Spearheading the responsible fishing movement are Belize’s celebrity chefs like Jennie Staines, who pays homage to her mother Elvia's time-honored Maya and Mestizo recipes at famed San Pedro restaurant Elvi’s Kitchen. Awarded the Oceana Belize Ocean Hero award in 2021, Staines has worked with local fisherfolk for over two decades and is an active member of Fish Right Eat Right, an organization that certifies restaurants that support responsible fisheries. Their latest initiative is to make fishing data more accessible, allowing consumers to trace exactly where their seafood came from with just the scan of a QR code.

Before I went to Belize, anyone I spoke with who had already been told me that I had to have a meal at Elvi’s Kitchen. What started out as a take-out burger window in 1974 eventually became a sit-down restaurant serving lovingly prepared Caribbean dishes such as conch soup and fritters, mojo de ajo, fried green plantains, and street corn. During high season you might have to wait in line to eat dinner at the restaurant, but most of the time, there isn’t much delay.

In the old days, in 1974, Elvi Staines sold burgers from the window of her house, soon adding a few tables on the sand under a tree; today, the floors are still sand and the tree remains (lifeless now and cut back to fit inside the roof), but the dining experience has been upgraded. Enter through massive mahogany doors and you'll be tended to by a large and gracious staff. The Maya pulled pork and other sandwiches are big hits at lunch.

When Doña Elvia started serving food from a tiny takeout window at her house in San Pedro almost four decades ago, she could have never guessed that one day her cuisine would be considered some of the best in Ambergris Caye. Elvi's Kitchen is now a favorite with locals and tourists alike for dishes like fresh fish prepared in Maya adobo sauce and even unique vegan and vegetarian dishes like coconut ceviche and curry.

Yes, it’s a little touristy, and yes, the waiters are a little hyper, and, yes, it’s a little more expensive than some, but

So far, in San Pedro Town, the Fish Right, Eat Right Program has certified Wild Mango’s Restaurant, Elvis Kitchen and Blue Water Grill for their commitment to promoting sustainable fishing. Amy Knox, the owner of Wild Mango’s Restaurant, says she was contacted by the WCS about a year ago, telling her about the program and asking if she would sign up, as she has always focused on protecting and preserving the marine life. “In my restaurant, we don’t serve seasonal seafood like lobster, as we believe in preserving these species,” she said.

Established by Elvia Staines around four decades ago, this legacy restaurant has come a long way from being a small takeout window to now being one of the most revered dining joints in San Pedro, Belize. The restaurant specializes in savory seafood and has received many accolades for serving authentic Mayan cuisine and preserving the heritage of the Mayan civilization. Despite its popularity, Elvi’s Kitchen has the charm of a family-owned business, which is absolutely delightful to experience as a tourist.

Elvi’s Kitchen is a long-standing family-owned restaurant known for its mix of local Caribbean and international cuisine, and is one of the best restaurants in San Pedro town. Honoured with multiple awards, including a Gold Star for quality and a Travellers’ Choice, it’s praised for dishes like stewed chicken, seafood, mole, and Mayan-inspired fare. The sand-floored, open-air dining room offers casual comfort and attentive service, making it a favourite for both lunch and dinner.

A cornerstone of San Pedro’s dining landscape, Elvi’s Kitchen has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1974. This iconic eatery is renowned for its "Mayan Feast" buffet night, where diners can indulge in an array of traditional Mayan dishes complemented by fresh seafood options. Whether it’s their celebrated lobster creole or the perfectly grilled snapper, Elvi’s Kitchen marries traditional Belizean flavors with inspired twists.

Elvi’s Kitchen is a cherished restaurant run by a Belizean family and is one of the oldest on Ambergris Caye. It is highly recommended for those who want to experience genuine Belizean tastes. Starting as a simple burger stand in 1974 by Mrs. Elvi Staines, this place has evolved into an award-winning eatery with dishes ranging from comforting stews to exquisite seafood dishes, all prepared using local ingredients and flavorful seasonings.

This is one where all the local’s will say is one of their favorite things to do in San Pedro Belize, eat at Elvi’s Kitchen. Jennie, the chef at Elvi’s and daughter of the original owner, is one of the best chefs in the entire country and was selected to cook for Prince Harry himself during his visit to Belize a few years back. You’ll want to make a reservation if you plan on eating in the evening because this spot is extremely popular.

