Italian

La Piccola — Kate’s Italian Cuisine (tel. 504/425-3746, 5–10 p.m. Wed.–Sun.), on Main Street west of the dock, is managed by Kate, an Italian expat who makes her own ravioli and gnocchi, and several types of very good sauces, such as the vesuviana, of olives, capers, and tomatoes. She also offers imported beef and fresh fish entrées. Much of the seating is on an outdoor terrace, surrounded by a pretty wood trellis with winding flower vines, while indoors is painted in warm cream and rust tones with a cute wine bar (with a decent selection of wines) in the center. It’s a bit more upscale than most in Utila [1], with cloth tablecloths and candles, not to mention good service, but still relaxed. Spaghetti “backpacker specials” are about US$5, while the other dishes are in the US$7–16 range.

Mango Café (tel. 504/425-3326, 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily), located at the Mango Inn [2], serves a variety of entrées, including fresh fish and lasagna, as well as well-loved brick-oven pizzas. Although expensive for their size (US$7.50–11 for a pie that feeds one hungry person or two not-so-hungry people), the pizzas have tasty toppings and crispy crusts.

Delany’s Island Kitchen (tel. 504/425-3184, 5:30–10 p.m., closed Wed. and Sun.) is managed by Delany’s daughter Carissa, offering generously portioned lasagna and superb pizza, as well as delicious fish in a creamy garlic-lemon sauce. Locals love to pick up a pie for take-out—not a bad idea if your hotel has a deck with a sunset view, although the hanging rice paper lanterns and strands of colored lights lend the seating area some nighttime charm. A meal here will set you back US$6–9.

Pizza Nut at Coco Loco Bar [3] is another popular place to grab a pie.