Cocina Caramba

If I could only choose one place to eat while in Ambergris Caye, it would be Caramba's. It's not waterfront, it's not fancy, it's just great food and a high-energy environment! I usually go at least two times each year and still wish I had another night there so I could go back! Caramba's has been open since 2002 and even in the off season, it's always packed. I am yet eat there and not find the owner, Rene Reyes, there chatting with patrons!

Caramba's has a very comprensive seafood menu with Conch, shrimp, lobster, snapper, grouper, and usually a catch of the day cooked pretyt much any way you like. Grilled, blackened, garlic butter, jerk sauce, coconut sauce, etc. Take note though, entrees with coconut are not the typical US version with coconut breading. It's a coconut milk type sauce, which is unique but still delicious!

For those who are not seafood lovers (what a crime!) they even have burgers, chicken and meat entrees, as well as Mexican dishes. Everything is served with your choice of side dishes (coconut beans are rice are excellent). Complimentary conch ceviche is served with chips and it is definitely worth hoarding!! :-)

As for drinks, margaritas and Belikin beer are the obvious choices. I prefer their Michelada which is one of the best on the caye, but not for everyone. It's definitely an acquired taste but something I grew to love years ago. There are variations of it with tomato juice but the best version is beer with hot sauce, worchestershire sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and salt on the glass rim. Yes, sounds strange, but my fave!

Prices at Caramba's are reasonable. Everything is in BZE (2 to 1 US conversion so it's easy to remember) and for example, lobster is around $20 US and blackened snapper is $7.50 US. Make sure to try dessert too!!! Key Lime pie on the caye is awesome!!