Mambo Restaurant
Belize
Mambo Restaurant at Matachica sits beneath a thatched palapa overlooking the Caribbean on northern Ambergris Caye. The restaurant takes reservations for its open-air dinner setting, where chefs Léon Cerredo and Stephen Lighter combine local seafood with international techniques. Banana-leaf snapper pairs fish, shrimp, vegetables and herbs with coconut rice and roasted plantain. Seasonal lobster ravioli uses red recado sauce, while tuna comes with tropical fruit salsa, lemongrass rice and lime-ginger sauce. Beef choices include filet mignon and a smaller steak paired with lobster tail in season. Desserts continue the local connection, including key lime pie with honey Chantilly and coconut mousse, sponge and meringue. Wine accompanies the menu.