Utila has quite a few options to satisfy your tastebuds- You can choose between roadside baleada (a great snack of tortilla, beans, cheese and onion) stands for about 10 lps to a nice sit down “American/European” style meal averaging 150 lempiras. (1 usd=18.89 lps). The local spots will run about 50-80 lempiras a plate.
We’ve tried to include all restaurants below; Note that restaurants here do sometimes change, new ones open, and others close. So if we got something wrong or missed one, please let us know! If you are a restaurant owner and wish to change the description below, let us know that too!
Utila Restaurants, Listed in Alphabetical Order:
The Bakery~
Breakfast, Lunch
With new renovations last year, The Bakery offers fresh baked baguettes, bagels and other yummies. Also has fresh orange juice and coffee. Located on the main street, to right of ferry dock, a few “blocks” down, just before Zanzibar.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Baleada Stands~
Lunch, Dinner
Baleadas are a great affordable snack of tortilla, beans, cheese and onion. Sometimes you can get with egg or avocado as well, or meat and chicken. The basic baleada costs about 10 lempiras (50 cents). There are stands located at the main corner, also just to the right of main corner in a white stand, and then the “7-11” down in Sandy Bay by Bay Islands College of Diving makes some of the best! Other good ones are up Cola De Mico Road, just before Mango Inn
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Big Mama’s Café~
Breakfast, Lunch
Casual, inexpensive, clean, with a variety of offerings. Under new management by the Munoz’s, Big Mama’s gets lots of locals, and also divers from across the street, as its located just across from Cross-Creek Dive Center. Menu is ala carte, so you can buy your main course and then add on sides like rice, beans etc. Large variety of foods, with an island accent.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Babalu~
Dinner (opens at 5pm) and Bar
Great funky little low-key spot on the water, offering bar and nice dinner options. Located to the right of the ferry dock, across from “The Bakery”. Owner Dado has put his creativity to work with beach art and creating a very comfortable inviting atmosphere. Cooks do a nice job with a selection of fish and seafood and very reasonable prices.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Bundu Café~Now the Buccaneer (Dec 2011)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Bar
Under new management as of June 2010 by the same folks who brought you La Pirata, Nelly, Patrick and Hannah. Nice spacious outdoor deck, casual atmosphere, full bar, cappucino bar, as well as nice book exchange. Located just to the right of the ferry dock, about 1 “block”. You’ll see the large patio from the street. Try the frozen lemonade, the flaming Bundu Brownie Sundae, stuffed French toast~
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Captain Jack~
Breakfast, lunch
December 2011: Under new management! Located across from Skid Rows in Sandy Bay, featuring local style breakfasts and lunch.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Carlottas on the Beach “Utila Cuisine”~
Lunch, Dinner, Bar
Local food. Very low-key and casual- good spot for a beer and some snacks right on the public beach!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Che Pancho~
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Located just under the Utila Cinema, Che Pancho is a great option for a casual bite or yummy smoothie. Irene offers café, smoothies, sweet or savory crepes, $1 hot dogs with all the fixings, chimichurris sausage, huge chicken sandwich, and other options. Very affordable. Irene and Marco have recently added some awesome driftood tables and benches, so its a great spot to grab a bit and sit a bit under the shade. There aren’t really tables to sit at, but there are some benches in a shady area. Find them at Facebook!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Coopers Inn~
Dinner
Serving pizza and local food
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Dave’s Restaurant ~
Update: June 2010: Dave and his wife Nicole have left for city life in San Francisco and will be dearly missed and we wish them the best. You can find his great menu still being served at “The Mainstreet Lounge”- below _________________________________________________________________________________________
Driftwood~
Lunch, Dinner, and Bar
A fun spot for a nice meal or grabbing a couple of drinks by the ocean. Known for its combination of Texas Bar-B-Que, nice options for seafood, and great burger as well as relaxed atmosphere. . The restarant Mascot, “Balue” a huge white lab, is sure to warm your heart, and Balue’s pepeople, Sharon and Bruce are always on premises to help ensure a good experience~ Warning: Their signature “Monkey Ball” drink made with their own homemade kahlua is a bit addictive 
. The Driftwood frequently offers special meals and events for holidays and the community. Located over the water, across the road from the Margaritaville hotel in Sandy Bay, just before the public beach.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
El Picante~
Lunch, Dinner
