Guatemala is a country that knows how to do courtyards. Fernando’s, tucked into a quiet side street, is proof. The outside doesn’t tell you much about the place, but inside is an enchanting, tranquil patio with tropical plants and flowers, Mayan table linens, and even a resident cat who sits placidly in the sunshine.

This lovely hidden gem offers crepes, fresh fruit, all-day breakfast foods, salads, empanadas, smoothies, wonderful coffee, and superb chocolate, made onsite. If you are lucky, the effervescent Fernando will take you behind closed doors to show you his chocolate-making facility and processes. Buy a few bars of Fernando’s chocolate and your friends back home will flip.

Tip: If your family is gluten-free, Fernando’s is a rare and golden option in Antigua.

Hours

Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon; Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.