A Guide To Black-Owned Belize

Located on a mini-peninsula jutting out from Belize City’s shopping district, this open-air eatery is situated right on the water at the end of Albert Street near the Belize Harbor. A common refrain among locals is that this spot is “worth the wait”. Though you will need some patience when it comes to getting a table (especially during busy daytime hours and on Thursday evenings for karaoke night), the ocean views and extensive cocktail list will help the time to pass pleasantly. The most popular dishes here are stewed varieties of beef, pork, chicken, and oxtail (when available), all accompanied by a hearty side of rice and beans.

Though this family-run local institution has been in business for over 60 years, the menu is as short as the legacy is long. Translation: the folks at Dit’s know good Belizean food, and they’re experts at serving up tried-and-true homestyle specialities. Load up on entrees like rice and beans with succulent stewed beef or whole fried fish, but save room for dessert: Dit’s is known for bread pudding, coconut pie, cassava pudding, and other taste bud tempting sweets. Situated downtown on King Street, a five-minute walk from the Swing Bridge, the restaurant is run by the third generation of the same family and is beloved among locals for its wallet-friendly prices and welcoming vibe.

Just steps from the ocean, this unassuming beach hut on Ambergris Caye in San Pedro serves up Jamaican-influenced fare including oxtail, curried goat (served on Sundays), and their most in-demand dish, jerk chicken with classic sides of rice and beans and coleslaw. Vegetarians will also find plenty here, from soy-based curries to banana bread and plantains. Headed up by a local father-and-son team (the operation got its moniker from the nickname of owner John Harvey Sr.), the laid-back, breezy eatery has been in business for over 11 years and earns raves for its friendly service along with generous portions. Head over to Las Paletas, a popsicle shop just next door, after your meal for a fresh fruit dessert.

This cozy family-run restaurant is situated on the Northern Highway in Biscayne, a small village surrounded by verdant green jungle. Though it’s about 40 minutes’ drive from Belize City, it’s well worth the stop for Creole-Belizean cuisine such as fish fritters, and stewed chicken with refreshing additions like mango marinade. Their offerings often feature a twist on locally-sourced ingredients like breadfruit: think breadfruit tacos or breadfruit “chips.” While in the area, consider a visit to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a 12,000-acre nature reserve where you can spot over 300 bird species, along with crocodiles, howler monkeys, and regional fauna (about 20 minutes’ drive from The Rasta Family Pot), or visit the nearly 3,000-year-old Mayan ruins at Altun Ha (about 30 minutes’ drive from the restaurant).