Must-see restaurants in León & Northwestern Nicaragua

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Quesillos Guiligüiste

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    The original (and still the best, many say) quesillo spot in town is found right at the entrance to the city (conveniently close to the bus stop). If you…

  • Café La Nicaragüita

    León

    This friendly little restaurant uses fresh and local produce to make a solid range of menu items: sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastas, steaks and fajitas,…

  • Hong Kong

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    The best of Chinandega's two Chinese restaurants, Hong Kong is a pleasant change from Nica standards. Expect Cantonese-style dishes, such as shrimp with…

  • Paz de Luna Café

    León

    At this sleek, hipster-friendly coffee shop – think black-and-white tiled floors, a gilded chandelier, fruit crates repurposed as furniture – a wall-sized…

  • Cusco Collao Ceviche Gastrobar

    León

    This thimble-sized cevichería holds such promise! The tostones con cangrejo (fried green plantain topped with crab) are a perfect blend of crunchiness and…

  • Restaurant SUA Grill & Chill

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Dig your toes in the sand, pop open a Toña, and prepare to feast on the likes of Arabic kofta kebabs, tabbouleh, vegetable curry and gnocchi. Some of the…

  • El Bodegón

    León

    Sit inside the greenery-filled courtyard and feast on the likes of pork with boiled yucca, quesadillas, jalapeño chicken, tostadas and more. The food is…

  • Pasta La Vista

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    A change from surfing resort fare, this Italian restaurant at the entrance to the village serves great pasta dishes and ceviche in a green, outdoorsy…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Del Norte

    León

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

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Comedor Lucia

    León

    In ‘Backpacker Alley,' this no-frills Nica joint gets a predictable mix of locals and travelers. The typical Nica breakfast involving huevos rancheros and…

  • Supermercado La Colonia

    León

    A good supermarket for stocking up on supplies; there's also a small cafeteria offering prepared foods, and a juice bar.

  • Mercado Central

    León

    León's large produce market is surrounded by simple comedores (eateries) and food stands.

  • El Peruano

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    A simple dining option on the waterfront, with open-air seating and fresh fish specials.

  • Palí

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    A supermarket stop for the basics.