The best restaurant to visit in Nosara depends on what dining experience you want. If you’re on a tight budget and want to enjoy native Costa Rican dishes, Rosi’s Soda Tica is a fantastic spot. For romantic dining with sunset views, look no further than La Luna. 10pies offers the best pizzas in town, and Rolling Waves is among the top coffee restaurants in Nosara.
Nosara is quite an exciting place to be. Many visitors are more focused on fun things to do here than on places to eat. On my first trip to Costa Rica, I stayed on the Nicoya Peninsula (where Nosara is) and did many day excursions.
During that process, my local friend recommended a long list of restaurants I should try. I enjoyed some and wouldn’t recommend any.
In this article, I have reviewed some of the best places to enjoy food in Nosara for different occasions and different budget ranges.
Key Takeaways
In case you’re in a hurry and need to make a quick decision, here are my top recommendations on the best restaurants in Nosara and what purpose they shine best for:
- The best Nosara restaurant with a view (for sunset dinner): La Luna
- The Best Nosara Restaurant for Family Dining—El Manglar
- Best cheap Nosara restaurant—Generally, all Sodas in town
- For local Costa Rican cuisine on a budget, visit Rosi’s Soda Tica.
- The best Nosara restaurant for solo travelers and backpackers –La Sodita
- Nosara restaurant for a luxury dining experience— Huacas Restaurant Nosara
- Best Nosara restaurant for pizza—10 pies
- The Best Nosara Restaurant for Coffee, Snacks, and Pastries: Orgánico Bakers
What Should You Know About the Restaurants in Nosara?
If you’re new to Nosara and looking for a solid spot to enjoy quality food, you need to keep in mind that there are not a lot of explorations. It’s a small and sleepy Costa Rican surf town.
The chart below shows the dining options in this town, as well as the average cost of food portions:
List of the Best Restaurants in Nosara Reviewed
Let’s now look at what you can expect at some of the best restaurants in Nosara:
1. La Luna
- Address: Playa Pelada, Nosara 4, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2682 0122
- Budget: $8-$30
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
If you want a restaurant in Nosara with stunning views where you can soak up the sunset as you enjoy your meal, then head to La Luna. If I could recommend only one spot for romantic dining, this would be it. They offer pizza, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine.
It offers a beautiful setting right on the beach at Playa Pelada.
La Luna is quite pricey, but no more so than other places in Nosara. I went twice in one day since I wanted to try their different menus.
What I like about this place
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- A beautiful view of the sunset on Playa Pelada
- Nice atmosphere
What I don’t like about this place
- It is a bit far from Guiones (10-minute drive), where most of the hotels and accommodations are
2. El Manglar Restaurant
- Address: 250 meters south of the Harbor Reef Hotel in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
- Menu
- Contact: +506 2682 0608
- Budget: $7-$19
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
If you want to dine with family and on a decent budget, I recommend El Manglar restaurant in Nosara. Their menu is centered around Latin, seafood, international, Central American, and Costa Rican dishes.
This restaurant is in a hotel near the beach. It’s a relaxed place with charming service.
What I like about this place
- Private ambiance for good family time
- Prices of food are moderate for the quality of food.
- Close to a beach
- The band here, “El Beachos,” is fantastic.
- Beautiful gardens and a crystal-clean pool
What I don’t like about this place
- This restaurant caters more to vegans and vegetarians.
3. Beach Dog Cafe
- Address: W8RM+FF7, Seadoggy Rd., Costa Rica, Nosara, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2682 1293
- Budget: $3-$15
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
You must visit the Beach Dog Cafe; with a name like that, it’s difficult to resist! They’ve got a lot to offer, especially for a smaller spot, and their outdoor seating is really nice.
Plus, they have a fantastic cold plunge pool on the side. I even went back later the same day to listen to some chill live music and once again experienced their friendly service.
They feature live performances by exceptional bands each evening and serve the finest mojitos in town. I ended up eating here three out of the six days of our trip.
I highly recommend trying the Curry Fish Bowl and the Ginger Pineapple Fish of the Day.
What I like about this place
- Doubles as a restaurant and bar
- They have fantastic food for any occasion.
- Killer bands every night.
Open Mic every Tuesday night
What I don’t like about this place
- No tacos in the evening
- It gets hot, especially if you are seated in the middle.
4. Huacas Restaurant Nosara
- Address: Proyecto Americano Las Huacas, Lote EE90 Guanacaste Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 8705 5117
- Budget: Starting from $15 to $35
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Huacas Restaurant Nosara is a better option for something more upscale. It has stunning views of the ocean.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is delightful, with its open-air setup offering views of the jungle and the ocean below. They have a nice variety of food, all of which tastes incredibly fresh and delicious. My favorites were the ceviche and BBQ ribs.
