Best Restaurants & Bars in Placencia, Belize
Discover Placencia’s Food, Drinks & Nightlife Scene — Curated by Ocean Breeze Beach Resort
Placencia, Belize is a foodie’s paradise — a charming seaside peninsula where Caribbean flavor meets world-class cuisine. From beachfront grills to elegant seafood restaurants, every meal comes with ocean views and warm Belizean hospitality.
Whether you’re dining in Placencia Village, where most spots are just steps away, or venturing a short ride north to Maya Beach, you’ll find unforgettable food, creative cocktails, and the kind of local warmth that defines Belize.
Guests at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort can rent a golf cart right on-site — perfect for exploring Placencia Village by day and taking a scenic sunset ride up to Maya Beach for dinner and drinks.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Placencia, Belize
When the sun sets, the village comes alive. Placencia nightlife is laid-back, colorful, and full of Caribbean rhythm — reggae, rum, and good vibes.
Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar (at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort)
Location: Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, Placencia Village
If you’re dreaming of a true island bar experience, Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar is the place to be. Located right on the beach, this vibrant tiki-themed bar offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a fun, tropical vibe.
What to Try:
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Signature cocktails: Mojitos, Piña Coladas, Margaritas & Daiquiris
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Local Belikin beers and full bar service
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Snack favorites: wings, poppers, egg rolls, and peel-and-eat shrimp
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Live music weekly and daily happy hour specials
Relax with your toes in the sand, a cold drink in hand, and let the ocean breeze do the rest.
Barefoot Beach Bar
Location: Placencia Sidewalk
A Placencia icon, Barefoot Beach Bar is where locals and tourists mingle in flip-flops.
What to Try:
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Food: nachos, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas
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Drinks: local rum cocktails, Belikin beer, frozen margaritas
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Live music and daily specials
The ultimate beach bar experience — colorful, carefree, and right on the sand.
The Pickled Parrot
Located near the Placencia Sidewalk
The Pickled Parrot combines comfort food with a fun local vibe.
Don’t Miss:
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Hand-cut fries and burgers
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Chicken cheesesteak and turkey club
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Grilled ham sandwiches
A great mix of expats and locals gives this spot a welcoming, community feel.
Sea Cow Cantina
Location: The Jolly Llama, Placencia Beachfront
The Sea Cow Cantina is part of The Jolly Llama, a funky food truck located on the beach in Placencia, Belize.
The cantina offers a laid-back beachside setting where you can enjoy refreshing drinks while indulging in small bites like crispy fried pickles, gourmet egg rolls, corn dogs, burgers, and wings. They are known for having the best veggie burger in Placencia!
It's a great spot to relax by the ocean and enjoy some tasty food and drinks.
The Best Restaurants in Placencia Village
Cozy Corner
Location: Placencia Beachfront
Cozy Corner offers exactly what the name promises — comfort food and good vibes.
Try their seafood ceviche, jerk snapper tacos, or hearty breakfast burritos paired with a refreshing smoothie.
The Bohemian
Location: Main Street, Placencia Village
A fresh and modern favorite, The Bohemian offers locally sourced seafood and vibrant vegetarian dishes.
Top Picks:
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Boho Cristo and Boho Bene
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Bohemian omelette with avocado
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Signature cocktails and tropical drinks
Its relaxed boho-chic vibe makes it a great brunch or lunch destination.
DeTatch Restaurant
Location: Southern end of Placencia Sidewalk
DeTatch is one of the oldest beach bars in Placencia, famous for its thatched roofs and stunning ocean views.
Top Picks:
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Grilled seafood platters
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Classic Belizean rice and beans with stew chicken
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Pancakes and omelets for breakfast
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Fresh juices and tropical cocktails
It’s casual, breezy, and quintessentially Belizean.
Big Beck Harbor View
Location: Near the pier, Placencia Village
For ocean views and fresh seafood, Big Beck’s Harbor View is a must-visit.
Try:
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Lobster ceviche
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Fresh fish filet
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Frozen coconut mojito
A relaxed setting for lunch or sunset dinner with the best harbor view in town.
Rick's Cafe
Location: Across from the basketball court, Placencia Village
Rick’s Café is a relaxed, open-air restaurant known for its Italian, American, and Caribbean-inspired dishes. With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, it’s perfect for every palate.
Top Picks:
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Shrimp Alfredo
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Pulled pork sandwich
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Greek salad with falafel
It’s cozy, casual, and perfect for people-watching as you enjoy great food and a cool drink.
Rumfish y Vino
Location: Main Street, Placencia Village
A Placencia institution, Rumfish y Vino is a stylish gastro-bar offering a mix of Central American and Caribbean flavors.
What to Expect:
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Signature dishes: lionfish crudo, ceviche, fish tacos, and coffee-rubbed fish
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Excellent wine selection — all imported by the owners
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Trendy atmosphere with breezy music and an open-air design
This is one of Placencia’s must-visit spots for fine dining and craft cocktails.
