Lake Atitlan Restaurants: Dining at Ventana Blue in San Pedro

A new landmark on the San Pedro dining scene, Ventana Blue specializes in Asian and Guatemalan fare. This cozy restaurant has just four tables, so there is never a long wait for your food.

Gourmet Asian Cuisine

I enjoyed the Sofrito de Pollo a la Naranja, or stir-fried Orange-Cashew Chicken. It’s one of a select list of Asian meals served up by Santos (a gourmet chef with extensive experience at top Guatemalan hotels), and Blake, who also run Cafe la Puerta. The sauce, lightly sweet and delicately spiced, was a tasty complement to the chicken, rice and vegetables.

Other popular Asian dishes are the Teriyaki Beef Loin with Onions and Mushrooms, and the Tofu with Rice and Noodles (tofu can be substituted for meat in any dish).

Appetizers range from beef or vegetarian Thai Rolls to empanadas and San Choy Bau, or lettuce rolls with or without meat. These, like other meals, can be ordered to go.

Not Your Typical Tipico

The Guatemalan dishes are a notch above typical tipico, each enhanced with a unique variation and flavor. Locals return frequently for the Jocom, or chicken and vegetables in a green herbal sauce, and the Estofado de Pollo, or chicken in a grilled tomato-vegetable sauce.Be sure to ask about any special entrees, such as the pepper steak.

Desserts are also top-shelf, with a surprising zucchini and cranberry pie that has the texture of rum cake. Also keep an eye out for the sign announcing that cheesecake is on the menu tonight. Beer, wine, tea and sodas are available.

With the atmosphere of a Bali temple, sitar and other Asian music playing in the background, and the sizzle and clatter and exotic aromas of the kitchen on the other side of the bamboo counter, Ventana blue possesses a charm and magic all its own—one that you’ll return to savor often.

On 7th Avenue near el Jardin in San Pedro la Laguna, Ventana Blue is open from 6 PM-11 PM, closed Tuesday.