What should I order at The Pelican?
The Pelican
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is the most frequently praised dish, recommended for its authentic and flavorful taste despite being on a Caribbean island. Multiple reviewers mention it as the best Pad Thai they have had outside Thailand, noting the perfect spice levels, generous portions, and consistent quality. The chef Peter is credited with nailing this dish, making it a standout item on the menu available every day.
Mango Sticky Rice
This dessert is highly recommended for its creamy texture and authentic flavor. Reviewers highlight it as a perfect sweet ending to their meal, often paired with refreshing drinks. It is noted as exactly what one expects from traditional mango sticky rice.
Panko Coconut Shrimp
The shrimp dish is praised for its unique coconut flavor infused in the panko breading. Even those who don’t usually like shrimp found this preparation enjoyable. It is described as flavorful and a great appetizer option.
Panang Curry
The Panang curry receives strong recommendations, especially from those who appreciate spicy food. It comes with rice and is described as large, flavorful, and notably spicy, considered one of the spiciest dishes on the island but very satisfying.
Oxtail
Oxtail is highlighted as an exceptional Caribbean delicacy served at The Pelican. The meat is tender and falls off the bone, with rich, flavorful gravy. It is recommended for those seeking a hearty and unique dish.
Drunken Noodles
Drunken noodles are recommended for their spiciness and flavor, providing a good alternative to Pad Thai. They offer a delicious option with beef and come in varying spice levels.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 1 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 1 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 1 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 1 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
About The Pelican
The Pelican is a restaurant in Utila, Bay Islands, known for Asian-inspired dishes, especially Thai-style plates. Reviewers consistently praise the pad thai, curry dishes, and desserts like mango sticky rice, along with cocktails and homemade juices. The restaurant is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy, with limited seating and a small dining room that can get warm. It serves lunch and dinner, accepts reservations, and is popular with groups, tourists, and solo diners.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is The Pelican known for?
The Pelican is best known for pad thai, which reviewers call the standout dish and say is on the menu every day. People also highlight curry dishes, including panang curry and shrimp curry noodles, as well as desserts like mango sticky rice.
What dishes are most recommended at The Pelican?
Reviewers most often recommend the pad thai, pad see yew with beef, panang curry, and mango sticky rice. Other frequently mentioned dishes include veggie pad thai, spicy peanut chicken, orange chicken, General Tso chicken, and conch fingers.
What is the atmosphere like at The Pelican?
The Pelican has a small, intimate dining room with a casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy feel. Reviewers note that it can get warm because of the open kitchen and limited seating, so it suits people who do not mind a tighter space, including couples, solo diners, and small groups.
When is the best time to visit The Pelican?
Dinner can be busy enough that reviewers strongly recommend reservations, especially because there are only about 20 seats and the place fills up fast. Lunch is often easier, with some reviewers reporting no wait at midday, while takeout is also an option when seating is tight.
Is parking available at The Pelican?
Yes. Free street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does The Pelican have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Pelican offers vegan options.
Restaurants like The Pelican in Utila
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