A Trowberry Tasting Tour of the best family-friendly restaurants in Antigua for Kids (and Parents!)
If there’s one thing we adore as a travelling family, it’s discovering a city’s best bites, especially when those dishes are packed with flavour, fun, and a dash of family-friendliness. Nyle is not a kid who sits still easily, so having laid back restaurants and spacious places to go work well for us.
Antigua, Guatemala, perched high in the highlands and ringed by dramatic volcanoes, isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We spent 6 days in this charming city as part of our Guatemala roadtrip.
It’s a culinary playground for families seeking hearty, wholesome, and veggie-friendly eats. From rainbow-bright market stalls to hidden bakeries, Antigua made us wish we had a second stomach (or at least, a longer stay!). Looking for things to do in Antigua with kids – we’ve got your back there too with this blog!
Here are our tried-and-true, kid-approved, and veggie-loving favourites for your family’s next foodie adventure.
Indian Accent
Nestled just off the cobblestone bustle, Indian Accent is where we found comfort in fragrant curries and warm, pillowy naan. The staff are endlessly patient with little ones, always happy to customise spice levels and serve extra mango lassis which were really good. The dal tadka is so smooth Alicia couldn’t get enough of it, and the veggie samosas vanished very quickly. Crayons and drawing sheets appear like magic if your crew needs a distraction between courses. It’s not the cheapest place, but the quality of food and service make it very much worth it.
Rincón Antigüeño
Craving Guatemalan without the carnivore’s guilt? Rincón Antigüeño’s veggie pepián and hearty black bean soups are gentle on little tummies and a local favourite for a reason. Here, you’ll sip hibiscus juice under twinkling fairy lights while the kids marvel at colourful murals. High chairs abound, and the staff greet children as honoured guests.
Wachuma
Wachuma feels like eating in a jungle fairytale, with lush plants hanging from every corner and a menu that’s as creative as it is kind to vegetarians. Parents can fuel up with golden turmeric lattes while the kids slurp up fresh fruit smoothies. The veggie burgers are stacked high and their nachos are a family-sharing dream. There’s always a little nook or swing seat for a chill-out break mid-meal.
Doña Luisa Xicotencatl
This legendary bakery is famous for its thick banana bread, and we’d argue it’s worth a breakfast (or three). Kids love peeking into the old stone ovens, and there are plenty of quiet courtyard tables for a leisurely morning. Their cheese breads, veggie quiches, and hot chocolate are toasty delights, and everything is baked with love, and a touch of cinnamon. The bakery is a stones through from the central park which is one of the must-visit places in Antigua for the kids. So why not grab some bakery items and head for a picnic there. Just watch the pigeons!
La Familia Pizzería y Panadería
Pizza is the universal family meal, and La Familia Pizzería y Panadería nails it with gooey, bubbling cheese and the freshest veggie toppings. Families are welcomed like old friends, and the dough-tossing show in the open kitchen has little ones glued to their seats. It’s really great value and the pizzas are absolutely delicious. The panaderia side means there’s always a sweet treat to end the meal. Nyle was very fond of the chocolate-filled croissants!
Café El Portal (for Milkshakes)
Craving something cool? Café El Portal sits right off the main square, near El Arco, making it the perfect pit stop after exploring the city’s cathedrals and ruins. Their creamy milkshakes come in every flavour imaginable—chocolate, vanilla, banana, and the house special, strawberry-rose. There’s always room for whipped cream moustaches and a cheeky slice of carrot cake. Alicia was in her absolute element here. 1 milkshake would be enough for 2 normal children – Alicia is not in the normal category but nearly made herself sick with the size of them! There’s a rooftop area and the courtyard meaning those children who can’t sit still have some space to explore without bothering anyone.
Samsara
Samsara café is a haven for plant-based food lovers, blending vibrant international flavours with local Guatemalan ingredients. The menu overflows with colourful salads, wholesome bowls, and inventive vegan treats, ach dish bursting with freshness and spices. Their homemade hummus and falafel are crowd-pleasers, and the smoothies are as beautiful as they are nourishing. With a laid-back atmosphere and creative plates, it’s the perfect spot for families seeking healthy, joyful dining in Antigua. The food is better suited for non-fussy eaters but the owners were fine when I asked if I could open some plain crisps and a diet coke for Nyle (they don’t have ‘normal’ soft drinks).
Coffea Cafes Especialises
Coffea Cafes Especialises is a haven for coffee aficionados and families alike, nestled on a picturesque street in Antigua. The café boasts a menu brimming with aromatic single-origin brews, decadent hot chocolates, and an array of fresh pastries that tempt from behind the counter. The baristas are as passionate about sharing their craft as they are about making each guest feel welcome. Kids can sip on frothy babyccinos and run around in the courtyard which even has a plane in the middle – who knows why. The courtyard also has several eateries to choose from so it is like a small food court really. There were also toys and games to be used by folk dining there.
La Taquiza Antigua
La Taquiza Antigua is a fiesta of veggie tacos: think grilled mushrooms, squash blossoms, and tangy salsas. The build-your-own taco platters are made for sharing, and kids can pile on as much (or as little) cheese and avocado as they dare. They even did just wrap and chicken for Nyle and he wolfed it down. The friendly team go out of their way to make everyone feel at home, and the bright, bustling atmosphere is full of laughter. It’s also really good value for money and the main seating area is a rooftop with views over towards the market area.
Rooftop Antigua
For families seeking a meal with a view, Rooftop Antigua is a must-visit. This airy spot offers open skies and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanoes. In fact we visited here after our Pacaya hike – one of our best things to do in Antigua! It’s open all day so perfect for sunset suppers or a leisurely brunch. Their menu features a variety of veggie-friendly dishes, from colourful salads to flavourful pastas, and there’s always fresh juice or smoothies for the kids. With comfortable seating and plenty of space to stretch out, everyone can relax and soak in the sights while sharing plates and stories. We were a group of 15-20 people and they accommodated us no issue.
McDonald’s Antigua – The Ultimate Air-Conditioned Soft Play!
Yes, you read that right. Antigua’s McDonald’s is famous among parents in Guatemala with kids for its air-conditioned indoor playground, beautiful colonial courtyard, and spotless facilities. After a morning of sightseeing, let the kids run free and enjoy a non-local cuisine with a Happy Meal whilst you enjoy the air con, padded sofas and beautiful gardens – undeniably this is the best McDonalds in the world.
Our Trowberry Takeaway
Antigua’s food scene is as colourful and welcoming as its iconic streets. Whether you’re gathering around a steaming bowl of soup, nibbling a sweet roll in a courtyard, or tucking into a family pizza, you’ll find that each spot embraces children, celebrates veggies, and delivers a feast for all the senses.