Omar's Creole Grub
Location: Placencia main road in Placencia village
A local favorite, Omar’s Creole Grub serves up authentic Belizean Creole cuisine with a home-style touch.
Signature Dishes:
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Fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch in Creole sauces
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Daily seafood specials made with locally caught ingredients
Warm service and traditional cooking make Omar’s one of the most genuine dining experiences in the village.
Wendy's Creole Restaurant and Bar
Located: Placencia Main road in Placencia village
Wendy’s Creole Restaurant is known for hearty local dishes and authentic Belizean flavors.
Expect flavorful Creole cuisine, friendly service, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back.
Location: On the beach, Placencia Village
The Shack Beach Café is known for its oceanfront views, tropical smoothies, and Caribbean-inspired food.
Favorites Include:
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Ceviche (fish, conch, shrimp)
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Jerk snapper tacos
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Huevos Rancheros and veggie breakfast burritos
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Fresh fruit smoothies and juices
It’s the ideal breakfast or lunch stop by the sea.
Dawn's Grill
Location: Behind the Placencia Sports Field
Dawn’s Grill is a family-run favorite known for Caribbean and Creole dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Menu Favorites:
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Curry shrimp
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Creole fish
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Lobster dinners
Friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and homestyle cooking make it a true gem.
Best Restaurants & Bars in Maya Beach (Placencia Peninsula)
Just 15 minutes north of Placencia Village — still part of the Placencia Peninsula.
Looking to venture a little farther for a quiet beachfront meal or sunset cocktail? Maya Beach is a tranquil stretch of the Placencia Peninsula that offers some of the best dining experiences in southern Belize. It’s a quick, scenic 15-minute golf cart ride from Placencia Village — a fun way to explore beyond the village while staying close to home.
Below are a few of our favorite Maya Beach restaurants and bars — all within easy golf cart distance from Ocean Breeze Beach Resort.
Maya Bistro
A local favorite and award-winning restaurant known for its beachfront setting, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails.
Perfect for brunch, dinner, or dessert by the sea.
Restaurante Laguna at Umaya Resort
Elegant yet laid-back, offering fine seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails overlooking the lagoon — an ideal dinner spot for couples to watch the sunset.
The Green Parrot Restaurant and Bar
Located beachfront at the Green Parrot Resort, this laid-back local spot serves fresh seafood, hearty Belizean dishes, and tropical cocktails in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Perfect for casual lunches or a drink with ocean views.
Getting to Maya Beach
Local Tip: Time your dinner around sunset for panoramic views over the lagoon and Caribbean Sea — Maya Beach sunsets are some of the best on the peninsula.
Need wheels? Ocean Breeze Beach Resort rents golf carts so you can easily cruise between Placencia Village and Maya Beach at your own pace.
Interactive Map of Restaurants and Bars in Placencia
We’ve highlighted all of our favorite restaurants and bars on the interactive map below to help you explore the best of Placencia’s vibrant food and nightlife scene.
From casual beach bars serving ice-cold Belikins to fine-dining spots offering fresh seafood and international flavors, each recommendation is a local favorite personally tested by the Ocean Breeze team.
Local Flavors of Placencia
Placencia’s cuisine is shaped by Belize’s diverse culture — Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Maya influences. Expect grilled seafood, rice and beans, coconut curries, and tropical fruits at nearly every table. Signature local dishes:
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Stew chicken with rice and beans
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Lobster or conch ceviche
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Fry jacks for breakfast
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Grilled snapper and shrimp skewers
👉 Read our Local’s Guide to Belizean Cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Placencia known for?
Placencia is a true paradise for food lovers. The village is best known for its fresh seafood, including grilled snapper, lobster, conch, and shrimp. You’ll also find delicious Creole and Belizean dishes like rice and beans, stew chicken, and fry jacks for breakfast. Most local menus feature Caribbean fusion cuisine, blending tropical flavors with Belize’s rich cultural influences — from Garifuna coconut-based dishes to Latin-inspired seafood tacos.
Local Tip: Try the catch of the day at DeTatch, or grab a Caribbean cocktail and lionfish tacos at Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar right at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort.
When to Visit Placencia’s Restaurants
Restaurants and bars are open year-round, but the busiest months are December to May. During the green season (June–November), hours may shorten slightly, yet most top spots — including Toucan Jack’s, Rumfish y Vino, and Barefoot — stay lively and welcoming.
Plan Your Placencia Foodie Adventure
After a day of snorkeling, exploring, or simply relaxing on the beach, Placencia’s dining and nightlife scene offers the perfect way to unwind.
👉 Stay at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort — where Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar puts paradise right at your doorstep.
Other Resources
Continue exploring Placencia and beyond with our local guides and insider tips:
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A Local’s Guide to Belizean Cuisine — Dive deeper into the flavors that make Belize unique.
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Placencia Village Travel Guide — Discover the best spots to shop, stroll, and soak up local life.
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Things to Do in Placencia, Belize — From snorkeling to zip-lining, explore top adventures on the peninsula.
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Ocean Breeze Beach Resort Accommodations — Stay steps from the sea with comfort, style, and Caribbean charm.