Found downtown on “middle street,” one of the oldest restaurants in town serves some of the best dishes you can think about. Of course, seafood and of course ceviche are part of that delicious repertoire. Award-winning Chef Jennie Staines will prepare your ceviche with the freshest of hand-picked seafood (that’s certified sustainably sourced!) for you to enjoy in their indoor dining room complemented by their unique sand floor.

Elvi’s Kitchen — One of the oldest local restaurants in San Pedro, Elvi’s Kitchen is a top favorite among tourists and locals alike. This is not exactly one of the cheapest restaurants you will find in the town, but eating here will make you forget about your budget because of the tasty meals they offer. Among the other items in them menu, they offer a good selection of seafood dishes, including garlic butter red snapper.

Elvi’s is located on San Pedro Island and offers a menu of fresh, local seafood dishes prepared with a Caribbean flair. The Restaurant’s open-air dining room overlooks the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Elvi’s also offers a wide selection of Belizean beers and cocktails, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

A Belizean restaurant, located on Pescador Drive in the heart of San Pedro, specializing in seafood dishes in a casual setting. Elvi’s Kitchen offers lunch and dinner Mondays – Saturdays from 11am – 10pm (Closed on Sundays). On Wednesdays it’s Crab Night with live Belizean music, Thursdays there is live Cuban and Latin music, on Fridays is the Grand Maya buffet and on Saturdays it’s Seafood Creole with live Cuban music.

Many folks agree that you can’t visit Ambergris Caye without stopping at Elvi’s Kitchen, a staple on the island and a favorite of locals and tourists alike. From the Mayan fish, steamed in a banana leaf, to street corn to butter poached grouper, you’ll likely taste a home-grown favorite at this restaurant. Be sure to take a peek at the colorful paintings and art located in the back room while there.

In fact, it’s one of the best Belize restaurants as a landmark with a history dating back nearly a half-century. When the family first opened it as a small hole-in-the-wall burger stand, it stood under an old tree that’s now right in the middle of the dining room. It’s celebrated for its authentic Maya cuisine and its seafood while providing warm hospitality and exceptional service.

For a more upscale dining experience, you have to try Elvi’s Kitchen, one of San Pedro’s most iconic restaurants. This long-standing establishment has been serving island residents and visitors since the 1970s. Known for its eclectic menu that combines traditional Belizean dishes with international influences, Elvi’s offers everything from coconut curry shrimp to Mayan-style pork.

A San Pedro institution, Elvi’s Kitchen has been serving scrumptious Belizean cuisine for over 40 years. Located on Pescador Drive, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with its sand-covered floors and eclectic décor. The menu features a range of traditional Belizean dishes such as stewed chicken, rice and beans, and fresh seafood.

Elvi’s Kitchen is a culinary institution renowned for its exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of Belizean cuisine with a touch of flair. The restaurant’s ambiance is uniquely captivating, featuring a sand floor that allows diners to enjoy their meal while feeling the beach right under their feet. Visiting Elvi’s Kitchen is worth it for several reasons.

Chef/owner Elvia Staines and her daughter Jennie have been serving diners typical Belizean food in San Pedro for 39 years. The two are local celebrities and the restaurant has won several awards. Be sure to try their Belizean style crab claws, fried chicken with rice and beans, and butter poached grouper with corn and beet sauce and roasted corn and habanero relish.

This iconic San Pedro restaurant has been filling stomachs of happy patrons for 20 years when it began as a burger aisle. Founded by Elvia Staines for whom it is named after, it is a must visit restaurant in San Pedro town. The interior sand floor is built around the large flamboyant tree that has watched people eat under its branches since the founding.

Elvi’s Kitchen is an iconic restaurant in San Pedro, known for serving up the best of Belizean and Caribbean flavors. With a unique indoor sandy floor and tropical decor, Elvi’s offers a truly island-style dining experience. The menu includes fresh seafood, traditional Belizean dishes, and innovative creations that highlight the island’s flavors.

Elvi’s Kitchen is a staple in San Pedro and a definite “must try” for anyone who wants to take in local culture. Elvi’s Kitchen is actually one of the oldest restaurants in the entire city and although the interior décor has not quite changed in all that time, it is their delicious recipes that have people returning again and again for a taste.

