Although Utila is still very much a small laid back island community, it’s close contact with the international traveler has given it a degree of sophistication in several aspects. Although there are very many restaurants and comedores, we have selected the most outstanding ones. This does not mean that those not mentioned are not worth while trying out, but rather that they have not reached the level of sophistication that the others we are listing have already reached.

The Jade Seahorse. A truly unique museum like atmosphere decorated with island antiques and marine paraphernalia, this restaurant is unique to all of Honduras. Tropical gardens with very artistic surroundings add the charm of the restaurant. Famous as the best seafood restaurant in Utila, as well as for the best fresh fruit shakes on the island, the Jade Seahorse is open from 7:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. & from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Bar is basically limited to beers and wine. Located on Cola de Mico Road. Just follow the road up from the municipal dock. One of the best options in town for breakfast. Don’t miss the new “Treetanic Bar” located within the Jade Seahorse’s premises, a definitely fun deck, located above the ground, under the fresh shade of a huge mango tree and with the form of an old pirate ship. The new nightline cabins are located here also!

Munchies Café. Located on Main Street in Utila’s oldest and historic “Island House”, originally built in 1864, near the municipal dock. Presently, the building is being restored to reflect the “days gone past” and will boast an expanded kitchen and a bar area. This pleasant café is a favorite hang out for locals and tourists alike, serving all-day breakfasts, fresh fruit shakes, ice cream, light lunches and more formal dining in the evening, including daily fresh caught seafood dishes. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Good location for tourist info, and check out their Iguana Wall in the back garden area.

Mango Tree Gelateria and Espresso Bar. Already an institution in Utila, they have served a total of 289 different flavors of gelato ice cream! They offer at least 12 different flavors at any one time. Espresso, Cappuccino, café latte, etc also available. For breakfast try the muffins and biscuits. They are now offering Italian style Calzoni for lunch and outstanding profiteroli. Air-conditioned atmosphere and pleasant porches with a view of town!

La Piccola Italian specialty restaurant featuring home made pasta made with imported ingredients; the only imported beef on the island, a large selection of wines and fine service make of this the most distinguished on the island. Also offers pasta sauces to go. Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner from 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. The best Italian coffee on the island.

El Castillo. Located at the Colibri Hill Resort, this unique restaurant, built from red island rocks lets you enjoy a an atmosphere like no other, with delicious European dishes, seafood and also local island style food. Don’t miss it!

Media Luna. Adjacent to Tranquila Bar,
Menu includes seafood and steaks, as well as BBQ options. Open daily from 9:00 a.m till 7:00 p.m.

Dave’s Restaurant. Located at Crosscreek hotel. An ample deck, good music, the best stocked bar in Utila and good food make this a must to visit. Open daily for dinner from 6:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Offering a new menu of international cuisine daily. Fresh fish and veggie specials daily. Large portions and good prices.

Tropical Sunset. Located at the Tropical Sunset Hotel, near “The Point”, a nice setting with international dishes, seafood and typical island food. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. till 9:30 p.m.

Bundu Café. Some of the best coffee on the island. A selection of Cappuccino, Expresso, Latte, Mocha and regular coffee. Opens Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Light foods, such as sandwiches, quiches and a daily lunch special available. Best book exchange in town, as well as a good source of information on local tours. Now also offering dinner several nights of the week!

Delany’s Kitchen. Located at Coopers Inn, on the main road, this restaurant offers some of the best pizza and lasagna in town. There is also a daily special.

Thomsons Bakery. Open daily. Fresh baked cakes and rolls, fresh orange juice and a selection of omelet’s are all available here. Economical and a tradition in Utila. Located on Cola de Mico Road.

Pizza La Dolce Vita. Located at the Mango Inn Hotel. Open from 6:30 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday, Sundays special BBQ from noon till 10:00 p.m. One of the better alternatives for breakfast in town. Dinner menu changes daily, but offers several alternatives including a vegetarian selection. Italian style pizza.

The Island Café. Open for dinner only and featuring outstanding local style food with good prices. Located just next to Coco Loco. A nice informal relaxed atmosphere. Preferred by many locals.

Utila Lodge. Although not officially open as a restaurant, they accommodate guests who wish to enjoy their buffet service with prior reservations. Breakfast is served at 7:00 p.m., lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 6:30. Call in advance or drop by to check out the daily menu.

Driftwood Restaurant and Bar. Located over the water, across the road from the Margaritaville hotel in Sandy Bay. Restaurant features daily specials always including fresh fish as an option. Probably one of the coolest spots on the island on hot days. Full bar service. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ultralight. An Israeli specialty restaurant located on the main street of Utila, past the Bayview Hotel, about halfway between the Margaritaville Hotel and the Utila Lodge. Very informal setting. Good selection of vegetarian food.

RJ’s BBQ Grill. Open only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. BBQ grill specialties. Opens at 5:00 p.m. Located near the bridge towards the airport.

Bando Beach Bar. Located at the “Point” on the old air strip, this beach bar offers a variety of activities, including toy boat rentals, such as kayaks, sailboats, snorkel equipment, etc. Offers a full service bar with light snacks. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.

Night Life in Utila
 
Nightlife will surely develop very fast in Utila as a result of consistent 24 hour power. Following is the list of the most popular spots at time of print. You will certainly have a good time and find many folks willing to party with you through the night in Utila.

Tranquila Bar. A pleasant deck over the Caribbean, providing one of the best sunset bars in the island. Wide variety of tropical cocktails and mixed drinks. Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. till midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. till 3:00 a.m. A very popular bar with the local community as well as tourists on the island. Nice selection of music always playing.

Bar in The Bush. This bar is literally located in the bush! Take the road past the Mango Tree, and you will soon find yourself in the “bush” which are the outsides of town still covered with forest. The bar is a pleasant setting and is usually a little louder that the other bars since it is out of town and does not have neighbors to bother! Open only on Fridays, featuring a great party atmosphere! Full bar service.

 

Coco Loco. Without doubt the most centrally located bar in town. Nice deck over the water. Open daily from 4:00 p.m. till midnight except on Friday and Saturday when open till 3:00 a.m. Good fun atmosphere! Possibly the most popular spot for sunset cocktails. Very informal and loud music. During the high season they are open earlier offering snacks.

Treetanic Bar. Located at the Jade Seahorse Restaurant, very close to the Mango Inn. A pleasant, elevated wooden deck under a massive mango tree simulating an old ship, this bar is one of the coolest places in town, with the pleasant trade winds keeping it cool always. Good selection on domestic and international drinks.

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