LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA - Guatemala - page 151

GUATEMALAN AND LATIN AMERICAN
Another one of Antigua's legendary restaurants is La Fonda de la Calle Real (3a Calle
Poniente #7, tel. [phone], noon-10 P.M. daily; 5a Avenida Norte #5, tel. [phone],
noon-10 P.M. daily; 5a Avenida Norte #12, tel. [phone], 8 A.M.-10 P.M. daily, $5-12),
with three branches, the nicest of which is the one on 3a Calle Poniente. There is a varied
menu of Guatemalan favorites, including chiles rellenos as well as tasty grilled meats.
If you can't decide, do as Clinton did and order the filling sampler menu. Don Martín
(4a Avenida Norte #27, tel. [phone]) features creative Guatemalan dishes, including
pepián (a spicy meat or chicken stew), and has an international touch with pasta dishes.
For a lively atmosphere and great food, Restaurante Las Palmas (6a Avenida Norte #14,
tel. [phone], www.laspalmasantigua.com , 9 A.M.-10 P.M. daily, $7- 12) makes a fine
choice. Among the varied menu items are fish in cilantro sauce, spinach lasagna, shrimp
with pasta in Alfredo sauce, and filet mignon. There are whirring ceiling fans, a fully
stocked bar, and vibrant tropical Latin decor.
ASIAN
Café Flor (4a Avenida Sur #1, tel. [phone], 11 A.M.-11 P.M. daily, $5-10) does a reas-
onably good job with Thai food, though it won't taste familiar to fans of Asian cuisine.
Other dishes include Thai curries, rice dishes, and Indian tandoori recipes. The portions
are adequate, but not huge either. With a self-proclaimed Far Eastern “cool Zen” atmo-
sphere, Nokiate (1a Avenida Sur #7, tel. [phone], www.nokiate.com , 6:30 P.M.-1
A.M. Tues.-Fri., noon-3 P.M. and 6:30 P.M.-1 A.M. Sat., noon-9 P.M. Sun., $5-10) pulls it
offbeautifully.Thehiplounge,sakebar,andwonderfulAsiangardenpatiomakeasuitably
glamorous backdrop for enjoying the best sushi in town. For your standard Chinese food,
head to Su Chow (5a Avenida Norte #36, tel. [phone], noon-10 P.M. daily, $5-10). It
also delivers.
FINE DINING
With a long tradition of excellence, Welten (4a Calle Oriente #21, tel. [phone],
www.weltenrestaurant.com , noon-10 P.M. Mon.- Sun and Wed.-Thurs., until 11 P.M. Fri.-
Sat., $13-22) is one of Antigua's well-established dining options serving an impressive
menu of gourmet Guatemalan, French, and Italian specialties in an elegant atmosphere.
Menu highlights include creamy peppered steak (filet au poivre), seafood fettuccine, and
fish fillet in a traditional salsa. There are delicious homemade ice creams for dessert.
Mesón Panza Verde (5a Avenida Sur #19, tel. [phone], www.panzaverde.com , lunch
and dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch and lunch Sun., $10-20) is easily one of Guatemala's finest
restaurantsthankstotheculinaryprowessofitsSwiss-born,French-trainedchef,Cristophe