Café El Árabe (4a Calle 12-22 Zona 1, tel. 7761-7889, noon–midnight daily, $4–10) serves delicious Middle Eastern fare, including fresh hummus and tasty falafel. It’s conveniently situated just off the plaza and can also be a lively place at night.

Café Baviera (5a Calle 13-14, tel. 7761-5018, 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m. daily, $3–5) has a decidedly German atmosphere chock-full of antiques where you can enjoy scrumptious pastries, sandwiches, crepes, and shakes in addition to some of the best coffee in town.

Café La Luna (8a Avenida 4-11 Zona 1, tel. 7761-2242, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 4–9 p.m. Sat./Sun.) is wonderfully decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques, including old signs, gas lamps, cash registers, and even pre- Columbian artifacts. Menu options include great coffee, snacks, and desserts and there are daily specials of various Guatemalan dishes, including delicious enchiladas on Sundays. Try the scrumptious chocolate cake.

Around the corner and under the same ownership is Bajo La Luna (tel. 7761-2242, 8 p.m.–midnight Tues.–Fri.), a cozy wine cellar with a charming Old World feel where there’s a good mix of bottled wines ranging in price $9–50. There are also various cheeses on offer.

With wonderful views of Parque Centroamérica from its second-floor terrace, El Balcón del Enríquez (12 Avenida 4-40 Zona 1, tel. 7765-2296, all meals daily) is a good place to start the day or wind it up with a cup of coffee or cocktail while people-watching over the plaza below. There are good sandwiches, breakfasts, and pastries.

For a quaint coffee-bar atmosphere, check out El Cuartito Café (13 Avenida 7-09 Zona 1, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Wed.–Sun.), serving organically grown fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate beverages in addition to tempting cookies and baked goods. There are books and board games to keep you entertained as well as live music some nights.