Must-see restaurants in Nicaragua

  • Darinia's Kitchen

    Little Corn Island

    For a truly local experience in the Village, reserve an evening meal at this ambitious and eclectic supper club. Self-taught Managua transplant Darinia…

  • Lunaflor

    Matagalpa

    This fantastic arrival on Matagalpa's dining scene will be a godsend to travelers bored with typical nica cuisine, with curry and teriyaki-based dishes,…

  • Cornerhouse

    Isla de Ometepe

    Easily the most stylish eating venue on this corner of the island. All-day breakfast is served at this rustic-chic cafe just uphill from the port; the…

  • Terraza Peruana

    Managua

    Set on a cool front balcony overlooking a leafy side street, refined Terraza's authentic Peruvian menu takes you from coastal ceviches (marinated seafood)…

  • Cevicheria El Chino

    Caribbean Coast

    Don't leave Bluefields without trying El Chino's marvelous ceviche, prepared fresh every day and served in small polystyrene cups, alongside an array of…

  • Asados Doña Tania

    Managua

    Come evening, Managuans make their way to this fritanga temple where Doña Tania has perfected her craft over 20 years. There is only one thing worth…

  • Mercado La Estacíon

    León

    Head here in the evenings for your fill of the BX, León's famous dish. BX (bajón extremo) was coined by local students in the 1990s; it's the local take…

  • Imbir

    León

    A happy marriage of Polish and Sri Lankan dishes, this eclectic restaurant does an equally good job with moreish pierogi (dumplings with multiple fillings…

  • Desideri

    Little Corn Island

    Boasting the most interesting menu in the Village, this popular restaurant overlooking the water tempts hungry travelers with authentic Italian pastas,…

  • Don Cándido

    Managua

    All heavy wooden beams, exposed brick walls and contemporary art, this smart steakhouse means business. Choose from a sizable list of cuts of meat – from…

  • Miss Dell's Kitchen

    Granada

    Mellow jazz plays in the background at this candlelit spot, with a mural of a rooster, Mr Beautiful, gracing the back wall. The rooster belonged to Miss…

  • Restaurante Faramhi

    Caribbean Coast

    Close to the airport, this popular restaurant serves easily the best food in town. It's a very Bilwi kind of place: the open-air dining area features…

  • Pan y Paz

    León

    Run by a European couple, this fabulous French bakery specializes in homemade breads. Grab a table on the breezy interior courtyard and choose from a menu…

  • Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar

    Granada

    The interior leafy courtyard of this stylish yet casual restaurant is an ideal setting for a cocktail (including some original ones!), a local craft beer…

  • La Bombora

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Chef Marc has earned La Bombora its share of local followers with his culinary masterpieces, from slow-cooked ribs and brisket to pulled pork sliders and…

  • Habana Libre

    Little Corn Island

    Long considered the Corn Islands’ best restaurant, this Cuban-run kitchen serves up outstanding plates of fish, shrimp, roast pork and ropa vieja (a Cuban…

  • Al Cielo Hotel & Restaurante

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    It's well worth making the trek to this excellent French-Italian fusion restaurant on top of a hill, with fantastic sea views to complement your rum…

  • Barrio Café

    San Juan Del Sur

    Excellent coffee, gourmet breakfasts, killer ceviche, imaginative fusion dishes, an all-nica staff, and potent, fruity rum cocktails – what's not to like?…

  • Café Campestre

    Isla de Ometepe

    This popular cafe using local ingredients from the adjacent organic farm has something for everyone: excellent coffee, freshly baked breads, huge salads…

  • La Vaca Loca

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    La Vaca Loca wears several hats and we love them all: it's an art house with beautifully carved furnishings; a tranquil cafe in a flowering garden,…

  • De Muerte Lenta

    Managua

    This diminutive ice-cream stall kills you softly with its 12 flavors of ice cream on a stick. It's some of the best ice cream you'll ever have; we're…

  • Restaurante Kaoma

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    Just about the only full-service restaurant in town, this attractively set place has old wooden floors, beamed ceilings and pleasant lake views. The…

  • Café Luz

    Estelí

    This friendly cafe with comfortable seating and a laid-back atmosphere serves up burritos and fajitas with a kick and organic salads direct from the…

  • Jikao Cafe

    Northern Highlands

    This lovely new place gets it all just about right: friendly staff, hip decor, excellent coffee (yes, competition is stiff here) and a scrumptious menu…

  • Casa Vieja

    Northern Highlands

    Step through the majestic wooden doors of this lovely old adobe house and enjoy a delicious traditional Nica meal in a wonderfully social atmosphere,…

  • Pizzeria Italia

    Corn Islands

    While the restaurant doesn't look like much, these are certainly some of the best pizzas available along Nicaragua's Caribbean coast. We love the fact…

  • Galeria Aberdeen

    Caribbean Coast

    Feeling just a tad too chic for grimy Bluefields, this light-filled, split-level cafe serves real coffee in addition to panini, pasta dishes, salads and…

  • Finca a su Mesa

    Estelí

    Given the seriously weak dining scene in Estelí, 'Farm to Table' comes as a wonderful surprise. Helmed by American chef Darren, a warm and passionate host…

  • Comedor Bridget

    Little Corn Island

    Pull up a chair on the porch of this converted family home and order the superb salt-dusted, lightly fried fish and a cold beer. Alternatively, try its…

  • Kiss Me

    Matagalpa

    This fabulous little ice-cream parlor sets the tone with its pink screen doors, checkerboard floor and hipstery hanging lights. It may be serving a rather…

  • La Mestiza

    Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos

    An unexpected surprise, La Mestiza serves some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in Nicaragua. We love their tacos de chicharrón en salsa verde …

  • Big Fish

    Corn Islands

    This fantastic place is run by a friendly team of locals, who give a consistently warm welcome. The menu is one of the most interesting on the island, and…

  • Libertalia

    Northern Highlands

    This friendly Italian restaurant is filled with plants and decorated with maps and local handicrafts. Its menu includes good thin-crust pizza and a range…

  • Casa Ulrich

    Caribbean Coast

    Local boy and Swiss-trained chef Fred Ulrich returned to Pearl Lagoon after a long absence working in resorts all over the Americas, and has invested in…

  • Fritanga Las Tejitas

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    A local institution, this fritanga gets packed breakfast, lunch and dinner – and mariachis could show up at any time to play some music. It’s a solid…

  • Mama Lin's

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    By the rocks at the north end of the beach, local matriarch Mama Lin feeds you fantastic lobster, grilled snapper, sopa de mariscos (seafood stew) and…

  • Ola Verde

    Managua

    In affluent Las Colinas, Ola Verde falls squarely into the 'hipster eatery' category but without flogging you with the concept of wellness in a tiresome…

  • Espressonista

    Granada

    Tall ceilings, hand-carved furniture and gilded mirrors give this place a certain old-world grandeur, but the succinct menu is as contemporary as it gets,…

  • El Desayunazo

    León

    Whether you're being whisked off on an early-morning tour or shuttle, or are just a fan of all-day breakfasts, this is the place for generous portions of…

  • Cafe Las Marias

    Managua

    At this bang-on-trend cafe you can peruse the map of Nicaragua's coffee-growing regions while deciding which way you want your superlative brew: chemex,…

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