In a pleasant garden patio decorated with Asian-style spherical paper lamps,
Deli Jasmín (Calle Santander, close to the lakeshore, tel. 7762-2585, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Wed.–Mon.) serves delicious all-day breakfasts, including bagels and English muffins in addition to healthy fares such as tofu and vegetarian dishes. It sells teas, jams, whole wheat bread, and cookies for you to take away.
Farther up Calle Santander and under the same management is Deli Llama de Fuego (tel. 7762-2586, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Thurs.–Tues.), with much the same menu and surroundings.
Another good place for breakfast is El Patio (tel. 7762-2041, 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily), set in a sunny patio right next to the street about halfway down Calle Santander.
El Bistro (Calle Santander, closer to the lakeshore, tel. 7762-0508, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, $5–10) is a pleasant, shady café/bar serving steak, pasta dishes, and sandwiches in the $5–10 range. Try the fettuccine with spicy tomato sauce.
For tasty, reasonably priced Mexican dishes and steak there’s Restaurante Orale (Calle Santander, tel. 7762-0017, lunch and dinner daily), popular for its friendly service and lively streetside atmosphere.
For American-style deli sandwiches, check out Panajachel Meats (Calle Principal, next to Rumba Bar, tel. 5391-4855, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sat.), where you’ll find Cuban sandwiches, pastrami, Italian subs, and BBQ pulled pork on the menu. The meats and cheeses are imported and the breads are baked fresh daily.