Mexican restaurant located in the bright yellow Mariposa Building right over the water, you couldn’t ask for a nicer setting or nicer hosts ( Jean and his wife Theresa -3rd generation Utilian!) are always on premises. Very clean restaurant, Fantastic spot to watch the sunset, Complimentary chips - made to order- and salsa. website: www.ElPicanteUtila.com or phone: 2-425-3444 or cell phone 3265-2555 Closed Friday nights and Saturday daytime (open Saturday Nights). Street entrance is just next to Banco Atlantida, down a walkway.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Evelyn’s Bar-B-Que:
Update December 2011= Now closed and the location of Genesis Restaurant. _________________________________________________________________________________________
Genesis Restaurant
Located streetside in a converted old house (at the old Evelyns location), this is the first venture of local boy Jobson, who is also the manager at Munchies restaurant a few doors down. Good value.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ Indian Indian Wok~
Dinner
Tasty Asian and Indian food, with curries, tandoris, saytays and more. Sit down service in a cozy atmosphere. Located right in front of Tranquila bar, down the pathway from Parrots Dive Shop.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Jade Seahorse Restaurant~
Note: Not currently serving as of January 2010
Located up the road from the ferry dock, on your way to the Mango Inn. Light healthy snacks like hummus and eggplant dip, and also offers a nightly sauce with choice of chicken or fish or vegetarian. Her husband, Neil, is an artist, and has spent years turning the property into a piece of art in itself. Definitely worth a trip there to take a look around. Great smoothies too.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Jillys at Coral View~
Lunch, Beach Bar
Located on a covered dock in Blue Bayou at Coral View Resort, Jilly’s is a nice option for lunch, snacks, drinks on the water. Excellent snorkeling off the dock.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
La Champa (High Tide Bar)~
Large champa on the public beach. Nice spot to grab a beer. They also have special events like hog frys on some weekends.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Main Street Lounge~
Dinner and Bar
Brought to you by “Bar in the Bush” overseer and local electronico DJ Jonathan, The Lounge is a great new addition to Utilas dining and drinking scene. Serving a menu left by the famous “Dave” of Dave’s Cafe (see above) who was trained as a saucier in the States. They typically offers 3 different dishes (chicken, beef or pork and a veggie dish) with a choice of 3-4 creative sauces for the evening. Large portions and good prices. Comfy seating and couches for that “lounge” feel. Located just to the right of the ferry dock, upstairs about 1 block down.
__________________________________________________________________________
La Piccola~
Dinner
This long time favorite Italian restaurant features home made pasta made with imported ingredients; and large selection of imported wines. Owner Kate is an awesome lady and takes pride in her restaurant. Try the gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce and bacon or the ravioli with a 4 cheese sauce or chicken picatta. Full bar. Located upstairs, across the street from Tranquila Bar.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
La Pirata~
Bar
Sorts bar with full bar offerings and showing games regularly. Located at the ferry dock, upstairs in the big building. (Included on restaurant page because they used to operate a kitchen. Meal service can now be found at their brother bar, El Buccaneer noted above)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Mango Inn~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located at the Mango Inn Hotel. Breakfast and Lunch menu with Dinner menu featuring international food and Italian style pizza in a wood burning oven. Clean and pleasant.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Mermaids-
Lunch, Dinner
This is a buffet style with a variety of offerings. The owner Hughbert is always almost there, and is extremely friendly and helpful. Wide range of buffet lunch options, including fresh baked bread. 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 2pp; 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 ferry dock, on the left hand of road, before the Cinema. 2-425-3299
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Munchies~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A nice location in a converted old house right on the road. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Picnic – As in make your own!~
Grab some cold cuts and baguette from the bakery or take out sandwiches from a restaurant and sit under a shady tree.
_______________________________________________________________________
- Purple Pelican Restaurant Utila
Purple Pelican Grill
Update: Purple Pelican is open sporadically. Contact ahead of time to see if they are operating…The Purple Pelican is a great addition to the Utila Restaurant scene! Located on the far west end of Utila, just past the Cays, this spot is only accesible by water, making a unique spot. Serves a variety of burgers, chicken, and fish filet sandwiches, along with homemade fries or onion rights. Also fish tacos, shrimp platters, salads and vegetarian. Cool drinks, beers, rum, vodka and well drinks.
To get here, most folks come with their dive boats- just put a request in to stop for lunch. You can also take a water taxi or your own boat. Great spot for a meal, a drink, lazing in the hammock, enjoying the beach chairs. Full bathroom facilities.
