Must-see restaurants in Nicaragua

  • Super Frutto

    San Juan Del Sur

    Arguably the best frozen treat in San Juan del Sur, Super Frutto does terrific Italian-style ice cream, all made in-house.

  • Café Comedor Isabel

    Isla de Ometepe

    Run by a friendly woman, this no-frills cafe is the place to come for hearty portions of traditional Nicaraguan food.

  • Kabu Payaska

    Caribbean Coast

    Bilwi’s best-loved seafood house is set on a large concrete patio overlooking the swirling Caribbean. The food is very tasty and the view and fresh breeze…

  • CocinArte

    León

    León's vegetarian hot spot. This colorful eatery offers ample portions of vegetable curry, Indonesian noodles and more, in the relaxed surrounds of an old…

  • Comedor Mari

    Corn Islands

    Eat under the palms with a cricket serenade at your Great Corn mom’s house. You'll have the chance to taste dishes such as kingfish braised in tomato…

  • La Terraza

    Northern Highlands

    This cafe-restaurant above Soda El Tico feels just a tad too stylish for hard-working Jinotega with its attractive wrought-iron tables, big sofas, hanging…

  • Taco Stop

    Granada

    Inside the shell of a vintage movie theater, this is a fast-food-style taquería (taco stall) chain. Grab a burrito to go, or sit down for a spicy Mexican…

  • Puesta del Sol

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    A beachfront restaurant serving breakfast as well as lunchtime specials like ceviche, grilled seafood and Austrian dishes such as Wienerschnitzel. There's…

  • Warner's Place

    Caribbean Coast

    Now the president of the territory, Mr Warner isn't always around to open his restaurant, but when he is, this is the place to go for frito – the…

  • Luz de Luna

    Northern Highlands

    A popular spot that serves plates of comida típica (regional specialties) on plastic tables that can be easily jettisoned – which is what happens when…

  • Comidas Tipicas y Más

    Granada

    Typical Nicaraguan dishes here cost more than at your local comedor (basic eatery), but it has a sweet patio setting and the portions are huge. Try the…

  • El Zaguán

    Granada

    Scoring consistent props for the best steak in town, this large yet somehow cozy restaurant just behind the cathedral specializes in locally sourced…

  • Buffet Castillo

    Estelí

    Often packed at lunchtime, this spacious diner offers up restaurant-quality buffet meals, including ribs, fried fish and jalapeño chicken, at a budget…

  • El Mediterraneo

    León

    Date night? Check out one of the longer-running dining institutions in town. The decor is gorgeous, and carefully prepared seafood, pasta, meats and pizza…

  • La Vita é Bella

    Matagalpa

    This local institution serves up flavorful authentic Italian dishes at low prices in a relaxed bistro atmosphere. The thin-crust pizza is some of the best…

  • Maranatha Vineyard Bakery

    Caribbean Coast

    Totally unmarked from the street, this traditional Creole bakery of local preacher and career politician Rayfield Hodgson prepares the best coconut bread…

  • Kónoha Café

    Caribbean Coast

    There's a jazz soundtrack, good coffee and a friendly owner at this great little spot just off the Parque Central. The menu is simple rather than anything…

  • Soda La Fortaleza

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    This lively spot on the lakefront serves up filling breakfasts and cheap, tasty Nica dishes. In the evening it's a fantastic place from which to observe…

  • Casa Blanca

    Caribbean Coast

    A popular open-air restaurant perched on the banks of the Río Escondido on the south side of town that serves solid portions of Nicaraguan favorites. It's…

  • Coconut Delight

    Caribbean Coast

    Follow the sweet smells to this wooden hut to discover Caribbean baking at its finest. Tear into hot coconut bread, toto (sticky gingerbread), journey…

  • Comedor de Las Platas

    Caribbean Coast

    A quiet comedor serving budget lunches during the day, this local institution transforms into the best fritanga (grill) in town in the evenings, serving…

  • El Mexicano

    Matagalpa

    Enjoy cheap, authentic Mexican food prepared by the owner/chef from Guadalajara and served in a casual dining area. It comes out fairly tame but hot sauce…

  • Mi Yunta

    Northern Highlands

    The smartest restaurant in town, Ocotal’s succulent staple serves up big portions of top-quality meals. Being an agricultural town, the menu is focused on…

  • Pulpería Doña Juanita

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    With just one table on the porch outside the family shop, this is the only eating option not attached to a hotel. The menu is limited to simple Nica…

  • Llamarada Cafetín del Bosque

    Northern Highlands

    This steam-table buffet deluxe is your best breakfast and lunch destination, where trays of fluffy pancakes, gallo pinto (rice and beans) and scrambled…

  • La Pradera de San Francisco

    Matagalpa

    Just a US$2 cab ride from the city center, this snazzy dining room is where Matagalpa’s business elite take their long lunch hour. You’ll be forgiven if…

  • Cafetín El Volcán

    Granada

    You could come to this family-run place for the good-value set lunches (US$3), but most people agree that the real draw here are the quesillos (grilled…

  • Vista Restaurant

    Nicaragua

    Let's face it: you're not here for the food, which is average at best. What you're here for is the spring-break vibe, for a chance to horse around on the…

  • Asados Gloria

    Northern Highlands

    A cheap fritanga (grill) with a difference: the stock-standard fluorescent lights and plastic chairs have been replaced with mood lighting and wooden…

  • Bambu Beach

    San Juan Del Sur

    Mixing Asian, Italian and Nicaraguan influences, this elegant restaurant focuses largely on pasta and seafood. It's right on the beach, so you can dine…

  • Panadería Cafetín Tonalli

    Managua

    If you’re jonesing for some pan integral (wholewheat bread), this simple bakery and cafe, run by a women’s co-op, is the place to be. The fresh-baked…

  • Comedor Alka

    Caribbean Coast

    Stop at this simple comedor (basic eatery) for savory and cheap eats such as fantastic barbecued beef and chicken, served with a bit of attitude. It's all…

  • Comedor Vanessa

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    Perched over the roaring rapids is one of the river’s better restaurants. It serves a variety of fish, chicken, beef and pork dishes and also pours a damn…

  • El Sesteo

    León

    You can’t beat the location of this landmark cafe, positioned right on the plaza with spectacular people-watching and views of the cathedral. The food is…

  • Restaurante Alpino

    Caribbean Coast

    This spotless tiled-floor restaurant with pressed yellow tablecloths serves up tasty Nica cuisine. The menu is pretty much the same as every other…

  • Coffee Break

    Caribbean Coast

    This friendly diner-style place with comfy booths on the main highway through town serves up soups, salads, panini, quesadillas and grilled meats. It also…

  • Restaurante La Marina

    Northern Highlands

    The most scenic spot for lunch on the lake, with a view towards some nearby islands, La Marina has tables right up by the water where they'll serve you…

  • Picnic Center

    Corn Islands

    The first resort on the island boasts thatched pagodas set on a magnificent stretch of sand and makes a great spot to eat shrimp and lobster in coconut…

  • Vila's Rosti-Pizza

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    This centrally located restaurant is one of the better dining picks in town. Come for steaks, burgers, and people-watching from the front tables: the…

  • Pizza Giomar

    Northern Highlands

    Pretty much the only alternative to regional dishes in town, this friendly restaurant serves up surprisingly decent pizza with a smile, albeit with a…

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