New York City is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Belizean food, in particular, stands out. With its rich flavors and unique dishes, your taste buds will arrive in the Caribbean. This guide is your ticket to explore the best Belize restaurants in NYC. Whether you're craving authentic tamales or savoring the perfect blend of spices, these restaurants promise to deliver a taste of Belize right to your doorstep.

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What is Traditional Carribean and Belize Food?

Traditional Caribbean and Belizean food combines indigenous, African, European, and Asian influences. The cuisine blends bold flavors, tropical fruits, and fresh seafood with traditional cooking techniques like stewing, grilling, and slow cooking. Common ingredients in these dishes include coconut milk, plantains, cassava root, beans, and various spices such as cumin, ginger, allspice, and chili peppers.

3 Best Caribbean & Belize Restaurants in NYC

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1. Freda's Cuisine

As a small, family-run business, Freda's Cuisine epitomizes Caribbean hospitality. Located just near Central Park, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes that will leave you wanting more.

Their menu features classic Caribbean and Belizean favorites like rice and beans, curry goat, ox tail, and jerk chicken. Freda's Cuisine's take on dishes using fresh ingredients and creative techniques is well worth a visit.

2. Gilligans

Head over to Gilligans in Lower Manhattan for a taste of island time. They offer a resort-like vibe that makes you feel like you're lounging on the beach.

In addition to Carribean and Belizean classics, they offer pizza options and seasonal specials. For a casual, beachy meal, Gilligans is the place to be.

3. Surf Bar

Get your surf and turf fix at Surf Bar in Brooklyn. Their menu focuses on seafood, featuring dishes like ceviche and coconut shrimp alongside other traditional Caribbean options. Enjoy their laid-back atmosphere while sipping on tropical cocktails and indulging in delicious food cooked to perfection.

Final Thoughts

From family-run restaurants to beach-themed bars, these top Caribbean and Belizean restaurants in NYC offer a taste of the tropics right in the heart of the city. Whether you're craving good classic dishes or looking for unique twists on traditional meals, these spots are sure to satisfy your hunger and transport you to a Caribbean paradise. Don't forget to also explore other cultural cuisines in NYC through food tours and experiences – there's always something new to discover!

About the Author:

Cait Kontalis

Cait is a Chicago-based Greek-American but spends most of her year floating around the globe. She holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Nonprofit Management. Her favorite destinations include visiting her homeland in Greece, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and wherever her partner is stationed abroad. Cait is also a powderhound, taking to ski slopes in the Rocky Mountains and throughout the country.