaurant is located in what was formerly a large house. It is filled with candles and French posters, and the food is delicious (e.g., baked camembert). It's very expensive by Guatemalan standards (about $30/pp), but worth it. 9a. avenida 15-27, Zona 10.
Also Worth Visiting
Portal del AngelThis restaurant has the best view in all of Guatemala City. Set atop a hill overlooking the entire city, you can see all the lights below through the gigantic windows that run the entire length of the dining room. The food is so-so -- mostly grilled meats, which aren't as good as some of the steak you can get in the city (according to my friends who know), but the view makes the restaurant worth visiting at least once, even if you only go to the parking lot and have your own picnic there. On the Road to El Salvador.
Celeste Imperio
Guatemala isn't known for its Chinese food, but if you crave it (like I do), Celeste is the place to go. The only other Chinese restaurant worth going to is Tesoro Imperial (the rest aren't adequately clean), but Celeste has better flavors. You'll also find quite a few Chinese nationals dining here, which is a good sign. 7a Ave. 9-99, Zona 9, 331-0943.
L'Osteria is an italian restaurant in the bohemian Barrio of 4 Grados Norte. Like it's name states, (an osteria in Italy is an informal restuarant where the people go to it) it is really casual with a great ambiance. The tables don't have tablecloths and some of them are made of a solid block of wood. Now to the food. The menu is basically italian, and mostly vegetarian. You can choose from a salad with some iteresting ingredients or a nice light pasta. A must is the Nutella Flan, quite delicious. Give a try to their on site grinded coffes. It really is a must if you like italian food in a relaxing atmosphere!
