12 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

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Consider this your ultimate guide on which Nosara restaurants are worth adding to your itinerary.

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve spent over a month cumulatively exploring this corner of Costa Rica— and that includes trying as many restaurants in Nosara as I can!

I’ll be honest—I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, and Costa Rica cuisine just doesn’t compare to places like France, Italy and Japan. With that said, for a small (and pretty hard to get to) surf town, Nosara has surprisingly tasty food options!

In this post I’m going to share all the best restaurants in Nosara you need to try on your trip, but provide some pro tips that will help you plan better along your dining adventures!

But first…are you planning a trip to Nosara soon? Here are my top picks for places to stay:

1. Sendero Hotel for the best location and design vibes.
2. Tierra Magnifica Hotel for the most epic hilltop views.
3. Silvestre Hotel for luxury wellness junkies.
4. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort for a yoga-filled getaway.
5. Or explore the best home rentals on Airbnb.

Plus, don’t miss my complete travel guide to Nosara, Costa Rica for all the best things to do on your trip.

Complete guide to the Best Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

What to Expect from Restaurants in Nosara

Nosara has built a reputation as a hip and laidback surf destination, but despite its super chill atmosphere you can find quite an array of dining options including some pretty world-class meals.

Blue Zone Quality Food

What is especially wonderful about the restaurants in Nosara is that the Nicoya Peninsula sits in one of the world’s recognized Blue Zones, known for having some of the longest-living residents thanks to a mix of lifestyle factors.

While that doesn’t mean that everything in Nosara is automatically “healthy,” it does mean that it’s easier to find fresh and nourishing options here when you want to. I’ve consistently found that even when I eat “naughty” things in Nosara, I still feel better after eating them than in the States as the ingredients just feel better.

So rest assured you can eat here to your heart’s desire and not feel too guilty about it!

Plenty of Variety

You can find many different types of restaurants in Nosara as well as all kinds of cuisines. Whether that’s Japanese, Italian, Indian or local Costa Rican fare, you can find it all here.

The restaurant options aren’t overwhelming, but rest assured if you’re just visiting for a week or so, you won’t run out of options.

Prices of Nosara Restaurants

Keep in mind that Nosara is pretty expensive and many restaurants here are on par with US prices. If you’re on a budget, local sodas are your best bet for finding inexpensive dining out in Nosara.

Types of Restaurants to Expect

I love that Nosara has a little something for everyone. In Nosara’s dining scene, here’s an overview at what you can expect to find:

• Local sodas (which are tico restaurants that serve classic Costa Rican dishes like casado and gallo pinto).
• Vegan restaurants
• Higher end hotel restaurants
• Burger joints
• Food truck spots
• Hip and healthy brunch and lunch spots
• Surf cafes
• All kinds of global cuisine including Indian, Argentinian, Italian, etc.

Quick Tips for Dining at Restaurants in Nosara

• Low Season Closures: If visiting in low season, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to ensure places are open as many restaurants will take time off in September/October. Google maps times are not always correct either.
• Be Prepared with Insect Repellent: You’re in the jungle after all. Always bring bug spray to ensure the mosquitoes don’t ruin your meal!
• Best Transportation: While not 100% necessary around the main parts of town, some of the best restaurants in Nosara are up the mountain or along pretty bumpy roads and are best accessed with a 4×4 vehicle or ATV.
• Cash vs Credit: Most places take cards, but a few spots are cash only, so it’s a good idea to bring some colones or some cash just in case.
• Dining on a Budget: Eating in Nosara is surprisingly expensive for a Central American destination. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, stick to the local sodas which serve traditional Costa Rican fare.

Top 12 Places to Eat in Nosara

1. La Malacrianza

This gem is located a short drive out of town on the way to Playa Garza, but it’s absolutely worth the trip and might just be the best restaurant in Nosara.

On my last visit to Nosara, we went back here three times it was just that good. La Malacrianza roughly translates to “bad manners” in Spanish (you’ll understand why if you visit), and every single dish we tried was super fresh and delicious.

They have everything from wood-fired pizza (which comes with a unique crispy cracker-like crust and loaded with toppings) to ceviche served with plantains and a melt-in-your-mouth beef stew.

I highly recommend ordering the catch of the day here, but truthfully you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Address: Contiguo a la Licorera Blue Garza, Garza 50206 Costa Rica

2. La Ventanita

I wish we would have known about La Ventanita earlier. Since it’s tucked away in the jungle, it’s kind of one of those “if you know you know” places and doesn’t get a lot of tourist foot traffic. But it’s one of my favorite options for brunch or lunch in Nosara and hits the mark on all fronts.

Here you can expect an array of options like bowls, sandwiches and salads as well as an excellent coffee and juice menu.

Everything here tastes healthy and fresh without skimping on flavor and they aim to be zero waste which is a nice bonus. Everyone we dined with loved their order here, but I’d recommend the pork banh mi which was super flavorful and surprisingly not too heavy.

Address: Playa Guiones Across from Outpost, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica

3. Huacas at Tierra Magnifica

For many, this is considered the best restaurant in Nosara, Costa Rica and it doesn’t hurt that it comes with drop-dead gorgeous views of the coastline from high atop the hill.

Tierra Magnifica is one of the best boutique hotels in Nosara, and their open-air restaurant Huacas recently got a new chef who completely upped the game.

Huacas focuses on Costa Rican inspired cuisine that is locally-sourced, healthy and made with organic ingredients, so you can expect everything to be of the highest quality.