What I like about this place
- You can’t beat the view at sunset.
- Beautiful architecture and ambiance.
- The food is excellent, with a beautiful presentation.
- A must-see in Nosara
What I don’t like about this place
- Not budget-friendly
- Dinner stands out more than breakfast.
5. Rosi’s Soda Tica
- Address: Plaza Guiones Norte, 130 Metros Sur de Hotel Kaya Sol, Provincia de Guanacaste, Guiones, 50206, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2530 1363
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
We first learned about Rosi’s Soda Tica from a local. It’s a solid spot for enjoying local Costa Rican cuisine, especially for breakfast.
This café is a small, cozy spot with outdoor seating. The people are friendly, and they serve delicious, simple Costa Rican food. You’ll get your food quickly here. And, of course, they have good coffee!
My husband loved their banana pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon so much that he had them three days in a row.
They only had “Aunt Jemima” syrup, but the pancakes were so thick and sweet that they didn’t need any extra syrup. The bacon was thick, flavorful, friendly, and crispy. This was definitely the best place we found in the area for breakfast.
6. 10Pies
- Address: From The Gardens Hotel/El Local Restaurant, 200 meters West, 500 meters North, 25 meters West, Nosara 50206, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2573 3236
- Budget: $2-$12
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
I absolutely adore 10 pies (which means 10 feet). It’s a charming spot with a surfing theme, open space, and large tables perfect for groups.
If you’re a pizza lover, this is the place to be. They use fresh ingredients, and the flavors are fantastic. During my week in Guiones, I ended up eating at 10 Pies twice—it was that good!
Their pizzas are delicious and fresh, and they come in creative combinations. The first time, my husband and I shared a 10 pie/Romana pizza, which was delicious.
The Romana had lots of fresh basil, which I love. On our next visit, we tried the 10 Pies and Mexican Pizza, and both were fantastic! It became our favorite combo. Don’t forget to try their cocktails! The fresh watermelon margarita and the spicy margarita are both delicious.
What I like about this place
- Great atmosphere and location
- The wings served here are grilled (ask for sauce on the side for a crispier experience).
- Amazing summer rolls
- An excellent spot for pizza lovers in Nosara
What I don’t like about this place
- Many visitors say this place needs something more exciting and new on its menu.
7. Orgánico Bakery
- Address: Guiones Beach, Guanacaste Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2682 0087
- Budget: $5-$15
- Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
For the best snacks and pastries in Nosara, I totally recommend Organico Bakery.
The same people who operate the Organico Grocer market also own it. We were fortunate to discover this fantastic bakery on our first morning in Nosara.
They have incredible baked treats like chocolate croissants and almond croissants, plus some delicious breakfast options. We ended up going back to this café several times during our trip. I highly recommend it!
The sandwiches cost approximately €6, and the brownie is truly irresistible. If you order just a smoothie or a drink, they’ll let you use their swimming pool at no extra cost—a perfect break from the hot midday sun.
8. La Sodita
- Address: At the Entrance to San Juanillo, San Juanillo 50206, Costa Rica
- Menu
- Contact: +506 8888 9525
- Budget:
- Rating: 5/5 on TripAdvisor
This place may seem small and hidden at first, but it’s a hidden gem! The owners are a lovely family who traveled the world before settling in San Juanillo. Mom and Dad cook and serve, while the kids help out by waiting at tables and clearing them.
They serve a variety of dishes, from falafel to African chicken, which I had, and it was so delicious I wanted to lick the plate clean! The spices they use are just perfect.
Whether it’s salads, side dishes, fish, lemonade with mint, or smoothies, everything tastes divine.
They’re only open from Friday to Sunday, but it’s totally worth it. The atmosphere is relaxed, with Thievery Corp. playing in the background, free wifi, and just an overall fantastic vibe.
It’s the best stop for a solo traveler or backpacker.
What I like about this place
- Far more than simply a little soda.
- The food is fresh, colorful, and delicious. The best meal we had in Costa Rica.
- Cheap food
What I don’t like about this place
- They’re only open from Friday to Sunday.
Wrapping Up
The best restaurants to visit in Nosara, Costa Rica, boil down to what kind of experience you want.
In general, the small restaurants known as “sodas” will be the most budget-friendly. You can get a massive meal for $7 or less, and I usually save half of it for dinner.
However, I still love the ambiance and packaging of Huacas Restaurant Nosara, which makes it a top choice for luxurious dining in the town.
For specialized preferences like coffee, pastries, or pizza, restaurants like 10Pies, Organico Bakers, and Rolling Waves are available.
If you’re a seafood lover, look no further than Fish Bar.
It is evident that the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. But one thing is common among these spots: they are all wonderful.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation! Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
