Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria

Imagine a cozy corner of Tuscany hidden among the colonial streets of the highland city of Quetzaltenango. This is home to Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria — an authentic establishment that has been delighting guests with the true flavors of Italy in the heart of Guatemala since 2004.

The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic building in the La Floresta neighborhood. Stepping across its threshold, you enter an atmosphere of homey comfort, where the aromas of freshly baked bread and basil mingle with the cool mountain air. The open terrace and the brick wood-fired oven, where the city's most famous pizza is made, add a special charm to the place.

Giardino is more than just a pizzeria; it is a true gastronomic bridge between cultures. Thanks to the high quality of its ingredients and its loyalty to tradition, the establishment has earned high ratings and recognition from travelers worldwide, becoming a recipient of the Travelers’ Choice award. It is the perfect spot for those seeking a touch of European comfort and exquisite cuisine during their Guatemalan journey.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for the establishment in the table below. While the restaurant does not have an official website, you can always contact the staff by phone to book a table.

The main adventure at Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria is, undoubtedly, the food. Be sure to try the wood-fired pizza: the thin crust and unique ingredient combinations, such as pear with gorgonzola or shrimp with garlic, are sure to impress. Pasta lovers should look out for the homemade gnocchi, lasagna, or seafood fettuccine, which are prepared here strictly al dente.

Beyond the food, guests can enjoy a warm atmosphere of hospitality. The restaurant owner, who is also the head chef, often enters the dining room to chat with visitors, giving the dinner a particularly warm and personal character. You can choose a table in the classic indoor dining room or settle on the outdoor terrace to feel the evening freshness of Quetzaltenango while warming up with a glass of fine wine or aromatic Italian coffee.

This place is perfect for many occasions: from a romantic candlelit date to a lively family lunch. Don't forget to save room for dessert — the local tiramisu and Moscato wines provide a wonderful conclusion to your meal.

Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria is located in the heart of the city, in the La Floresta neighborhood (Zone 1). Thanks to its central location, it is easily reachable on foot from most iconic spots, including the popular Central Park. This makes the restaurant an excellent option for ending a stroll through the historic center.

If you are staying in a more distant part of the city, it is most convenient to take a taxi or call an Uber. The ride from most points in the city will take between 5 and 15 minutes. Use 4th Avenue in Zone 1 as a landmark for the driver. The restaurant does not have its own parking lot, but you can usually find a parking spot nearby.

For travelers arriving from the capital's La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City, you will first need to make the journey to the city itself by bus or shuttle, which takes about 4–5 hours. Once in Quetzaltenango, you will easily find local transport to take you to the doors of this Italian villa.

The history of this welcoming place began in 2004. Since its opening, Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria has pursued an ambitious goal: to introduce locals and visitors of the highland city to the authentic flavors of Italy without simplifying recipes to suit local habits.

A significant milestone for the establishment was its move to a new building in the city center. The owners carefully restored an old mansion, preserving its architectural charm and filling the dining rooms with the atmosphere of a cozy Tuscan home. It is this combination of Guatemalan history and Italian spirit that makes the restaurant's interior so unique.

For many years, the heart of the kitchen has been the wood-fired brick oven, where the pizza acquires its signature smoky aroma and crispy crust. The head chef, who has Italian roots, personally oversees the hand-making of the pasta, adhering to family traditions passed down through generations.

Over two decades of operation, the restaurant has earned the trust of both local families and international experts. Numerous awards, including the prestigious Travelers’ Choice mark, confirm that the commitment to quality and genuine hospitality remains the establishment's unwavering priority.

To fully enjoy your visit to Giardino Ristorante-Pizzeria, we recommend setting aside about 1.5–2.5 hours. This will be enough time to browse the menu at your leisure, enjoy an aperitif on the terrace, and wait for your meal to be freshly prepared in the wood-fired oven.

The establishment is known for its relaxed atmosphere, which is not meant for rushing. If you are planning a dinner with friends or a romantic date, the evening may stretch on, as the cozy interior and attentive service invite long conversations over a glass of wine and dessert.

To ensure your visit goes perfectly, it is worth keeping the establishment's schedule in mind. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, making it convenient for both lunch and late dinner. On Sundays, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM — a wonderful time for a leisurely family brunch.

Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. It is recommended to plan your visit in advance, as the establishment is very popular, especially during evening hours and on weekends.

After a hearty Italian lunch or dinner, it's the perfect time to continue exploring the city. The area surrounding the restaurant is filled with interesting locations, from green parks to historical monuments that will help you dive deeper into the local culture.