For the ultimate experience, order one of the chef’s tasting menu options so you can experience the most variety on the menu.

I also recommend staying here during your time in Nosara if you want to be set away from the hustle and bustle of town. It’s magical up here!

Important Note: They don’t allow children at the restaurant, so dining here is only for people ages 15 and up.

Address: Proyecto Americano Las Huacas, Lote EE90, Nosara 50206 Costa Rica

4. Coyol Restaurant

If you’re looking for a more experiential meal in Nosara, then you need to check out Coyol. The restaurant is located up on the mountain with sweeping views of the Nicoya coastline. It’s necessary to have a 4×4 or ATV to get up here as the road can be quite the adventure.

But once you make it on top of the hill you’re met by a charming farmhouse style restaurant and outdoor seating made for the most epic sunsets. It doesn’t hurt that the food is also phenomenal.

Address: Mar Azul Mt, Nosara 50206 Costa Rica

5. Destiny Cafe and Restaurant

Located in the heart of Playa Guiones, Destiny is one of the most popular brunch spots in Nosara with an extensive menu that caters to all kinds of dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

Destiny’s menu has a wide selection of juices and smoothies, salads, burritos, bowls and even waffles and pancakes. Every time I come here though I order the Greek bowl, which is a delicious mezze platter with roasted chicken, pita, feta and sweet potato fries—it’s so freaking good.

The cloud coffee here is also a fun, Instagrammable choice if you’re in the mood for something different.

Address: Playa Guiones Norte Inside the La Negra Hotel, Nosara 50206 Costa Rica

6. Estrellitas Coffee

While Estrellitas in Playa Garza is a little overpriced in my honest opinion, the food here is amazing and made with love, so I have to include it here.

This plant-based cafe specializes in biodynamic coffee and locally-sourced ingredients; all their produce tastes like it were picked straight from the garden.

My partner and I split the Feria Sandwich (made with shiitake chorizo) and Proper Whopper here (both vegan) and the flavors were phenomenal. To say we were impressed is an understatement.

If you’re on the hunt for a great plant-based restaurant in Nosara, this is definitely a must!

Address: 5 minutes South West from Blue Garza

7. MamaGui

Authentic Italian food made by Italian chefs right in Nosara? Yes, please. MamaGui is a local favorite for its incredible quality. With chefs hailing from places like Soho House and Cecconi’s, it’s no wonder MamaGui has quickly become one of the top restaurants in Nosara.

What sets this spot apart from other Italian places beyond the quality is their accessibility for all kinds of diets. They have quite a few gluten-free, pescatarian, vegan and vegetarian options on the menu to satisfy anyone who wants to indulge in the the flavors of Italy.

Address: Esperanza Rte 160, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

8. Howler’s Beach Lounge

I’ll be honest, I actually had pretty low expectations from Howler’s given its limited menu and super laidback vibe, but this tuna carpaccio ended up being one of the best things we ate our entire trip.

If it hadn’t been the final day of our time in Nosara, I would have come back three more times just to eat this—it was that good! This watering hole is the perfect pit stop after a day of surfing by the beach.

Address: Surfo’s Surf Shop, North Guiones Beach Access Road Next to Juan, Playa Guiones 50206 Costa Rica

9. La Luna

More for the ambiance than anything, La Luna is definitely a staple in Nosara for a sunset meal or cocktail with ocean views. Located directly on Playa Pelada, it’s one of few restaurants in the area where you can dine practically on the sand.

Plus, they’ve made the setting super nice with comfortable outdoor lounge seating, bistro lights and steps for easy access down to the beach.

I prefer other options in town for food, so my recommendation would be to reserve a table an hour before sunset and grab a cocktail before heading somewhere else for dinner. If you do stay for dinner, the thin-crust pizzas are a pretty solid bet.

Keep in mind: The sun sets typically between 5:30 PM – 6 PM year-round in Nosara, so a 4:30 – 5 PM booking is perfect for catching sunset and golden hour here.

Address: Playa Pelada, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

10. Posada Margherita

Here you can find authentic Italian food like pastas, pizza, fresh seafood and salad in a rustic garden setting.

While I haven’t had a chance to eat at the Nosara location of Posada Margherita yet, I have eaten at their Tulum outpost several times and it ranks consistently as one of the best restaurants in Tulum. I’d expect no less from this more recent addition to the Nosara dining scene.

Address: 94534 N. 85.66735 W, 9, Provencia de Guanacaste, Nosara Costa Rica

11. Sendero Kitchen

While one of the more pricey dining options in Nosara, Sendero Kitchen (inside Sendero Hotel) is one of the only true high-end dining restaurants right in town. This is great for a romantic date night or special occasion, but worth it to visit at least once on your trip.

I’ve actually stayed here at the hotel and I can attest to the fact that their menu is top notch with really attentive service.

The ceviche and fennel salad are perfect light and fresh starters, but you can’t come here without ordering the pesto gnocchi. We loved it so much that we ordered a second one just so we could savor the flavors!

If you haven’t booked accommodations yet, I highly recommend checking out Sendero Hotel as an option—it’s got one of the best locations in town within walking distance to the beach!

Address: J53, Guanacaste Province, Guiones, 50206, Costa Rica

12. Soda Playa Garza

For affordable local Costa Rican food, eating at the sodas is a great budget-friendly option and Soda Playa Garza is one of the best. When it comes to location, this soda in Playa Garza just steps from the sand can’t be beat.

Address: Playa Garza, Costa Rica

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