15 Tastiest Cafes & Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica: A Foodie Guide

Looking for the best restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica? This food guide covers where to eat in Nosara, including who they are best for, what to order, what to expect and any dining tips.

Planning a first trip to Nosara and trying to figure out where to eat between surf lessons and sunset beach walks? The food scene here is a fun mix of wellness cafés, barefoot sunset spots, and no-frills counters that punch way above their weight.

Menus change with the season, hours can be… aspirational, dust gets everywhere, and the “best” list depends on whether you want green juice at 8 a.m. or a strong cocktail at 8 p.m. Add in card-only vs. cash-only quirks, and it’s easy to waste meals.

I spent a full 2 months in Nosara doing nothing but surfing, scouting, and eating. Paying my own way, circling back to see what was consistently good (Destiny Cafe, I am looking at you!), and noting what’s hype vs. worth it. I’m big on practicals (location, wait times, noise level).

Below you’ll find my straight-talk guide to the tastiest cafés and restaurants in Nosara: what the vibe is, who each place suits, where it sits (Guiones, Pelada, Garza), what to order, and how to dine smart (when to go, whether to book, cash vs. card).

Take this advice as a guide and you’ll hit the right places on the right days, avoid the duds, and eat incredibly well without stressing the logistics.

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Map of Nosara Costa Rica Restaurants

The best restaurants in Nosara are located in either downtown Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada with the exception of Perozah just south at Playa Garza.

If you find yourself without motorized transportation while visiting Nosara, Costa Rica, you can easily eat like a king or queen if you book your hotel in Guiones village, where most of my favourite restaurants are located.

Best Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

1. Destiny Cafe

Temporary Closed

Best for: post-surf breakfasts, vegetarians/vegans/GF eaters who still want flavor, and anyone who likes a proper espresso with their smoothie bowl.

If you’re staying near my favourite Nosara Beach – Guiones, and want that first “okay, I could live here” breakfast, Destiny Cafe is it. Bright, breezy, lots of plants, and the kind of easygoing service that makes a post-surf morning feel like a ritual. It’s relaxed without being slow, and the menu leans fresh and feel-good rather than overly “wellness-y.”

Where it is / what’s around: tucked on a quiet Guiones side street a few minutes’ walk from the main beach paths. You’re close to board rentals and a couple of boutiques, so it’s an easy coffee → shop → sand loop.

What to order: the breakfast burrito (ask for a little spicy salsa on the side), avo toast on good sourdough with pickled onions and seeds, and one of their smoothie bowls topped with house granola if you’re going lighter. Coffee is solid (flat white or cold brew) plus fresh juices if you’re rehydrating after a saltier session.

On my third or fourth visit (yes, I love it that much), I also really enjoyed the traditional Costa Rican breakfast plate.

For something kind of ridiculous but good, try the Cloud Coffee (my husband and I both taste-tested it). Homemade coconut milk with coffee whip, served cold.

Tips: go early (before 9) to snag shade and avoid the brunch wave. Bring a card and some cash. Wi-Fi hiccups can knock out machines anywhere in Nosara. Dust is real, so wear sandals you don’t mind coating. If you’re lingering, be mindful at peak hours, this is a breakfast spot first, laptop lounge second.

Grabbing breakfast at Destiny was one of the favourite things to do in Nosara.

2. La Luna

Best for: date night, friends in for the weekend, families who want kid-friendly options without sacrificing a good cocktail. Great if you’re staying near Pelada and want dinner you can walk to after a tide-pool stroll.

If you want the classic Nosara sunset dinner, (feet in the sand, waves thumping) book La Luna. It’s right on Playa Pelada with a breezy, Mediterranean-by-way-of-Costa-Rica vibe: wood tables, lanterns, and just enough bustle to feel celebratory without going full scene.

Where it is / what’s around: south end of Playa Pelada, on the sand. You’ll hear the surf and watch pelicans skim the point. Before dinner, poke along the rocks at mid-to-low tide; after, it’s an easy beach walk home by headlamp.

What to order: start with the ceviche or tuna tartare (both bright and generous), then split a wood-fired pizza (the veggie with arugula is a sleeper hit) or go for the whole fish when it’s on (simple, lemony, perfect).

