This is a category where San Pedro excels. You can smell the freshly baked bread and rolls as you walk down Front Street early in the morning, starting with Ruby’s and Celi’s, which for decades have been bustling every morning with people eating breakfast and stocking up for day trips. A block north, The Baker makes grilled sandwiches for only US$3.50, and has espresso drinks and smoothies.

Café Cubano (tel. 501/620-1166, 7 a.m.–midnight daily) is hard to miss, on the main street across from the park. You’ll find don Pedro slinging some of the strongest, best coffee in town, with beans from his homeland and a large variety of food as well, including a US$10 multi-course breakfast.

Toni’s Café Paradise (7 a.m.–3 p.m., closed Sun.) is a nice café offering all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pies. It is at the entrance to the purple Vilma Linda Plaza, a peaceful oasis in the bustle of downtown—the tiled courtyard is filled with lush plants and a small fishpond.

Go to Manelly’s on Front Street for homemade ice cream—they are most proud of their “coconut creation.” Or sample the frozen custard at
DandE’s Ice Cream on Pescador Street, where a couple from dairy country in Pennsylvania turn out fresh flavors every day, including soursop, from a local fruit that makes for a tart Belizean treat.