Elvi’s Kitchen – Right in the heart of San Pedro, located on Middle Street just one block in from the Town Square/Water Taxi, sits a jewel of a restaurant!. If you are looking for delicious Belizean food and creative dishes with a touch of Mexico, this is the place to go. While it is not located on the beach, they bring the sand to you!.

No trip to San Pedro is complete without a visit to this island favourite. Located in the heart of down town, Elvi’s Kitchen has been around for quite some time, never having compromised on quality or service. A family run restaurant with one of Belize’s top chefs behind the kitchen, Elvi’s is your stop for elevated Belizean classics.

A staple on the island, Elvi’s Kitchen has been serving up delicious Belizean fare since it opened as the first restaurant on Ambergris Caye. With a warm atmosphere and traditional dishes, it’s a great spot to experience local flavors. Open for both lunch and dinner, Elvi’s is a must-visit for a slice of island history and great food.

Ceviche is probably the most popular dish on the island, showcasing the freshness of the local seafood, but be sure to also try the Mayan buffet at Elvi’s Kitchen and stop in at Estel’s By the Sea for one of the best Belizean breakfasts in town. And don’t leave the island without trying lobster and conch when they are in season!

Elvi’s Kitchen opened in San Pedro over 40 years ago and to this day remains a favorite. With its sandy floors and the beautifully lit indoor tree, a meal at Elvi’s reinforces that you are in the tropics!. Elvi’s offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and traditional Belizean favorites like stew chicken with rice and beans.

Put me on an island where the seafood is fresh and you better Belize I’m going to be ordering fish tacos. When I found out that Elvi’s Kitchen had a whole section of tacos, it was a must-go on my list. I ordered the Belizean tacos with fish which ended up being some of the most unique style fish tacos I’ve ever had.

Elvi’s Kitchen is San Pedro’s oldest local restaurant ‘where something good is always cooking”. This award-winning restaurant is the most famous restaurant on Ambergris Caye and offers a true Belizean dining experience with Mayan buffets, live music, Caribbean nights, warm hospitality and Elvi’s famous desserts.

Another essential stop is the Grande Dame of San Pedro restaurants: Elvi’s Kitchen, a fine-dining spot with elevated takes on Belizean flavors; it’s here where we pair a glass of One Barrel rum (a local expression from the country’s Travellers brand) with a superbly prepared grouper on a bed of sticky rice.

Now, you may find this on every list you see on “top restaurants in San Pedro, Belize” and there will be a reason why. Elvi’s not only has a beautiful ambiance, but the food is well-plated and mouthwateringly good. Their take on curry is to-die-for and we at Drift Inn haven’t had a dish we didn’t like.

This cozy restaurant has a tree in the middle of it and that should be enough to entice anyone to visit. If the tree doesn’t intrigue you then fear not, the food is also delicious. I stopped here for a little snack while exploring the town and was not disappointed with the quality of food and service!

Not to be outdone by it’s beach counterparts, the floor is covered in sand and the service extravagant. Good burgers, great salad, the coconut shrimp is delicious and so was the pork chop. The key lime pie was frozen and worth skipping, but the coconut pie takes it to a whole new level, yum.

Elvi’s Kitchen is one of the most popular San Pedro Belize restaurants and somewhere we love to send our guests. It’s one of the oldest restaurants on Ambergris Caye, and the fresh seafood here is divine. Where else can you enjoy fresh and upscale dining with a sand floor beneath your feet?

Embrace the eclectic atmosphere of Elvi’s Kitchen, where live music adds an extra layer of excitement to your dining experience. With vibrant décor and sandy floors, this locally-owned restaurant offers a lively atmosphere. Enjoy live music and special buffet nights throughout the week.

Do not expect for beach scenery when dining in this restaurant, it is located in the center of San Pedro. The restaurant has existed for almost 40 years. The owner, Elvia Staines, is a native San Pedro and she makes chili sauce in the bottle for sale – which is delicious and spicy!

Local legend Elvia Staines began selling burgers out of a takeout window in 1974. Today, Elvi’s is arguably the most popular restaurant on Ambergris Caye, with a word-of-mouth reputation built on the happy bellies of thousands of diners. The restaurant is a thatched, screened-in…

If you stay on the island, you have to visit Elvi's at least once during your vacation. Elvi's offers a wide range of food, including local Belizean dishes that are unbeatably delicious. Elvi's is located right in town, not too far from the airstrip or water taxi terminals.