The octopus with potatoes is reliably tender, and salads are legit if you need greens.

Drinks: passionfruit margarita or a crisp white by the glass; mocktails are solid if you’re off booze. We really enjoyed sitting in the outdoor courtyard, sipping on a cocktail and walking the deep gold and pink sunset.

Tips: reserve for sunset and ask for a front-row table and show up 15–20 minutes early to beat the photo scrum. Dress beach-casual; sandals are smarter than heels on the sand. Parking is just along the dirt approach road and gets tight. Post-rainy-season evenings can be buggy, so bring repellent.

Service includes the standard 10% (plus 13% tax) on the bill; add a little extra only if you felt truly looked after.

3. Perozah

Best for: sunset drinks that roll into dinner, small groups, and anyone craving something a notch nicer than tacos without going full white tablecloth. Good for mixed diets as there’s usually a solid spread of seafood, veg, and gluten-friendly options.

If you want a proper “we’re on vacation” night, cocktails at golden hour, a little buzz of music, and plates that feel more polished than your average beach shack, head to Perozah. Think breezy lounge seating, soft lighting, and a crowd that skews surf-cleaned and slightly dressed-up after a day in Guiones.

Where it is / what’s around: at Playa Garza to the south of downtown Nosara, an easy tuk-tuk from most hotels.

What to order: start with ceviche or tuna tostadas and a round of passionfruit margaritas. For mains, the grilled catch of the day or a poke-style bowl hits the “fresh but filling” brief; if you’re sharing, add a crispy calamari or roasted veg plate to balance the table.

My husband and I really enjoyed our classic cocktails, as well.

Tips: I recommend reserving for peak sunset as beachside tables go first, and ask to be seated where there’s a breeze. Dress beach-casual (sandals are fine), and if you’re noise-averse, go early; later hours can bring a livelier soundtrack.

4. Rolling Waves Coffee

Best for: espresso nerds, early risers en route to Guiones, quick meet-ups, and anyone who wants a real flat white instead of a milkshake.

Need a proper caffeine hit? Rolling Waves is your spot. It’s a specialty coffee bar first, hangout second, so drinks are dialed and the vibe stays easy.

Where it is / what’s around: in the Guiones hub, a short sandy stroll from the main beach path and a couple of board-rental shops. Easy to fold into your surf–coffee–shop loop without detouring across town.

What to order: flat white or iced latte if it’s already steamy; I like to ask what single-origin they’re pulling that week for something black. They also have great cold brew and matcha if regular coffee is too tough on the tummy.

Tips: I brought a reusable cup since they’ll fill for my morning beach walk. Laptops are fine off-peak, but be polite at breakfast rush.

5. Go Juice

Best for: grab-and-go breakfasts, post-session cool-downs, smoothie-bowl lovers, and anyone who wants something fresh before heading back to the beach.

Go Juice is the shack you’ll end up at without trying. Surfboards stacked out front, sandy picnic tables, and blenders whirring nonstop. It’s casual, quick, and exactly what you want after a hot walk off Guiones: cold fruit, salty breeze, zero pretense.

Where it is / what’s around: right on the main Guiones village road across from the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel.

What to order: the açaí bowl (ask for extra granola and a drizzle of peanut butter), a pineapple-mint smoothie if you’re melting, and the simple breakfast wrap if you need more heft. If they’re serving smoothies in a halved pineapple, do it once for the photo and the fun.

Tips: Bowls are generous so split if you’ve got lunch plans. My husband grabbed a hammock while I found some shade at a picnic table.

6. El Jardín

Best for: easy breakfast/brunch, smoothie-bowl lovers, avocado-toast obsessives, and anyone who wants good coffee without a full sit-down restaurant scene.

Breakfast spot through and through. You order from a retro Airstream camper, then grab a seat in the open-air courtyard, wood tables under palms, sandy feet welcome. It’s casual, pretty, and exactly the kind of place you wander into after a Guiones sunrise walk or surf check.

What to order: the smoothie bowls (build your own with granola, banana, seasonal fruit, cacao nibs) and the avocado toast. Ask for a poached egg or chili flakes if you want more oomph. Coffee is solid: flat white, iced latte, or a cold brew if the heat’s climbing.

