Authentic Flavors Restaurant & Experiences

flavorful food. dynamic culture

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Authentic Local Experiences

Our aim is to embrace and bring recognition to local cultures, people and talents.

Authentic Flavors Restaurant

Authentic Flavors Restaurant is the only typical, traditional and ethnic Belizean restaurant in town. The menu presents food from the different cultures of Belize including the Garifuna, Maya, Creole and Mestizo.

Our Cultural Center

Located in the Kontiki area of Cayo. One will have a full community experience; from delicious traditional food, local gift shop, health & food store to hair braiding and drum, dance and culinary lessons.

Our Story

Welcome to our family business

Located in the heart of beautiful & bustling San Ignacio Town, Authentic Flavors Restaurant offers the most genuine dining experience, with savory flavors that reflect the Garifuna and Mayan cultural traditions of its owner, Ivy Flores. Patrons describe the combination of locally-sourced seasonally-available ingredients with Ivy’s apparent love for creating unforgettable experiences “pure food for the soul.” As a native of Southern Belizean, Ivy is a prominent member of the Garifuna Community and possesses a passion for food, culture, and adventure. Ivy offers one-of-a-kind tour packages and consultations through her adjoining business Authentic Belize Experience.

Ivy’s journey into the flavorful world of culinary arts began when she was merely 11 years old. During that time she helped her father as a cook in his home-based restaurant & bar, highlighted by live music and some of their community’s favorite comfort foods. Ivy actually still uses the pot in which she prepared her very first serving of rice & beans! As a member of Belize’s first Garifuna band, Ivy describes her father as always being an entrepreneur. Together, they dreamed of establishing their very own flourishing restaurant. Although Ivy’s father passed in 2009, their vision did not die with him. On September 21, 2017, Ivy opened the doors of Authentic Flavors Restaurant to welcome customers from all around the world! Each and every day she and her staff offer travelers & locals the most original dining experience in the Cayo District of Belize. Possessing a Bachelors in Business Administration, with a minor focus in Cultural Anthropology from Galen University; Ivy maintains the mission of Authentic Flavors Restaurant and Authentic Belize Experience to embrace local cultures & people.

In addition to her numerous business functions, Ivy still finds time to serve her community. All ingredients used at Authentic Flavors Restaurant come from local farmers. They offer cooking lessons (both on-site & in villages), and mentor local crafts-people and youth to start their own businesses. One of Ivy’s long-term goals is to create a community farm and cultural center, where members can develop their skills and profit from their efforts. By continuing to encourage locals in keeping-up the primary facets of their traditional way of life, Ivy Flores is the definition of a servant leader.

Darlene Teck is passionate and urgent about continuing the great work her Mother & Grandmother passed on to her. She has observed the Mopan Maya Culture slowly be pushed aside in favor of globalization and consumerism of artificial goods. With a strong desire to reclaim that which was becoming lost, and a heart for service, she accepted the opportunity to help her friend Ivy Flores. Her vision is to promote their traditional way of cooking and crafting. Darlene’s interests surround encouraging up-coming generations and continuing towards her dream of revitalizing their community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote our traditional way of life through our food, craft, arts and talents. We aim to bring recognition to our people, their culture and traditional ways in order to achieve cultural retention, identity and economic stability.

The Goal

We are working to create this cultural exchange center for those seeking a transformational experience through learning about this ancient and intelligent knowledge and way of life. Through our venture, we hope that we will encourage our people to hold on to there culture and identity and to practice their original way of life through means as farming and crafting.

Testimonials

What People are Saying

“A Great Find”

“Great upstairs place looking over the street and town center. Full flavoured food supported by welcoming service. Ms Ivy is amazing and very sweet. She is very knowledgeable about coastal cuisine and the food she serves looks great and tastes better. I don’t give 5 stars very often but this place deserves it. Probably the best food we had in San Ignacio!.“

“Excellent Darasa & Conch Soup”

“Living in San Ignacio one gets to know the best local food. You cant beat going to Authentic Flavor owned and run by Miss Ivy. Just top quality food served fresh and made to order. Great location too..on a second floor but open air and relaxing atmosphere with interesting Garifuna decorations and of course traditional healthy fresh Garifuna food. Always a great meal “

TripAdvisor

“Best service, best creole lobster”

“Ivy & Jose are amazing and friendly. the food is by far some of the best food I’ve had anywhere in Belize or on any of my travels for that matter. I highly recommend this restaurant, you will not find better..“

Facebook

“What a place! Exceptional value for delicious and unique food! I’m a vegetarian and was happy to see they had a few options. I tried the stew they had on special that they could make with vegetarian. Very flavorful, fresh and seemed healthy. Loved the lime ginger juice too!.”

Google reviews

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Hours of Operation

MON – FRI
10:00am – 1:00pm
4:00pm – 10:30pm

SAT
3:00pm – 10:30pm

SUN
We are closed

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