Elvi’s Kitchen is a much-loved restaurant on Ambergris Caye in Belize. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, which is sourced daily from the nearby reef. The menu features a range of local specialties, including conch fritters, lobster tacos, and shrimp ceviche.

Fun fact: Belize borders Mexico and Guatemala, so you can get yum food from both countries in Belize. Elvi’s Kitchen came highly recommended for Mexican food. The restaurant has a literal dirt/sand floor, which was cute, and had the most amazing live band serenading us.

Elvi’s—One of the top spots in the heart of San Pedro is Elvi’s. Don’t let the sand floor fool ya; this place is amazing and packed full of incredible local cuisine. Ask about the fish of the day and check out the assortment of tacos and other Latin American bites.

Elvi’s Kitchen – located right in town, this is another must while you’re in Ambergris Caye. While I am sure everything tastes great here I have to advise you – get the coconut curry!. It was so delicious, definitely one of the best meals I had while there.

This popular restaurant in San Pedro serves Belizean and Caribbean cuisine. Elvi’s Kitchen is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, and conch, depending on the season. They also serve steak, chicken, and vegetarian options.

Elvi’s Kitchen is one of the most famous and popular restaurants for tourists in San Pedro. It is known for its traditional cuisine and sand floor. So we decided to give it a try since pretty much everything I read said that this was a good restaurant.

Before you head back to your resort, grab some lunch at Elvi’s. Elvis has a restaurant on Center Street that offers inside dining with an outside atmosphere. Sand lines the floor and the mahogany all around makes you feel like you are dining outside.

Elvi’s Kitchen is one of the best spots for dessert in Belize or for a delicious bite to eat. Miss Elvi’s Frozen Keylime Pie & Coconut Pie are both out of this world delicious. Both are served ice cold and are the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

You should really try Elvi’s Kitchen in the middle of downtown San Pedro. They have a sand floor and the restaurant has so much character. They have great seafood dishes and on Friday nights during the busy season they have the Grand Maya Buffet.

Conch Fritters at El Fogon, the frozen caye lime pie you tried at Elvi’s Kitchen, the pigtail with split peas at Briana’s Deli (yum), the street taco you ate at midnight in Central Park, the fry jacks, the coconut rice…this isn’t easy.

I dreamt of the Mayan Buffet featured on Friday nights from the time we booked our trip. Unfortunately, it was not offered during the off-season. We shared a big fried fish for $65 Bz and asked our waitress how to eat it!

Elvis Kitchen is a favorite and they have an all you can eat Buffet on fridays serving lots of mayan/mexican dishes also ther menu is located at Elvi's Kitchen, Ambergris Caye, Belize prices are in Belize dollars

They are all🔥 to me but also have great reviews from people all around the world: Elvi’s Kitchen Blue Water Grill Estel’s Dine By The Sea (bonus ocean slide) Caramba #travelrecommendations #traveltips #travel

Iguana Juan’s, Wild Mango (lots of vegan options), Juice Dive Bar for acai bowls & lots of vegetarian dishes, Elvi’s Kitchen, Estel’s, Blue Fish Grill, TOAST (they have bowling on the beach)

Everyone and everything we read said it was a “not to be missed spot”, so, of course, we stopped in. The food was okay, the space inviting, and the staff super sweet, but I would skip it.

Elvi’s Kitchen: Elvi’s is a cute little place in San Pedro with a wide range of options. We got wonderful seafood basil pasta and coconut curry dishes and loved them!

Elvi’s Kitchen has become one of the most popular and distinguished restaurants on Ambergris Caye, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.

I’ve eaten at more restaurants in San Pedro than I can count, but my favorite has to be Elvi’s Kitchen... I’ve been twice and would go back in a heartbeat!

Ah Kin Chicken Tacos with olive relish, Dutch cheese, adobo sauce, roasted garlic, bell peppers, saffron, white pepper and mild chilies from Elvi’s Kitchen

Elvi’s Kitchen: LOVED this place, some of the best vegetarian food on the island, great for lunch and dinner and the staff was so accommodating.

For a delicious and authentic Belizean meal, consider heading to Elvi’s Kitchen, which offers incredible seafood and a warm atmosphere.

Elvi’s Kitchen, located in the heart of San Pedro Town, has been a part of the Fish Right, Eat Right program since its inception.