I loved my Enjoy Smoothie Bowl: Banana, cacao, almond milk, and peanut butter, topped with cacao nibs, strawberries and bananas.

Tips: it’s counter-service. Order first, then find a table and they will bring it to you.

7. Harmony Juice Bar

Best for: smoothie-bowl people, cold-pressed juice devotees, anyone easing into a lighter breakfast or a midday cool-down. Great for vegetarian/vegan and GF eaters without feeling like “health food.”

If your body is begging for greens after a few too many post-surf tacos, slide into Harmony Juice Bar. It’s attached to the Harmony Hotel, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy the breezy courtyard, teak stools, and “I could read here for an hour” vibe (like I did).

Everything feels clean and calm. Good place to reset between sessions.

Where it is / what’s around: central Guiones, a short, sandy walk from the main beach path and close to a cluster of boutiques.

What to order: the Green Dream (kale, pineapple, ginger) when you need a vitamin bomb, the cacao-banana smoothie if you’re craving a not-too-sweet treat, and the açaí bowl with fresh fruit and house granola. I also like the ginger-turmeric shot chased with coconut water when I’ve overdone the sun.

Tips: mornings get busy. Hit it right after a dawn paddle-out for shorter lines and cooler shade. Bring a reusable water bottle (they’ll refill), and expect hotel pricing. Quality’s high and portions are fair.

8. Al Chile

Best for: low-key taco nights, post-surf refuels with friends, margarita people, and anyone who wants big flavor without a white-tablecloth scene. Vegetarians and GF eaters do fine here (corn tortillas, mushroom/veggie fillings).

Craving something salty–citrusy after a morning in the waves? Al Chile scratches the itch. Open-air taquería vibe, string lights, classic rock on low, and plates that land fast. It’s unfussy in the best way: cold beers, hot griddle, stacks of limes, and a salsa lineup that actually has range (from “nice” to “why did I do that”).

Where it is / what’s around: just off the main Guiones strip, close enough to walk from most Nosara hotels and a quick tuk-tuk from Pelada. You’re a short stroll to a couple of bars if you want to keep the night going.

What to order: fish tacos (ask for grilled if you’re saucing them heavy), al pastor with a proper pineapple char, and the shrimp quesadilla if you’re starving. Chips come warm; don’t skip the green salsa and the pickled onions.

Drinks-wise, the classic margarita hits right (salted rim, not candy-sweet), and the michelada is solid on dusty evenings.

Tips: show up on the early side (6–7 pm) if you hate lines; later it turns into a friendly waitlist. If you’re heat-sensitive, test salsas with a chip before dousing the taco. And wipe your board wax off your hands before grabbing tortillas, I learned that one the messy way.

9. Olo Alaia Surf & Brew

Best for: pre- or post-surf caffeine, craft beer at golden hour, gear geeks who like to browse boards between sips, and anyone meeting friends somewhere easy in Guiones.

Part surf shop, part café, part “let’s just hang here for an hour,” Olo Alaia is where espresso meets board talk. It’s all wood, plants, and beautifully merchandised racks. Come for a flat white, stay to thumb through fins and daydream about a twin-fin upgrade.

Late afternoons slide into craft-beer hour, and the crowd is a cheerful mix of sandy-footed surfers and remote workers on a break.

What to order: proper espresso drinks (flat white, iced latte) in the morning; later, grab a cold brew or a rotating Costa Rican craft beer on tap/cans.

For bites, think simple café fare: banana bread, cookies, or a toast/sandwich special if they’re running one. If you’re not drinking, a sparkling lemonade or kombucha hits right in the heat.

Tips: mornings get a mini-rush, so slide in early if you want a table in the shade. Browsing boards is encouraged, but ask before pulling anything off the rack; staff are friendly and happy to chat sizing and fins.

10. Naked Foods

Best for: healthy-ish lunches, vegans/vegetarians/GF diners who still want flavor, and anyone craving greens between taco nights.

When you want something clean and satisfying that isn’t a bowl of air, head to Naked Foods. It’s bright, plant-forward, and relaxed, more “good produce, cooked well” than strict wellness temple.

