Must-see restaurants in Nicaragua

  • Nacho Libre

    San Juan Del Sur

    With burger names a play on sexual acts, genitalia and farts, this Aussie joint pitches squarely at a particular audience. The homemade burgers, however,…

  • Island Bakery & Sweets

    Corn Islands

    Head to this good old-style Caribbean bakery to indulge in all kinds of delicious sweet snacks, including fantastic cinnamon rolls, coconut pies and cakes…

  • Juntos Beach Bar & Grill

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    This Canadian-Nicaraguan cafe in the middle of the village turns into the local nightspot on weekends, sometimes with DJs. Come for pizza night, the…

  • Casa de Huésped Chinandegano

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    The fish here is served perfectly grilled and glazed with garlic butter, garnished with a tomato salad dressed in vinegar and plated with golden tostones …

  • Asados Juanita

    San Juan Del Sur

    Follow the plumes of smoke to this hugely popular outdoor fritanga (grill) where you'll choose between pork or chicken, sweet or savory plantains, and…

  • Viento Este

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Perch at one of candlelit driftwood tables, dig your toes in the sand and order a wood-fired pizza, while watching the white crests of the crashing surf…

  • Wachi's Pizza

    Caribbean Coast

    Probably the most atmospheric dining option in town, the only real pizzeria within a 200km radius runs a brisk trade, serving generously sized pizzas with…

  • El Garaje

    Granada

    Hands down, the best place for vegetarians in Granada, El Garaje serves imaginative fare such as curry chickpea pita, vegan 'pulled pork', sloppy joes,…

  • Gato Blanco

    Matagalpa

    The White Cat has a rather dark and unappealing interior, but the tables in the little courtyard out front are far more inviting. The food here is varied…

  • Costa Azul

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Overlooking the water, slightly upscale Costa Azul has breezy patio seating and a great seafood menu featuring various kinds of ceviche, coctel de conchas…

  • La Parrillada

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    This locals' favorite is part steakhouse, part pizzeria, part fritanga. Order a slab of meat or help yourself to inexpensive buffet offerings; if you can…

  • Kathy’s Waffle House

    Granada

    Drop into Kathy's, a long-time breakfast institution for tourists and locals alike, for pecan waffles, pancakes, bottomless coffee and great views of…

  • Dulce Mareas

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    It's known for pizzas baked in a clay-brick oven, but this Italian-owned beachfront eatery also does breakfast and lunch – plus coffee, desserts and cold…

  • Cafe La Nani

    Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos

    Whoever said that Masaya wasn't sophisticated enough for latte art? Join the local yuppies here for iced (and regular) coffee in pleasant, air-conditioned…

  • Del Norte

    León

    Run by a friendly family from Matagalpa, Del Norte serves Nicaraguan classics, including heaped portions of fritanga, delicious grilled chicken and…

  • La Casona

    Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos

    Popular with both locals and tour groups, and justifiably so, this family-run restaurant serves up filling breakfasts as well as BBQ chicken, tostones con…

  • Koma Rico

    Estelí

    Stack your plate high at this popular fritanga (grill) that’s based upon the tried-and-tested marriage of tasty barbecued meats and ice-cold beer. The…

  • Viky's BBQ

    Isla de Ometepe

    Viky cooks up nightly portions of chicken, pork and beef on the grill, accompanied by generous helpings of fried plantains, gallo pinto and cabbage salad…

  • Tacubaya

    León

    Quesadillas, burritos and tacos are all on offer at this small Mexican restaurant with a succinct menu. The friendly owner is fluent in English and French…

  • Palo Solo

    Caribbean Coast

    Set on a shady patio at the western edge of Palo Solo park, this restaurant serves up tasty Nicaraguan mixed grill plates. It's not exactly fine dining,…

  • Bar Margarita

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    At the very end of the street leading to the estuary, this thatched-roof restaurant and bar serves large platters of grilled catch of the day with rice,…

  • Licuados Ananda

    Managua

    Enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian plates and a wide range of licuados (fruit and veggie juices and smoothies) on this spacious patio overlooking lush…

  • Taquero

    Matagalpa

    Part fritanga (grill), part Mexican diner, this hugely popular hybrid serves up impossibly tender BBQ beef, tangy chicken and ribs from the grill, as well…

  • Curry House

    Granada

    Authentic Indian dishes served in a greenery-filled courtyard. The eggplant and cauliflower curry is a triumph and the supporting cast of samosas, naan…

  • Restaurante El Espigón

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    The place to eat in Corinto. El Espigón specializes in seafood and steaks, and it's located right on the water. On weekends, there's live music. It's also…

  • Taco Stop

    San Juan Del Sur

    This centrally located branch of Nicaragua's modern taco chain offers tacos, quesadillas, burritos, salads and soups – you can eat in-house or take it to…

  • Surfing Buddha

    San Juan Del Sur

    Decorated with cherry blossom murals and Christmas baubles, this diminutive restaurant is owned by a friendly Canadian from Toronto who turns out…

  • La Hora del Taco

    Managua

    This sprawling Mexican bar and restaurant has a wide-ranging menu that includes standards like nachos and fajitas, plus a few southern Mexican favorites…

  • Café de las Sonrisas

    Granada

    Practice your international communication at this nonprofit cafe run by staff who are hearing-impaired. It has a picture-gram menu, sign charts and basic,…

  • La Parilla

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Come here for excellent Nicaraguan dishes, including grilled seafood and tostones con queso (fried plantains with cheese). Locals perch outside to watch…

  • Soda El Tico

    Northern Highlands

    Soda El Tico is a classic steam-table buffet with steak, pork loin and grilled chicken served with a tasty salad bar. You can also order a variety of…

  • El Mirador Margarita

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    In a prime sunset-viewing spot in the center of the village, Margarita's is the place to come to for cold beers and heaped portions of grilled fish. Solid…

  • El Rincón Pinareño

    Estelí

    A tasty Cuban diner with a lovely 2nd-floor veranda serving deliciously messy pressed sandwiches, tasty smoked chicken, pork chops and ribs. Also a…

  • Cafe Las Flores

    Nicaragua

    Halfway up Volcán Mombacho, around 4km from the turnoff, this branch of a popular chain offers salads, Nicaraguan standards and good coffee, paired with…

  • La Marseillaise

    Managua

    The gold standard in Nicaraguan fine dining has tastefully art-bedecked walls, outstanding wine pairings and authentic French cuisine. Dress nicely and…

  • Guakmole

    Matagalpa

    This quasi-hipster joint serves up a delicious selection of simple Mexican dishes, including a damn fine burrito. The eponymous guacamole is also worth…

  • Cafe de las Artistas

    Isla de Ometepe

    Decorated with colorful murals, this arty cafe serves excellent fruit juices and abundant helpings of Nica standards, with a few international options…

  • Olas Clandestinas

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Next door to the Free Spirit Hostel and attached to a surf camp, this popular beach bar and restaurant serves fresh seafood, and pizza from a wood-fired…

  • El Pescadito

    Caribbean Coast

    In a breezy ranch by the water, El Pescadito serves a terrific fried fish with panoramic lake views. The owner also arranges boat trips on the lake.

  • Cafe del Arte

    Granada

    Sit in the courtyard, filled with greenery and paintings by local artists, and savour an excellent coffee and an ample nica breakfast.

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