Robin's Kitchen

If you're looking for a true culinary icon of Ambergris Caye, then Robin's Kitchen is exactly the place you shouldn't miss. This modest but incredibly popular open-air eatery is located in the town of San Pedro. There are no white tablecloths here, but there is something much more valuable — the authentic spirit and flavor of Belize.

The establishment is an authentic Caribbean food shack specializing in Jamaican and Central American dishes. The undisputed star of the show is the jerk chicken — chicken marinated in a unique spice blend and grilled to a perfect crust. Thanks to the high quality of the food and the owners' hospitality, the restaurant regularly receives Travelers’ Choice awards and is ranked among the best places in town by travelers.

The atmosphere here is as relaxed as possible: simple wooden tables, an open kitchen, and the aroma of spices wafting through the air. It's a place where the food speaks for itself, attracting both locals and tourists who want to experience local cuisine without any fuss and at very affordable prices.

You can contact the owners or clarify order details by phone or through social media. This is a small family business, so personal communication is always a priority here.

The main goal of your visit is, of course, tasting the legendary jerk chicken or the tender chicken curry. Dishes are served with traditional regional sides: aromatic rice and beans, coleslaw, and fried plantains (sweet bananas). The portions here are very generous, so you definitely won't leave hungry.

Visitors can grab a table right outside to watch life in San Pedro go by and enjoy the warm sea breeze. This is a great opportunity to meet Robin himself and his wife, who often personally greet guests and create a sense of homey comfort. The establishment has a BYOB (bring your own beverage) policy, so you can bring your favorite drink from a neighboring bar.

Sometimes you can catch live music in the evenings, which adds a special Caribbean flair to the place. Many travelers return here several times during their vacation to try all the few but perfected menu items. Don't forget to take a couple of photos against the backdrop of this colorful, bright shack as a memory of the real Belize.

The eatery is located on the southern outskirts of San Pedro, on Sea Grape Drive, directly across from the Royal Palms hotel. You can reach Ambergris Caye by water taxi from Belize City (the trip takes about 1.5 hours) or by a small local airline plane, which shortens the journey to 15 minutes.

The most convenient way to get around San Pedro is by golf cart — the primary mode of transport on the island. A trip from the town center to Robin's Kitchen takes about 10–15 minutes. You can also use a taxi or rent a bicycle if you prefer a leisurely ride along the coast.

For those traveling by their own golf cart, there is a small parking area at the entrance. The place is easy to find using a navigator or by the distinctive aroma of grilled meat and spices that wafts through the neighborhood.

Robin's Kitchen started as a modest family business primarily catering to locals. The owner, Robin, wanted to bring authentic Caribbean and Jamaican recipes, passed down through his family for generations, to the streets of Ambergris Caye.

Over time, the fame of his incredible jerk chicken spread far beyond the local community. Thanks to word-of-mouth and rave reviews from travelers, the simple roadside shack transformed into one of the town's most famous culinary hotspots. Today, it is considered a must-visit for any food tourist in the region.

Despite its immense popularity and prestigious Travelers’ Choice award, the establishment has maintained its original look. There is no pretension or expensive decor — just a simple wooden structure and genuine hospitality. It is a living example of how dedication to quality and tradition can turn a small cafe into a world-class legend.

A visit here typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is an ideal spot for a quick yet delicious and filling lunch between beach time or island excursions.

If you choose to dine in, prepare for a slow-paced tropical atmosphere. However, many visitors prefer to take their food to go to enjoy the famous chicken right on the ocean shore, which also saves time in a busy tourist schedule.

The operating hours at Robin's Kitchen can be quite flexible. Officially, the establishment is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday until 5:30 PM, and Saturday evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Sunday, the restaurant usually operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Important note: In practice, the kitchen opens when the food is fully ready (usually around noon) and closes as soon as the last portion is sold. It is recommended to arrive early, as popular dishes can sell out long before the official closing time.

The restaurant's location on the southern tip of the island makes it an excellent starting point for further exploration. After a satisfying lunch, you can head to the beaches or visit other interesting spots in San Pedro.

Exploring nearby attractions will help you get a better feel for the island's atmosphere and add variety to your vacation.