What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
El Fogon
Review
About
Travelers' Choice
2024
El Fogon means the "fire-hearth" We specialize in Authentic Belizean Cuisine. Our lunch menu includes Stewed Meats, Seafood & Soups. The items on the menu are all local favorites. Dinner consists of Grilled, Sauteed, Creole, Curry Seafood Combos, Kebabs and much more...All served with a choice of traditional Coconut White Rice or Rice and beans. Frozen Key Lime, Coconut Cheesecake a makes up our nightly desserts and amazing tropical drinks.
Features
CUISINES
Caribbean, Latin, Seafood, Central American
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Non-smoking restaurants
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Takeout
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 11:00 AM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Contribute
4.6
2,437 reviews
Excellent
1,759
Very good
494
Average
136
Poor
34
Terrible
14
Jenny from Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz831 contributions
May 2024 • couples
This spot is a bit pricier than other options in town, but we felt it was worth it for the quality and quantity of the food and the solid service. We also appreciated the air conditioned dining room!
The chicken hearth stew was flavorful but not too spicy. It was bone-in.
The kebab came with a delicious mango glaze.
The frozen drinks were tasty and large.
The server was attentive without hovering.
Written June 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mez65
London232 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
We had originally planned to go to another well reviewed restaurant in San Pedro, but were not impressed when we had walked in and asked about a table and they were not very warm and inviting! Their loss and our gain.
In complete contrast, we sent a WhatsApp message to El Fogon, and had a reply within moments, even though they were closed for the day. They followed that with kindly sending us an image of their menu, and being really flexible on when we could have a table, adapting to our changing needs.
We decided we would rather give our money to a restaurant that puts customer service at the forefront.
The remote customer focus was then backed up by the warmth of the welcome from Tina when we arrived, and we were blown away by the quality of the food at reasonable prices. The fire hearth was an added touch.
This was by far and away our best and favourite meal during a week on the island. Don't be persuaded by the other place with its white table cloths or you will have missed a real treat!
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anything_Water
Wisconsin29 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
My husband and I have had the pleasure of dining there on New Year's Eve for two years in a row. The authentic food and flavors are delicious and the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. The festive atmosphere and ambiance makes it the perfect spot to celebrate the start of a new year. We can't wait to dine there, again!
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WineDork
Stevenson Ranch12 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Had such high expectations based on reviews and recommendations. We were a group of 7 put next to a group of 20 that was loud and obnoxious. I wouldn’t hold that against the restaurant, but the way it echos in the room we were in made the experience even worse. We couldn’t even talk to each other it was so loud.
The waiter was friendly, but it took one hour and fifteen minutes to get our entree after order appetizers that were mediocre at best. We had the fish balls that were extremely fishy and not fresh. And the chips and salsa that were nothing special.
Once the food finally arrived it was “ok” but nobody had anything overly positive to say about their meal. We couldn’t get the check fast enough, everyone was happy to leave.
We were out Elvi’s the night before and that was a much better dinning experience all around.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MCK
3484 contributions
May 2024 • friends
Serving up more Belizean Food! I made reservations to this "popular" restaurant well in advanced. My friend and I dined here on a Wednesday at 6:30 PM and it was packed. Our table was waiting for us. I took note that there were very few servers based on the amount of diners. After being seated, we waited quite a bit for a server to come to our table. Finally Azueta came took our drink order which was 2 Classic Margaritas. My friend and I decided to share a Belizean Platter and a Whole Fried Snapper.
The drink took a long time. We finally got them along with the Appetizer Platter. As I was sipping the Margarita, I will say it was one of the worse tasting Margaritas I've ever had, no taste it was like drinking ice water. So bad when I finally got the attention of a server I told him send it back and take it off our bill. The Belizean Platter was very good. At this point I just wanted to order a beer. Again, to get the attention of any server was almost impossible. I felt like the forgotten child. The Fish came, very small and skinny and overcooked. Unfortunately this place was a let down with so many other to choose from.
Atmosphere: casual local feel. Service: poor. Food: OK
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy Murphy
Dakota Dunes202 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
Had a reservation and showed up 15 min early b/c it was pouring rain outside. Didn’t expect to be seated immediately due to being early but it was only about 5 min. Then nothing. Like no one even spoke to us. We watched other nearby tables get seated, get their drinks AND THEN GET THEIR FOOD before we got up and walked over to the hostess stand (about 8 feet from our table) and asked if she would send a server to our table. Five or so minutes later, a waitress came over and explained she was going to take our drink orders but that she wasn’t our server. Ten or so minutes later, a different person finally brought our drinks. At that time we asked if we could order. He said he’d get someone to take our order. Shortly a third person showed up and took our order. Meanwhile the table next to us had completely cycled thru to another party who already had their drinks. At this point, I started timing things. Thirty one minutes later we got our food. It was exhausting. We even had to chase someone down to get our bill. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough and I’ll never go back.
