Although Flores is really where most of the action is, Santa Elena does have a few eateries worthy of mention. A perennial favorite is Restaurante Mijaro (Calle Principal, across from the Catholic church, tel. 7926-1615, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily), with a varied menu including fish, meats, pastas, and burgers at very reasonable prices.

Locals like Restaurante El Rodeo (tel. 7924-8045, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily), conveniently situated across from Santa Elena’s nicer lakefront resorts, for its Western-style decor meshed with tropical architecture and its good chicken, fish, steak, and pasta, mostly under $10. There is also a fully stocked bar.

The nicer hotels, including Petén Espléndido and La Casona del Lago, have their own decent restaurants next to swimming pools with lake views. Of these, the best option is La Casona del Lago’s Restaurante Las Ninfas, with a varied menu, including pastas and grilled meats.

The outdoor restaurant at the Hotel Maya Internacional, Vista al Lago (tel. 7926-2083, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily), serves international dishes and is a fine choice for its Sunday brunch. It offers lovely lake views from its covered wooden deck.