Where it is / what’s around: central Guiones, tucked just off the main strip, easy walking distance from the beach paths and a cluster of boutiques. Ideal for a post-class bite if you’re coming from a nearby yoga shala.

What to order: the build-your-own bowl is the move. Start with rice or greens, add roasted veg, grilled fish or tofu, and don’t sleep on the chimichurri or tahini dressing. I also enjoyed their falafel wrap (surprisingly hearty), and the daily salad specials usually pop with citrus and herbs.

For drinks, a lime-mint refresher or iced hibiscus tea hits right in the heat.

Tips: lunchtime gets busy; arrive before 12:30 or after 2 for quicker tables. If you’re grabbing takeaway for the beach, ask for extra napkins and a fork; you’ll thank yourself when the dressings get enthusiastic.

11. Empanada Man

Best for: quick bites between sessions, families who need a cheap kid-pleaser, and anyone who believes “second breakfast” is a valid life choice.

Some places are restaurants; this one’s a legend. Empanada Man is the small hut located by Pizzeria El Jaguar just off Playa Guiones, the post-surf snack locals actually line up for. No frills, just flaky pockets and a grin that says you picked the right one.

What to order: classic chicken or beef with a little melty cheese, black bean-and-cheese if you’re veg, and the sweet pineapple for dessert.

Tips: Although the Empanada man takes card, bring small cash just in case. Ask which flavors are hot from the fryer and grab two; they vanish fast on good surf days. Eat on the spot (they’re best when the cheese is still lava).

12. LuvBurger

Best for: vegans and vegetarians, dairy-free/gluten-free diners, and omnivores who want a veggie night without missing the comfort factor.

Craving a plant-based reset that still feels indulgent? The vibe is “healthy, but fun”: big buns, crunchy sides, and sauces you’ll end up dunking everything in.

What to order: My husband and I devoured the house “LuvBurger” with a hefty veggie patty and all the fixings, loaded fries (or yucca fries) with a tangy dipping sauce, and a crunchy side salad to balance it out.

If bowls are your thing, build one with grains/greens, roasted veg, and a punchy dressing. For drinks, think cold kombucha, fresh juices, or a not-too-sweet smoothie.

13. Mahalo Bowls

Best for: a light breakfast or post-surf lunch, and anyone after dairy-free, gluten-free-friendly options that still feel like a treat.

When the heat hits like a wall and you want something cold, colorful, and legitimately filling, Mahalo Bowls is where I go. It’s a tiny, cheerful food truck. Order at the counter, grab a shady table, and try not to eat your toppings before the photo.

Where it is / what’s around: right in the Guiones hub, at the food truck park across the street from Bloom Boutique Shop.

What to order: the build-your-own poke bowl (Regular or Large). Pick a base (rice or greens), a protein (fish, chicken or tofu), then pile on add-ins (think avocado, cucumber, edamame, seaweed, pickled ginger) and a sauce (shoyu/ponzu/spicy mayo style).

Regular is perfect post-surf. Go Large if you’re skipping a sit-down lunch. I like adding something crunchy on top for texture, like fried onions.

14. Guiones Farmers Market (Blue Market Guiones)

Best for: grazing with friends, mixed-diet groups (veg, GF, and carnivores all win), and stocking the fridge in one stop.

Think picnic-style lunch without choosing one restaurant. The Blue Market is an open-air weekly market where local bakers, farmers, and cooks set up under shade tents. Easygoing music and lots of try-before-you-buy samples.

Pick up fresh ceviche, empanadas, tamales, arepas, falafel wraps, sourdough and pastries, kombucha or cold brew, plus local chocolate and hot sauces to take home.

Bring small cash (some vendors take cards, many don’t), a tote, and reusable cutlery/containers.

15. La Ventanita

Best for: digital nomads, early surfers, and anyone who loves a great cup of coffee with a local vibe

Tucked away in North Guiones, La Ventanita is one of those little coffee windows you’ll keep coming back to.

The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly. Locals linger to chat under the trees while travellers grab their flat whites to go before yoga or a beach walk.