Written January 6, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindahayesinbelize
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • friends
If you're in San Pedro, Belize and feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of dining options, El Fogon is a top recommendation. This local gem offers a variety of delicious dishes, excellent service, and a cozy indoor setting, perfect for escaping the rain and mosquitoes. Their beef stew is a must-try!
Keep in mind that it's wise to make a dinner reservation, as El Fogon can fill up quickly, even during the slow season. Enjoy your meal! Check out my video about the restaurant by finding lindainbelize on facebook.
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdamyhill
San Diego243 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Husband and I have been visiting San Pedro for a few days now - upon arrival we received valuable tips from a local who suggested El Fogon as a spot to eat. We were not disappointed! We went for a late lunch today and it was really delicious. The service was friendly, the restaurant was clean and they had AC. But the food was STAR - I had the salbutes with fresh snapper and my husband had fresh snapper in a Creole sauce. We also had the conch ceviche. Everything was delicious.
Written February 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg T
8 contributions
May 2023 • couples
Many local residents recommended El Fogon for traditional Belizean cuisine. We were blown away by our meals and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. The wait staff was friendly, informative and passionate about the food they were recommending. Not only were our meals fresh and delicious, but they were reasonably priced. We will certainly go back and highly recommend for any travelers in search of Belizean food.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsy V
Nosara53 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Everyone told us we should try this place - and there IS a reason! Get reservations EARLY in your visit to make sure you get a table. We saw dozens of people get turned away. Their island Sangria is a tropical delight. We wanted authentic Belizian so my daughter and I each had the Fire Hearth Stew (waiter’s recommendation) and my husband had the shrimp creole. He loved it but wished he’d gotten the stew. (Think chunky stew more than broth- based…. And I added the coconut rice/beans at the waiter’s recommendation.). Their key lime pie was outstanding. This place is a MUST.
Written January 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tash
Las Vegas93 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
I normally wait until I get home to write reviews but we had such a lovely experience eating here last night. Everyone from the hosts, servers, bartenders was really welcoming from the moment we walked in. My husband and I both ordered the fried snapper and it did not disappoint! The food came out fresh and pipping hot! The fish was cooked to perfection!! The customers service also stood out, our server checked on us multiple times and the food came in a timely manner.
I’d like to add that parking wasn’t right next to the restaurant, but we found parking around the corner.
Written October 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAA
Decatur6 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Visited Ambergris Caye with my adult son for a fishing trip in March 2023. We had dinner at El Fogon without a reservation and had a very nice meal. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Grilled seafood was well prepared and reasonably priced. Recommend.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marika A
64 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We had many options to chose for, but as first night we wanted to stay close to our condo. We walk there and we were able to get straight away a table for 4. The service is really nice and the staff i incredibly kind and professional. Our waiter, was very knowledgeable and he answered to every question we asked. He was really professional and nice friendly and really approachable. The place is really clean and welcoming.
The best part was the food.... incredibly good. The only exception was for the crab legs. They were previously frozen, and when we asked to the waiter he told us that they were frozen (he said that they were fresh from Monday). My husband is a pretty good expert when it comes to crabs, and actually looks like they were frozen months ago).
I would definitely recommend it.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelista513
Georgia134 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
This restaurant came highly recommended in reviews and by locals. Maybe it was an off day… our food took about 35 minutes. During the wait every, and I mean EVERY, server in the restaurant came to check on us, asked repeatedly were we okay, and mentioned that something was wrong with the heaters in the kitchen. Our food arrived cold and some items were lukewarm. They graciously took the stew back to be warmed. They were extremely apologetic and beyond zealous in their efforts to ensure we were okay.
During our time in San Pedro we asked the locals if they eat there and while almost all of them recommend it to tourists they do not eat there themselves.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Radu T
5 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
OK outside seating, tasty seafood. Were told first by one waiter there are no tables available, after which another waiter seated us at the very "reserved" table we originally asked for. Seafood dishes, while tasty, are (as in pretty much all other restaurants in town) at California prices for a venue that looks utterly uninspiring by those very same standards. That said, overall we had a pleasant evening.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 2,366
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing