This is where Hostal D'Acuna shines. Their meals are fabulous. Meals here cost a pretty penny, but are definitely worth it, if only for one night. Located at the back of the hostel’s courtyard, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Our waiter was very friendly and accommodating, making sure that we had a bouquet of fresh flowers on our table and that we were kept dry as the rain began to fall. His spirits were high and smile bright, even as the lightning picked up intensity and the electricity was knocked out. Lucky for us, our entrées were being cooked over an open grill, and even in the storm, the cook took great care in the preparation and the smoke enticed our growing appetites.

The seemingly simple appetizer of chicken soup was a surprise. Obviously made from scratch, it was rich and hearty, with lots of cilantro and a garnishing of spicy red-pepper flakes. It came with a choice of breads, of which we chose pan de campo, a hot multigrain loaf that tasted like a sourdough wheat. Roasted garlic was added per our server’s recommendation.

These starters were complimentary to our meals. Mine was the classic camarones al mojo de ajo (grilled prawns) Q100 and Maranno-Costillas de Bourbon (pork ribs in a bourbon sauce) Q80. Sides available were rice or veggies (seasoned broccoli, carrots, and zucchini). Dad, of course, enjoyed a Gallo beer, Guatemala's favorite, and I, a scrumptious banana licuado, my favorite. Everything on our plate was fresh, tasty, and filling, despite a huge storm raging overhead and no electricity. This earns the restaurant high marks in my book, and I would definitely go back.