GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemala - page 83

er 4.5 kilometers. A sign for San Gregorio indicates the intersection where you'll make a
right-hand turn to the lodge.
Food
Cosmopolitan Guatemala City features a variety of excellent eating establishments for
every taste and budget, as well as some more familiar U.S. franchises. Its culinary prowess
is confirmed by a spot for Jake's on Travel and Leisure magazine's list of Top 10 Restaur-
ants in Latin America (2006). Two other establishments were finalists.
CAFÉS
Aprofusionofnewcaféshasappearedinthedowntownarea,providingfurtherevidenceof
theresurgenceofthecity'sdowntowncore.Amongtheseis Café del Centro Histórico (6a
Avenida9-50Zona1,allmealsdaily),wellsituatedonthesecondfloorofarestored1930s
building. Old photographs and original tiles hark back to the golden age of Sexta Avenida.
Inexpensive meals, including Guatemalan staples such as tortillas con carne, salads, pies,
and excellent coffee are served. Also downtown is Café de Imeri (6a Calle 3-30 Zona 1,
tel. [phone]), which enjoys a loyal following owed to its delightful old-fashioned atmo-
sphere and efficiently elegant service. The cakes and baked goods are top-notch, and there
are good breakfasts, tacos, pasta, and salads. It makes a great place for lunch with a set
menu for $3.50.
4 Grados Norte also has some pleasant sidewalk cafés, including Café Saúl (Ruta 2, 4
Grados Norte, tel. [phone], 11 A.M.-11 P.M. Tues.-Thurs., 11 A.M.-midnight Fri.-Sat.,
11 A.M.-8 P.M. Sun., $4-8), serving delicious sweet and salty crepes, ice cream, sand-
wiches, salads, smoothies, and coffee in an eclectic atmosphere with chill music. Beer and
wine are also served.
Caffé dei Fiori (15 Avenida 15-66 Zona 10, tel. [phone], www.caffedeifiori.com ,
$3-8) has been around since the 1970's in three different Zona 10 locations. Its current
incarnation features a pleasant covered patio where breakfasts, pizzas, pastas, salads, and
sandwiches are served. Desserts include delicious tiramisu and empanadas de piña. Great
espresso drinks round out the meal.
LIGHT MEALS AND SWEETS
Forhealthyvegetarianfare,checkout Restaurante Rey Sol (11Calle5-51Zona1,8A.M.-
5 P.M. Mon.-Sat., $4-8) serving tasty spinach lasagnas, whole-wheat bread sandwiches,
salads,andsmoothies.Italsosellssoymilk,granola,andherbalteas.PopularwithGuatem-