Open daily except Tuesdays, 9am – 4pm. Note: During slower times of the year, Purple Pelican limits their hours, but is always open by reservation. Contacts: Manager Amy: 9-597-4320 or email
utilafoxy_girl@yahoo.com or email owner Kirk: jkirkk@purplepelicangrill.com or channel 23 by VHF radio. For more photos, see http://www.purplepelicangrill.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RJ’s BBQ Grill~
Dinner- Wedesday, Friday, Sunday
Longtime favorite BBQ grill specialties in a very casual setting. Order at the counter and grab your seat. Get there early – it gets busy. Open only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. This is a long-time “institution” on the island, for their large portions and low prices. Robbie (RJ) always on premises, working the grill and enjoying his rum drinks. Try the “rumade!” Located near the bridge towards the OLD airport road.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Seven Seas~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serving local food. Located just past Big Mama’s restaurant, towards “The Point”
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Skid Row~
Lunch, Dinner
Fun low-key spot, offering a full bar and inexpensive pub food including Mexican style tacos, burritos, pizza, calzones, chicken fajita salad,etc. Roast chicken on Thursday night during rainy season too. Here’s a little secret- the food here is REALLY GOOD! The gals in the back do an awesome job. Ryan runs a good show here, and gets a large regular expat crowd with lots of stories (some may be true) and laughs as well. Located in Sandy Bay
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Thompsons Bakery~
Breakfast, Lunch
Economical and a tradition in Utila. Local favorite for breakfast, and very good. Get the cinnamon rolls when their hot out of the oven- about 10am! Open early. Located on Cola de Mico Road, just up from the ferry dock, about 1 block up to the right. Selection of sandwiches and local food.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Tranquila Kitchen:
In the front of Tranquila bar, this is a great option for some yummy grinds while taking in a sunset cocktail at the popular bar. Great food under the helm of Monica and Jenny – Black Angus burgers with choice of toppings, like caramelized onions, blue cheese, provolone, real cheddar, and avocado. Crispy tacos, eggrolls, and more! Wednesday night bar specials to go with Wednesday Night Martini Night – huge martini menu, and they makes a blue plate special, like lasagna or roasted chicken.
______________________________________________________________
Ultralight~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Brand new building as of December 2011. Don’t miss this great spot featuring Israili food un by a friendly islander, Joya. The Ultralight offers selection of breakfast items, fresh juices and smoothies, its a great lunch spot for falafel sandwiches, and has a nice selection of vegetarian food, and also chicken dishes. Located on the main street, to left of ferry dock a few “blocks”, just across the Bayview Hotel. Really good stuff.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Zanzibar~
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local, affordable, and with nice deck on the main street. Full breakfast menu. Probably the best smoothies around, and the owner Javiar is almost always there, very friendly and eager to please. Tip: the only downsides for us is the bread with breakfast is white bread, and the cheese served is American sliced, but you can try and substitute other things. For lunch, Webmaster’s father-in-law loves the chili, and ate here almost daily when he visited us!; Other hits are the Grilled Bacon and Chicken Sandwich; subs are very affordable and they do nice seafood/fish as well.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Will’s Taco~
Dinner
We love Will’s! Will comes every year for a few months with his taco cart and cooks up some excellent soft tacos with all the fixings. You can usually choose between chicken, beef, pork, or veggie-style. There is plenty of covered seating just behind him. Will’s a friendly guy, who aims to please. Located to the right of ferry dock, on left of main street, in an open lot that has a concrete wall.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
UtilaGuide Tip on Bathrooms:
Note that not all of the restaurants will NOT have bathrooms for customers, so plan ahead! (Many do, including Buccaneer, Driftwood, El Picante, Mermaids, Munchies, Mango Inn, La Pirata, La Piccola, RJ’s, Skid Row, Tranquila. But, not all of these have a faucet, so just ask the kitchen to use thier sink to wash your hands.)
The cleanest bathrooms around award: El Picante, La Piccola, Mermaids, Ultralight
UtilaGuide Tip on Tipping:
We always get questions on tipping, so here is our fully biased viewpoint, taken from 5 years of being restaurant customers on Utila and owning a popular restaurant for 2.5 of those years, and from the input of many others:
Tipping for a full sit-down service is customary at 10% if you receive very good service. If the tip was not warranted, you don’t have to pay it – just ask to speak to the manager. Don’t be cheap though- if service is good, don’t get out of tipping and you can always tip more- its well appreciated and often shared among kitchen staff. But please, don’t promote bad service by over-tipping when not warranted.
Also, some restaurants are starting to add tip to the bill, but may not tell you, or just write it as “10%” – so don’t forget to check the bill before handing over your money, or ask if you have questions. For counter or take out ordering, its not really standard 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 its not, don’t. It only promotes more bad service.
Other restaurant reviews for Utila:
http://johnnyvagabond.com/favorite-places/food-drink-utila-honduras/