Their iced lattes and flat whites are spot-on, but don’t miss the homemade pastries, especially the banana bread and gluten-free treats that disappear fast. If you’re hungry, the breakfast sandwiches and smoothie bowls make it easy to fuel up before a day of sun and surf.

My husband and I enjoyed our Pork Belly Bowl and French Toast!

16. Cha Cha Cha

Bright, fun, and refreshingly different, Cha Cha Cha Fresh Fruit Teas is Nosara’s go-to for bubble tea lovers, matcha fans, and anyone craving something cool after the beach.

Located near North Guiones, this colourful little stand blends Asian-inspired drinks with a tropical Costa Rican twist. Think fruit-forward teas, tapioca pearls, and creamy matcha creations.

I believe the Strawberry Matcha is an absolute must-order (I loved it!). Sweet, earthy, and perfectly balanced with fresh fruit and ice.

The mango green tea and lychee boba are also crowd favourites, making this spot a refreshing detour between surf sessions.

What to Expect from Nosara Restaurants: Tips & Advice

Laid-back vibe, not white tablecloth

Most places are open-air with sandy floors, string lights, and playlists on low. You’ll eat well in board shorts and a sundress. Service is friendly but unhurried, great if you lean into it. I plan earlier dinners (6–7 pm) and treat meals like part of the evening, not a pit stop.

Pricing & that “why is this smoothie $8?” moment

Nosara is pricier than average Costa Rica. Expect café breakfasts in the $8–15 range, tacos/burgers $10–18, mains $16–30, cocktails $9–15. Bills usually include 13% tax + 10% service; tip extra only for standout service.

Cards, cash… and Wi-Fi mood swings

Most spots take cards, but terminals can be spotty due to Nosara’s remote location. I always carry small cash for backups, markets, and beach vendors. ATMs exist, but they run dry on weekends, so withdraw midweek.

Hours drift with season

Dry season = longer hours; green season = more “closed Monday/Tuesday” signs. Google Maps is hopeful; I confirm on Instagram or by walking past. Breakfast places sell out of pastries by 10–11 am, so go early.

Dust, heat, bugs (you’re outdoors)

Road dust settles on everything; wear sandals you don’t mind coating. Evenings can be toasty on still nights, so ask for a breezy table. Bring bug spray for garden patios, especially post-rain.

Dietary needs are easy

For visitors of the vegan, vegetarian, GF, dairy-free persuasion, Nosara has it handled well. Bowls, salads, grilled fish, and alt-milks are everywhere. I still mention allergies when ordering; kitchens are small and cross-contact happens.

Reservations & waitlists

Only a few places book out (La Luna, nicer sunset spots). I reserve for golden hour and walk in everywhere else. For popular cafés, I arrive before 9 am or after the brunch crush.

Water & ice

Town water is generally fine, and most cafés use filtered water/ice, but I keep a reusable bottle and top up where offered. Smoothies and juices are safe at reputable spots. High turnover helps.

Kids & groups

Nosara is family-friendly. Most restaurants have highchairs and space for a stroller; share-plates work well for groups. For 6+ people, DM/call ahead so they can hold a bigger table.

Where to Eat in Nosara: Wrap-Up

Nosara offers some really great eats for almost all visitors of every dietary preference. With healthy options to indulgent, from low-key to upscale, you will end your Nosara adventure well fed and happy.

Bring a card and small cash, book only for sunset hot spots, and expect open-air everything (dust, bugs, sandals).

Quick picks by vibe:

• Breakfast: Destiny Cafe (hearty), Rolling Waves Coffee (espresso done right).
• Smoothie/juice: Go Juice, Harmony Juice Bar (greens and calm).
• Healthy lunch: Naked Foods (build-your-own bowls), LuvBurger (plant-based without missing out).
• Cheap + cheerful: Empanada Man, Guiones Farmers Market (graze and stock the fridge).
• Tacos + margs: Al Chile.
• Sunset dinner: La Luna (book ahead), Perozah (cocktails that turn into dinner).
• Coffee/beer hang: Olo Alaia Surf & Brew (espresso a.m., craft beer p.m.).
• Poke fix: Mahalo Bowls (build your own, Regular or Large).

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